News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
Daniel Morfenski kneels by the storm drain alongside his residence that won't accept the water flow when a storm hits the Coulee Dam area. The drain has to handle the runoff from Douglas Avenue as well as water from Columbia Avenue. The town and Department of Transportation each claim it's the other's problem. When the drain no longer can handle the water flow it spills over and floods their walkway, garage, and outbuilding. - Roger S. Lucas photo
A resident on Columbia Avenue in Coulee Dam is about to throw up his hands in resignation from the runaround he has been getting on a serious water drainage problem.
During the most recent storm, his driveway, garage and outbuilding were all flooded.
The problem is that the drain at the street side of his driveway will not take all the water that gushes down Douglas Avenue, runs along the curb, and spills over into his yard and into his garage.
Daniel and Ann Marie Morfenski have talked with town officials who say it's a state Department of Transportation problem. The DOT says it's a town problem.
Right now its a Morfenski problem.
The Morfenski's have lived in Coulee Dam two years and have had three major water disasters.
Owner of the property Patrick Wilson appeared before the town council several months ago and town officials came to the site. They in turn asked DOT engineers to look at the drainage area. They came but contend it's a town problem.
The issue is that the only drain on Morfenski's side of the street for blocks plugs up from debris washed down from Douglas and the water ends up gushing down the sidewalk, and driveway. The most recent incident saw the water collect a foot high against the side of his house.
Morfenski started a letter writing campaign, sending mail to Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, the Department of Transportation, Mayor Greg Wilder, and all the town council members.
Right now, the Morfenskis' garage has water-washed debris inside and their storage shed out back has the same. You can see where water has washed down their sidewalk and up against their house.
It is evident that the drainage plan is not sufficient. The Morfenski's just want it solved.
You can see the couple's comments in a letter to the editor being published this week.
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