It's taken more than a quarter-century...but major steps are being taken toward resolving a drainage problem in Boaz.

It's a problem which, in the past, has led to major flooding problems for residents who live just off route 14.

The Wood County Commission Thursday opened 13 proposals from contracting firms interested in taking on the project.

The problem, say county officials, is that the area was developed before drainage regulations went into effect.

"You have more water coming into facilities than they were designed to handle," says Fred Rader, the MOVRC's Community Development Director. "They were designed only to handle what was being developed at the time. Subsequent subdivisions mean there's more water coming in, and they just can't handle it."

The commission will study the proposals...and may have a final decision next Thursday.