Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding in Water Valley. This photo was taken in June, 2021, after an estimated six inches of rain came down and flooding was reported in multiple areas across the city. A motorist had to be rescued from her vehicle on Lee Street during the storm.
WATER VALLEY – A public meeting is scheduled Thursday, April 25, at 6 p.m. at City Hall to allow citizen input on a proposed flood protection plan in the city.
Mayor Tommy Reynolds explained the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is preparing a Supplemental Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Otoucalofa Creek Watershed to reduce the threats to public safety and risk of property damage in Water Valley if a large-scale flood event occurs. If the plan is funded, Reynolds said there could be significant funding for work in the city.
“We are talking about seven million dollars. If we get this funding, we can address some of the most significant flooding issues in the city,” Reynolds said.
The mayor urged all residents and stakeholders within the watershed to attend the public hearing to learn about the rehabilitation efforts and environmental assessment. The work will include an analysis for the watershed project and will evaluate potential alternatives for rehabilitation to provide the best option available for providing continued flood protection.
Reynolds said alderpersons in Water Valley met with engineers in February to help identify problematic areas. He has also fielded input from citizens.
“Every area in this town has improvements that can be made,” the mayor said.
