Mark Wilcox/Daily Mining Gazette A section of the shoulder of Houghton's Military Road is seen in this June 22 photo. Heavy rain overnight caused road damage throughout Houghton County. The Houghton City Council heard an update on the storm damage at its meeting Wednesday.

HOUGHTON — During the Houghton City Council meeting Wednesday, Department of Public Works Director Ryan Avendt’s report revealed the extent of the damage from recent severe thunderstorms.

The report, read by County Clerk Amy Zawada, stated Houghton received nearly three inches of rain in a short time span. Because of this, mortar joints in several storm manholes blew out, which allowed water to escape into the inner workings of the roads. The mortar joints were meant to protect the road’s infrastructure from water penetration and damage. Because of the pressure build up, several manhole covers blew off, releasing the rainwater. As the water flowed beneath the asphalt, it caused cracking and buckling in several areas.

According to Avendt’s report, several catch basins also failed. These are meant to collect surface water and redirect it to an underground drainage system. However, the water overflowed, leading to further damage.

Agate Street, East Fifth Street, and Jasper Avenue were the most heavily affected areas. Military Street also has shoulder damage near the elementary school due to a nearby culvert being unable to handle the amount of drainage needed. A full assessment of the damage is underway.

It’s expected that multiple catch basins will need to be replaced. Storm pipes will also need to be excavated and reattached to manholes. Approximately 600 feet of road will need to be repaved.

Avendt did acknowledge that past flood mitigation projects, such as the Huron Creek box culvert at Sharon Avenue and Kestner Park paid off, as there was minimal damage in these areas.

The Council also heard concerns from community member Mel Cliber during the public comment section. Cliber, who volunteered at BridgeFest, was concerned about adults vaping and drinking alcohol near children’s spaces, such as the bounce house, during the festival.

Additionally, the Council heard a report prepared by City Manager Eric Waara, read by Treasurer and Transit Director Gail Kotajarvi-Gerard. The city was under budget for the most recent fiscal year. A few adjustments were made to the budget plan for 2024-2025, including an increase in the snow management budget.

Finally, Council member Craig Waddell drew attention to Keweenaw Indivisible’s partnership with the nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt in hopes of raising $15,000 to erase $2.2 million of medical debt in the Upper Peninsula and parts of the Lower Peninsula.