HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It has been protecting Hutchinson from flooding for almost 65 years.

The Arkansas River and Cow Creek floodways and levee systems have kept the downtown area and other parts of Hutchinson from being inundated by the two waterways since they were christened in 1955.

Brian Clennan with Hutchinson Public Works says the levee system is doing its job. “The levee system is holding up well,” Clennan said. “We are seeing quite a bit of seepage on the dry side of the levee with the high groundwater table and ground saturation, but nothing we’re concerned with.”

Clennan says the levee has shown no signs of any damage but they will have to wait until the water fully recedes before they can do a complete inspection. “We’re not seeing any damage to the levee system right now. As the flood waters recede then we may (see) some,” Clennan added.

Clennan says the levee is monitored 24-7 and will continue to be watched until the flooding is over.

Construction of the levee began in 1952 and the city took ownership of the system in 1955 from the Army Corps of Engineers. In 1953, it was estimated the value of the property protected by the levee system was $134 million.