IET 21 January  1937

Enthusiastic Meeting In Interest of  Flood Control Held Today

City and County Officials and Townspeople in Session

Ball Started Rolling to Give City Flood Control in the Future

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Meeting called by Lions

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Held in Marlow Theatre This Forenoon; Many Plans are Discussed

Submitted by Diane Sparling 

The ball was started rolling this morning looking forward to future flood relief for Ironton.  A meeting called by the Ironton Lions, Club was held today in the Marlow Theatre and it was attended by a great many persons including city councilmen, City Manager L. G. Howell, county commissioners, Auditor Pearl A. Pratt and other persons some of whom were not city or county officials but all of whom were looking to the city’s interest.  The meeting consumed considerable time many ideas of great benefit to the citizens and business houses which suffer vastly with each high water .  With the close of the meeting it was generally agreed that a step in the right direction  has been made at last.  The idea is to keep pressing the subject until concrete results are obtained and not drop it from mind with the receding of the river to a normal stage.

Today’s meeting was presided over by Bob Stern chairman of the Lions Club’s Flood Control Committee.  He opened the meeting by stating its objective.  He followed this announcement by introducing Don Gulker, local WPA director and Mr. Gulker in turn introduced Alfred LeFebre of Cincinnati.

Mr. LeFebre gave a most convincing and educational talk on the subject of flood control.  He is connected with the WPA in the Cincinnati area and has spent a great deal of his time working on flood control for the Cincinnati and Hamilton county vicinity .

It was explained that the government has been working on a flood control program for the entire Ohio valley and it was suggested that what plans were carried out by the local committee be so arranged as to dovetail with those of the government so that when certain protection was given Ironton it would be of a permanent nature and not have to be eliminated in full or in part when the government finally completes its work.  In other words it was suggested that due consideration be given the matter so that the money spent on carrying out the proposed current flood relief plans would not be wasted if and when the government’s plans are consummated.

A great deal is to be considered in the flood relief program, it was explained.  This includes proper sewage disposal, which is also being included in a government proposal.

It was unanimously agreed to go ahead as fast as possible with the relief program commensurate with sound judgment with regard to the federal project.

An interesting address was given by ARTHUR Wall, WPA representative connected with flood defense at New Boston and Portsmouth.

Mr. Wall was followed by Mr. Ray Hickey, chief  WPA engineer of this division. Mr. Hickey’s address was along practical lines and most valuable.

Mr. Hickey was followed by Dr. Chester A. Casey who has been active in who has been active in obtaining WPA assistance is the construction of   two new schools and who is very much interested in flood relief for Ironton.

City Manager Leonard Howell next addressed the assemblage and his address too was beneficial and gave those present an insight into the intricate work involved in carrying out the flood relief program.

It was explained that the city was so deeply bonded at this time that it is impossible to issue additional bonds.  Consequently funds which would be needed and which could not possibly be obtained from the government for material etc. will have to be raised by popular  subscription.

When the plans reach the stage where finances are needed a committee will look to this work.  Homer M. Edwards was named as chairman of the finance committee and others who will assist on this committee were named as follows:

Finance Committee

 City Government—L.G. Howell, Dr. O.H. Henninger

County Government—Roscoe Porter, P.A. Pratt.

Publicity—Felonese Moore, C.L. Collett

Business Men—Robert Stern, Vier clary, George Spears, Don Lewis, Herman Hacker, George Hugger.

Civic Clubs—Clora Ensinger, Kennard Boll, C.C. Crance

Chamber of Commerce—Wm. Gannon

Relief Agencies—Don Gulker

American Legion—J. Benson Davis

Utilities—Ira Burford, Cliff Mangen, Wm. Merrill

This finance committee will meet as soon as the flood subsides.

In order that what work is done here looking toward flood relief will be in accord with that which may be done later by the government it was decided that a suitable survey should be made by a capable hydraulic engineer.  A great deal of data has been obtained by the city engineering force and in fact  a great deal is being added to that collection at this time.  This will be a great benefit to the engineer who makes the survey and will save him a great deal of time and the committee a great [djs1] expense.

Rococe C. Porter, new county commissioner who was in attendance at the meeting spoke in the interest of those who suffered during the floods and expressed  himself as favorable to doing all possible to relieve the condition.

William Gannon, president of the chamber of commerce and Kennard Boll president of the Lions club also gave talks.

During the course of the discussion it was pointed out that it had been estimated the property damage loss of business and others items to be considered caused a total damage of $75,000last year.  That total will probably be exceeded this year. Less than the probably be necessary for the program and the protection would be permanent.

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