Pumping from flooded basements will be allowed for another month in La Crosse

Homeowners in La Crosse, whose basements have been flooded for much of the year, will have a few more weeks to pump the water into city streets. 

Monday, the city board of public works has approved a plan to extend basement pumping until Dec. 16. 

The plan was proposed by board member Gary Padesky, after the board heard from some residents, who say they’re still pumping out the basements because of high groundwater levels.

Padesky said nobody has figured out how to solve the problem long term.

“Hopefully, Mother Nature will abide us, with nicer weather and also drop the river stage,” Padesky said.

City leaders don’t want the water released onto the streets much longer, because of the risk of freezing during cold weather.            

The recurring high level of the Mississippi River this year has been blamed for much of the residential flooding.