GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The city of Grand Rapids is looking to create a new community emergency fund for disaster relief.
The proposal comes after flooding from a water main break on June 13 damaged about 15 homes near Philadelphia Avenue SE and Adams Street SE.
The water flowed down a hill, causing major flooding at the bottom.
“Our driveway was a river basically,” said homeowner Jay Bolt. “Our flooring had to get ripped out, all the carpet … we had to hire companies to come try and treat for mold in the basement.”
The city of Grand Rapids denied claims for damage , citing governmental immunity.
Water main break floods neighborhood in SE Grand Rapids
Bolt’s homeowners’ insurance would not cover the damage because it was caused by flooding.
“The water was dripping through the windows, there’s cracks in the windows, so it was like coming down our wall and getting to the carpet,” Bolt said.