An April 23 public meeting will give local residents an opportunity to learn about upcoming engineering and environmental analyses of local watershed projects that may include development of additional flood control measures.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will conduct the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the former National Guard armory, 409 S. Cossar Ave., in Charleston.
The event is free and open to the public, but attendees are requested to preregister online at https://shorturl.at/glAJM.
According to a press release, NRCS is currently preparing a watershed plan and environmental assessment for the City of Charleston Watershed, the Hubbard Creek-Tippo Bayou Watershed and the Tillatoba Creek Levee west of Highway 35.
“The flood prevention measures developed for these watersheds were originally designed and constructed to provide flood protection for local residents, agricultural lands and public infrastructure,” the NRCS press release noted.
“Over time, these measures have become inconsistent in providing adequate flood protection. Evaluation of additional flood control measures is necessary to ensure that consistent flood protection is provided to residents and properties within the watershed.”
The NRCS added, “Additional flood protection measures may be necessary due to threats to public safety and the risk of property damage brought on by large-scale flood events. The Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment will consist of an engineering and environmental analysis for each watershed project and will evaluate potential alternatives for increased flood protection. Through the evaluation of these alternatives, the Plan-EA will provide the best option available for providing continued flood protection while complying with all state and federal regulations for flood prevention.”
Tuesday’s meeting will give residents and stakeholders within the affected watersheds the ability to hear information about the process that will be unfolding over the coming months.
For those unable to attend in person, questions or comments can be submitted to watershed.ea@allenes.com.
