HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Flooding this year exaggerated the closing of two often traveled areas in the county that are unusable during high water events. Prolonged flooding has made this year even worse.

The county wants a study to find whether it is financially feasible to get these areas above the floodplain.

The areas up for study include 85th and 82nd avenues from Buhler to K-61 and Buhler Road going south of the community. The second area is 56th Avenue around Cow Creek involving a three-mile stretch of road to K-14 Highway.

The goal of the study is to provide enough information for the county to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with a design project to help keep the roads open. WSP engineering will do the study at a cost of $53,418.

The matter comes up for discussion and possible action during Tuesday’s County Commission meeting.