(Kansas City, Mo.) – KC Water and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers unveiled the completed replica of Indian Creek.
The 65 foot long model of Indian Creek was built to help engineers better understand just how the water flows in that area and what causes it to flood. They unveiled the completed model to Kansas City Councilmember Andrea Bough and Mayor Pro-tem Kevin McManus, both representing the 6th District where Indian Creek flows.
“This is really impressive thing that we saw today. It’s going to help the 6th district and the city really in a variety of ways. First and foremost protecting people,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McManus of the 6th District.
“I thought it was fascinating. You can see the drone pictures of the flood but this gives us an opportunity to talk with the experts in the water department to explain what actually is happening,” said Councilwoman Andrea Bough, 6th District At Large
In 2017, near 103rd and Wornall, Indian Creek experienced its highest flood on record. Businesses flooded, employees had to be rescued and property was destroyed by rising water. Eventually, the shopping complex that housed Coach’s Bar and Grill was demolished. Computer models, that engineers relied on, did not accurately calculate the potential flooding of Indian Creek. The data could not anticipate debris in the roadway or hidden areas under bridges. This large scale model does that.
Using aerial and land measurements, engineers designed the model to duplicate the measurements of the creek. Expert designers at Metropolitan Community College, cut out the foam boards to make the landscaping, the buildings and the homes surrounding Indian creek.
The model is housed inside a KC Water warehouse. The total cost was $400,000 divided between city PIAC funds and the Corps of Engineers.
For more information contact Heather Frierson, KC Water Media Relations Coordinator, at heather.frierson@kcmo.org 816-513-0280, cell 816-674-0211.
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KC Water maintains and operates water treatment and distribution systems, stormwater management systems, and wastewater collection and treatment systems for residential and business customers in Kansas City and for wholesale customers in the Kansas City area. KC Water is primarily funded by fees charged to customers based on their use or impacts on the three utility systems.
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