Technical summary to flood plain information reports: for Maumee, St. Marys and St. Joseph Rivers, Cedar Creek, Junk and Trier Ditches in Allen County, Indiana

              I. Maumee River and Trier Ditch.
2. S1. Marys River and Junk Ditch.
3. St. Joseph River and Cedar Creek.
Each report will contain a history of flooding in Allen County, photographs, and a complete
narrative description of the study areas. It will also identify those areas that are subject to
possible future floods. Special emphasis will be given to these possible future floods through
flooded area maps, photographs,highwater profiles and cross sections. In the interim, this
summary will supply the essential technical data to local planning units of governments, State
and Federal agencies, as well as private engineers and planners necessary for the wise and
economical development of the flood plain.
This summary report does not predict floods nor make specific recommendations for
resolving flood problems. Its primary purpose is to indicate probable risk of recurrent flooding
thereby providing the basis for further study and planning so as to minimize vulnerability to
flood damages. In this way it guards against undesirable development within the designated
flood plain. Appropriate control and guidance can take either of two directions or a
combination of both. Where the area along the river banks is occupied by existing structures,
this report will assist in determining to what extent the construction of flood protection works
(structural) and! or floodproofing (non-structural measures) may be desirable. If, on the other
hand, the flood plain is free of encumberances, the report provides the data for the development
of a comprehensive plan for the wise and economical use of the flood plain, including the
application of stringent zoning and subdivision regulations (non-structural measures). In this
manner it promotes the use of this area in its natural habitat or open space such as for
recreation. This approach normally constitutes the most beneficial combination of cost and
amenities that can be realized. Unfortunately, conditions of advanced development normally
. makes mandatory a mixture of restrictions for both present and future use. The final solution
can therefore embody a combination of structural and non-structural alternatives.
Present State enabling legislation, the Indiana Flood Control Act, Chapter 318, Acts of
1945, as amended, provide the Indiana Flood Control and Water Resources Commission with
the responsibility and authority to regulate all development in the floodways of all streams. The
Act stipulates that the channels and the flood ways of the flood plains shall not be inhabited and
be kept free and clear of interference or obstructions which will cause any undue restriction. It
prohibits construction of permanent residences in the floodways and regulates all other
construction therein, thereby preserving capacity and efficiency. This Act must be given proper
consideration in the regulation of land uses and land development by filing application with the
Indiana Flood Control and Water Resources Commission, 606 State Office Building, 100
North Senate, Indianapolis, Indiana 46209.
This report was prepared at the request of the Division of Water, Indiana Department of
Natural Resources, the Allen County Commissioners, The Allen County Plan Commission, the
Fort Wayne Plan Commission and the Fort Wayne City Council, under the continuing
authority provided in Section 206 of the 1960 Flood Control Act (PL 86-645), as amended. The
Division of Water, Indiana Department of Natural Resources will make this information
available to all interested agencies and individuals. The Indiana Department of Natural
Resources and the Detroit District, Corps of Engineers will assist both private and public
agencies in interpreting and using this data and support them in the deVelopment of
supplementary technical information where necessary.
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