Additional Hydraulic Improvements

The Additional Hydraulic Improvements project is focused along the north bank of the Blanchard River in downtown Findlay and includes widening the floodplain bench between North Cory Street and the CSX Railroad, demolition of the existing pedestrian bridge, and the installation of two in-river riffles.  The benching is intended to be a continuation of the floodplain bench associated with the Hydraulic Improvements Phase 1 completed in 2019 and the upcoming Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge Improvements.  No other bridges will be impacted as part of this project. The work will take place on property purchased by the City of Findlay and Hancock County.

In a 100-year storm, the water surface elevation reduction resulting from these improvements is projected to be 0.3 ft at Main Street, 0.2 ft at Riverside Dam, and gradually decreases to 0.0 ft upstream of OH-568.  A 0.3 ft reduction is estimated on Eagle Creek 0.5 miles upstream of its confluence with the Blanchard River.  Additional benefit is seen during smaller, more frequent events.

Two (2) Brownfield Remediation grants were secured by Hancock County that addressed concerns with contamination caused by the orphaned former industrial sites within the project footprint. 

Project inspection and oversight for the Additional Hydraulic Improvements will include observation of excavated materials to determine if additional remediation is necessary. All suspect materials, if encountered, will be managed with proper protocols.

Bids for this project were received on June 30, 2026. Helms & Sons Excavating of Findlay, Ohio submitted the low bid at $3,699,040. Final estimated project costs total $5 million and include fees to be paid to the Hancock County Landfill for disposal of solid waste that is expected to be exposed during excavation activities.

Funding for the construction will be provided by a FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance grant secured by the City of Findlay.