The Maumee Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is pleased to announce that a Work Agreement has been successfully executed with the Norfolk Southern (NS) Railroad for replacement of the railroad bridge over the Blanchard River just west of Cory Street in downtown Findlay, Ohio.

This project is a successful collaboration between MWCD, the Hancock County Commissioners and the City of Findlay.  A grant from the Federal Railroad Administration was obtained by MWCD that will provide $7.1 million in financial support with the remaining cost to be covered in partnership by the Hancock County Commissioners and City of Findlay.

The existing bridge was identified by Stantec, the consulting engineers tasked with recommending flood mitigation improvements in Hancock County, as an impediment to efficient flow of water during flood events.  The current 150’ span over the Blanchard River will be removed and replaced with a new 300’ span structure. 

The larger opening beneath the new bridge will reduce the water surface elevation in the downtown area by 6” during a 100-year flood event.  This improvement will remove 27 acres, 100 parcels from the FEMA regulatory flood plain.  900 parcels will remain in the flood plain but will have a positive benefit in the base flood elevation.

Norfolk Southern expects to receive bids for the project in May 2026.  Physical on-site construction could begin by mid-Summer, though specific dates have yet to be determined, and will take 12 to 18 months to complete. 

The Columbia Gas Company will be relocating their gas pipeline from the Norfolk Southern right of way near the existing bridge prior to the bridge construction beginning.  A specific timeline is yet to be determined.

MWCD, the County Commissioners and the City of Findlay are truly appreciative of the grant received from the Federal Rail Administration that allows local funds to be used for other flood mitigation projects in the community.

MWCD, the County Commissioners and the City of Findlay also wish to thank the Norfolk Southern Railroad for their cooperation in moving this project forward.

The NS bridge replacement is just one of the proposed flood mitigation projects in Hancock County being administered by MWCD.  The other projects are the Eagle Creek Flood Storage Basin and benching along the north bank of the Blanchard from the NS bridge to the CSX railroad. 

An earlier project, benching on the north bank of the Blanchard from the NS bridge downstream to near Broad Avenue was completed in 2024.  A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) was submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting the flood plain boundaries be adjusted because of this improvement.  The LOMR is under review by FEMA and if approved will remove 1,080 parcels from the regulatory flood plain.

“The Maumee Watershed Conservancy District is proud to be a key partner in supporting flood mitigation efforts in Hancock County. We understand the complex challenges that flood mitigation creates in communities across our 15County District and are excited that the years of work on this project are soon going to be providing benefit to the residents of Hancock County.” – Wendy Yunker, General Manager Maumee Watershed Conservancy District

“Flood mitigation continues to be a top priority for the Hancock County Commissioners. Being able to begin to put this critical project out to bid in an amazing step forward that we are proud to have supported. Myself, and my fellow Commissioners, are excited to continue to push to complete the final flood projects and see the positive economic benefit to Hancock County.”- William Bateson, Commissioner, Hancock County

“For nearly two decades Hancock County has been working to address flood mitigation. I am incredibly excited to see this project begin construction in the near future and contribute a significant benefit to property owners in Findlay and Hancock County. It is a critical step in making the Blanchard River an asset rather than a liability and taking away the anxiety too many in our community have experienced each time it rains. I am grateful for the continued partnership with Maumee Watershed Conservancy District, the Hancock County Commissioners, and many other Elected Officials and community leaders who have gotten us to this point. We will continue to keep pushing to get the final two projects completed.” – Christina Muryn, Mayor, City of Findlay  

“At the heart of this project is the health and peace of mind of the people who call this community home. Reducing the impact of flooding helps protect not just property, but the safety, stability, and overall well-being of our residents. When families feel secure in their homes and neighborhoods, it has a direct and lasting impact on their health. We are proud to support efforts that strengthen our community and create a safer, healthier future for everyone in Hancock County.” - Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president & CEO of Blanchard Valley Health System