Drainage Board Eyes Cheaper Fix for Racetrack Flooding in Montpelier in Blackford County

From the Blackford County Drainage Board meeting on August 3, 2026

Drainage Consultant Paul Schriver proposed routing stormwater from the Montpelier racetrack area to an existing catch basin north of the fire station — a solution he said would be "far less expensive than cutting a bunch of roads." The original drainage system, drain 30, was designed to handle the water volume.

Before proceeding, the county needs to measure the catch basin's depth to confirm it can handle the water and provide enough cover for a drain pipe.

A key question remains: whose stormwater is it? The water originates in county territory but would drain into the city's stormwater system. Attorney Aubrey noted the drainage board must decide whether to retain jurisdiction or negotiate a transfer to the city. Whoever drains into the system pays proportionally, with potential cost-sharing among the racetrack owner, the city, and the township, which owns the fire station.

A city council action may be needed to formalize the arrangement. The topic returns to the drainage board agenda at the September 8 meeting.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County Drainage Board Meeting, August 3, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.