Every time it rains, some Whitestown residents get nervous. Rising water in the Sauquoit Creek has flooded out properties, causing major damage and sometimes washing away irreplaceable possessions.

"Everybody listens to the news nowadays, and you're doing your jobs saying, 'Heavy rains tonight, possible flooding,' they hear that and they get panicked. They go down several times to make sure their sump pumps are working. They go down to the bridges to see how high the water is. As the mayor myself, when I hear, 'heavy rain' I can't sleep," said Whitesboro Mayor Robert Friedlander.

The Sauquoit Creek has been a source of fear for some living in Whitesboro and nearby communities, and with good reason. Whether it's summer or winter, flooding has been a problem.

"In January, there was an ice jam at the CSX Bridge," Friedlander said. "Fortunately, we were able to get ahold of that, get down there and break up the ice, and it started to flood but we caught it in time, got the ice away from the bridge and the water went the way it should go."

There was an announcement in Whitesboro's Dunham Manor Park on Monday that there may be a solution.

By summer, some of the area along the creek will be a flood bench or water retention area leveled with the creek.

"In November, the Town of Whitestown Town Board will formally select a contractor for the work and construction will commence shortly after," said Whitestown Supervisor Shaun Kaleta.

"It's gonna work," said Friedlander. "It's gonna take time but it is the beginning of something, no longer just words or promises. Ground got broken today."

This is just the beginning of process that is expected to impact several communities for seasons to come.

The Whitesboro Mayor said they hope to make 12 benches in total.

It's all part of the Sauquoit Creek Channel and Floodplain Restoration Project.