Completed during October, 1981, the historical and standing structure study of the flood control project in Portage, Wisconsin, surveyed structures and sites in the First Ward and below the 800 foot contour level between Cook and the Portage Canal on the northwest; the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad on the north; and MacFarland Road on the west. The level of investigation was a phase I or reconnaissance survey, intended to identify those structures and sites which might be potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. At this stage of the investigation, a fairly detailed literature search provided a local and regional context with which to judge site significance. Because the overall flood control project would affect sites favorably, i, e., protect them from flood damage it was concluded that any of the three project alternatives: the rebuilding of a levee, the construction of ring levees, or waterproofing individual structures; whichever gave more protection; should be selected. Each alternative could require some site mitigation. And, in fact, mitigation projects recommended in the report might, in the end, enhance the site involved.

The potential exists for a disastrous flood at Portage, Wisconsin, due to the topography of the area and previous attempts to modify the flood flow characteristics of the Wisconsin River. Levees built by local interests do not meet design standards of the Corps of Engineers or Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources. This plan of study provides a framework for development of alternative flood control plans. Major items included are: a general profile of the study area, identification of flooding and related problems and possible alternatives to solve these problems, an outline and general description of the investigations to be conducted during the study, and a description of the public involvement program.