Findlay Courier – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown pressed Thursday for quicker completion of the Blanchard River flood reduction study, during a meeting with officials from the Army Corps of Engineers’ Buffalo District, which encompasses northern Ohio.

“Given the Findlay community’s investment in this project, including hundreds of thousands of dollars committed toward seeing it to completion, I am urging the corps to finish its review of the study quickly and begin work on the flood control project,” said Brown, an Ohio Democrat.

“This important initiative will help protect homes and businesses throughout Hancock and Putnam counties, which is why further steps must be completed in a timely and thorough manner,” Brown said.

Brown met with Martin Lewton, deputy district commander of the corps; Thomas Switala, deputy for programs, planning, and project management; Ron Kozlowski, chief of programs and project management; and Maj. Martin Wargo, chief of planning.

The meeting was part of the Buffalo District’s trip to Capitol Hill to discuss current projects with lawmakers. District officials travel to Washington twice each year for the meetings. No Findlay or Hancock County officials attended.

Brown said corps officials offered no dates or promises, but did say they understand the project is very important to the region.

“I hope they can speed it up, but they have to go by federal law and I understand that,” Brown said. “I think these meetings are important, so they know we are watching these projects closely.”

In May, Brown announced $1.4 million in federal funds for the Blanchard River flood study.

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