County buys land to help alleviate flood woes in town

Ozaukee County recently purchased two parcels in the Town of Grafton to expand River Oaks County Park and protect nearby property from flood damage.

Last month, the County Board accepted a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant of $250,121 and a Wisconsin Emergency Management predisaster grant of $27,887 to purchase and restore two properties in the Milwaukee River floodplain.

According to county documents, River Oaks Park will expand to include properties at 1956 and 1980 Edgewater Dr.

The project involves three parcels totaling 1.65 acres.

The Town of Grafton is seeking a $55,486 Wisconsin Municipal Flood Control grant for its portion of the cost.

The total cost of the project will be  $333,495, which officials said will come from grants, not local tax dollars.   

A nine-acre subdivision off Edgewater Drive was built in a floodplain.

Several years ago, the Town of Grafton and the Ozaukee County Land and Water Management Department began collaborating to acquire those parcels.

In 2015, the county acquired its first Edgewater Drive property to establish River Oaks Park, buying and restoring the land through a state flood grant and federal hazard mitigation programs.

The county has bought six properties over the last three years.

The project is being completed with voluntary participation of the current property owners.

The county plans to restore the area to its natural state as parcels become available and preserve the area as an open space.

According to county documents, plans include planting native trees and shrubs, removing invasive species and building amenities like bathrooms, picnic facilities and a canoe launch.

The Ozaukee County Highway Department will do the demolition and site restoration, as was the case for the previous two projects.