Flood wall plan in Broad Ripple sparks outcry

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A controversial plan to prevent flooding on the northside of Indianapolis ran into more opposition Tuesday. The issue is a floodwall, that could be built along the towpath, a scenic trail that runs from Broad Ripple through Butler to south of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

But what the project really comes down to, officials said, is funding.

Aesthetics are an issue. No one wants a gray concrete slab running along the towpath. But that issue may already be solved.

"It is all concrete, but it's concrete formed to look like Indiana fieldstone, and it's colorized, and it has a what people would characterize a decorative cap that looks like rustic limestone," said John Oakley, with Indianapolis Department of Public Works.

But the project has inched along since 1992. And it could continue to sit on the back burner because of needed funding.

There will be more public information meetings on the project. A formal hearing will take place Aug. 23, and comments will be recorded.