HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County commissioners approved a study to bring at least one road near the city of Buhler out of the flood plain.

The board approved the contract with WSP USA Inc. for $26,709. The firm will study both Buhler Road and 82nd Avenue to see which one would be the most feasible to bring up out of the flood plain. Both roads are subject to flooding, even during minor events.

According to County Administrator Gary Meagher, WSP will study both roads and then decide which one would be the most cost-effective to elevate out of the flood zone. The study will gauge 25-, 50- and 100-year flood events. Meagher noted that simply doubling the length of the flood event from 50 to 100 years won’t necessarily double the cost of the project, but could triple or even quadruple the price tag.

WSP plans to have the study completed and ready for the commission by Nov. 29.