Sioux Falls flooding lawsuit in hands of judge

Testimony has concluded in a case involving flooded homes in Sioux Falls four years ago, and a judge will now decide whether to send the case to a jury to determine damages.

Judge Patricia Riepel is expected to rule within a few weeks.

Five couples sued the state of South Dakota and the city of Sioux Falls, saying officials failed to protect their homes from Spring Creek floodwaters in southeast Sioux Falls in summer 2010 after heavy rain.

The homeowners settled with the city last November in an undisclosed deal but went to court to seek damages from the state, which maintains it isn't responsible for the freak flooding.

Testimony began Tuesday and wrapped up Thursday.

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