HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) A federal judge has awarded a couple $202,500 in a dispute over a dam that was once part of Hutchinson’s flood-control program.
Jerry and Georgia McGonigle bought a home in 2008 without being told they would be responsible for maintaining the dam. The previous owner had received complaints about the dam’s condition.
The Hutchinson News reports couple owned the property before being told about their liability. Bids for repairing the dam were as high as seven figures. After litigation began, the city of Hutchinson abandoned the dam agreement and was not part of the case.
The $202,500 awarded to the couple on Monday is for removal of trees that weaken the dam. The McGonigles settled a lawsuit against the home’s previous owner for an undisclosed sum.
