Several local residents have recently voiced complaints that flood gates located in Harlan are not functional. The citizens said the flood gates may not close in the event of a flood.

Kyle Hayworth of the Army Corps of Engineers said the gates are fully functional and are inspected on a regular basis.

“The gates and machines are in good shape,” he said. “We operate them in our yearly inspection. The gate functioned exactly as it was designed to. We operate all of the pumps at the pumping station, and operate all of the machinery.”

In addition to their yearly check by the Army Corps of Engineers, the gates are regularly checked by county and city officials.

“We always check on the gates and flood walls,” said Harlan County Judge-Executive Joe Grieshop. The county government has plans for the closing of every floodgate around the city.”

Residents of Loyall have also been concerned with a stagnant pond that was created when the flood walls were built.

Hayworth admitted that the stagnant water has been a problem and said the outlet structure should be cleaned frequently.

“The city of Loyall has been cleaning it out, but it still doesn’t flow,” said Clarence Longworth, the mayor of Loyall. “It drains some but the majority of it stays there year round.”

“There has been some sewage getting in there,” Grieshop added. “They should have just filled it in, because it’s not really serving a purpose as a pond.”

Hayworth said one problem he has also seen is people riding ATVs on the flood levees throughout the county.

“There has been some concern in Rio Vista with people riding ATVs on the levees and causing ruts,” he said. “We recommend that all ATV riders stay off of those. The county and city staff are making progress as far as the areas that were damaged.”