Jonesboro to receive $1 million for flood mitigation efforts

The city of Jonesboro will receive $1 million in federal funds to implement flood improvement recommendations from the city’s Master Watershed Plan. The improvements, recommended by the Memphis District Corps of Engineers, consist of various phases to improve the drainage system along Lost Creek, which flows from east to west across north Jonesboro.

The creek serves as drainage for a significant portion of north and west Jonesboro and cast a wide net of flood zone designations that have historically limited residential and commercial growth along its path.

“I’m proud to have secured funding from HUD’s Economic Development Initiative for critical drainage and flood mitigation improvement around Lost Creek in North Jonesboro,” said U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro. “This funding will deliver real relief to the 1,400 households in that area, reduce the frequency of property damage, and pave the way for stronger economic and recreational growth.”

Details regarding expected receival of funds stemming from this federal authorization have not been announced. The target of Transportation-Housing & Urban Development (THUD) based legislation has served as a resource for communities to make significant investments in infrastructure needs.

Mayor Harold Copenhaver said he appreciates Crawford, his staff, and all of the federal delegation for prioritizing drainage improvements in Jonesboro.

“Flooding along the Lost Creek basin is a challenge as old as Jonesboro,” Copenhaver said. “This appropriation provides resources to start a long-term project to better manage upstream retention and provide relief to the system. I am thankful for Congressman Crawford’s efforts to secure this funding and his understanding of the importance of this project.”

The overall goal is to see the Lost Creek basin listed as a priority project on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) project list, Copenhaver said. Inclusion of the project would provide significant federal funding in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“The WRDA program is very competitive, and it often takes communities multiple cycles to gain the designation,” said Craig Light, Jonesboro city engineer. “This appropriation is a big step in that direction and will allow the city to start making investments in the watershed that could have both drainage and recreational benefits.”

While city officials await exact details that outline funding timelines and permittable uses, the funding will likely be used to continue city efforts to purchase property along the creek to either slow runoff into the channel or add stormwater storage during rain events.

During the past 15 years, the city has initiated multiple legislative efforts and stormwater building codes to address flooding. As a result, structural flooding reports have reduced significantly, but Copenhaver said there is still a lot of work to be done.

“As a city we have made progress, but as we continue to develop, we add stress to the system,” he said. “It is critical that we continue to make proactive investments in anticipation of future needs because the price tag never goes down on infrastructure investments.”