The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District has begun a large pilot project in Manhattan to help communities in the Big Blue River floodplain apply tools for managing flood risks.

Tools being discussed include home elevations, flood proofing, and for some, possibly buyouts.

Homes and businesses in the project area are on the border of Pottawatomie and Riley Counties, including the following neighborhoods: Brookfield, Dix, Eagles Landing, Knoxberry, Countryside Estates, Northview, and the commercial areas along U.S. 24 Highway.

Senior Planner for the City of Manhattan Chad Bunger said they’re looking everything from making people aware of flood risks in that area to potential development of programs, “where folks could retrofit their homes or businesses using federal grants possibly to purchase properties most that are most at risk of flooding, and get those homeowners out of the way from the flood potential.”

A public open house to share data on the cost effectiveness of the tools is planned for 6 to 9 p.m. April 16 at the Manhattan Fire Station headquarters, 2000 Denison Ave. Additional open houses will be scheduled by the city, county, state and federal partners.