Fort Wayne-based Franklin Electric announced Tuesday the donation of 34 water transfer pumps to Fort Wayne City Utilities.

"Given the high volumes of rain and flooding across not only much of the U.S., but also in our local community, Franklin Electric recognized the need to provide an inventory of gas engine drive water transfer pumps to the city of Fort Wayne to combat similar challenges when they occur in the future," Tom Strupp, vice president of Global Human Resources at Franklin Electric, said.

Franklin Electric manufactures complete pumping systems for residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal and fueling applications. The company relocated to Fort Wayne in July 2013.

The additional pumps will help mitigate flooding similar to what Fort Wayne experienced in June. In that event, heavy rains caused flooding throughout the city, mostly in the Waynedale area on the southwest side.

"These will be a nice addition to the city's sandbagging efforts and the current large pumps we use to protect entire neighborhoods," John Clark, City Utilities' deputy director of capital asset management, said. "It is a very emotional and stressful time when water is threatening to enter residents' homes. For residents who've experienced flooding in the past, they know the threat is real. The portability and size of the donated Franklin Electric pumps are a great match for homes that are being threatened by rising water."

dgong@jg.net