A new study in north Mississippi is attempting to address issues related to flooding in the area.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct the feasibility study in DeSoto County on how best to address stormwater runoff and flood risk reduction.
The study will specifically address improvements that need to be made in terms of flood control, ecosystem restoration, and water quality in north DeSoto County.
Those involved with the project state that the outcome of the study is critical to determining the feasibility of perusing cost-share mitigation projects in the Horn Lake and Coldwater River watersheds. These have been highlighted as areas that have experienced rapid development and flood frequencies.
In early May, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith wrote the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to allocate for $1.5 million in Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) appropriations to begin the feasibility study on the DeSoto County project, which was authorized by Congress in 1996.
Hyde-Smith was in attendance at a signing ceremony with representatives from the Corps of Engineers and DeSoto County. Afterward, she stated that this study will go a long way in helping residents in the area.
“This effort to bring much-needed flood relief to north DeSoto County is long overdue, and represents an important first step toward a positive solution,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This was truly a team effort that illustrates wise, responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Everyone has some skin in the game. Empowering communities by leveraging federal and local investments helps improve the federal-local relationship and advance shared priorities.”
President Trump recently signed the ‘FY2019 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill’ into law. Overall, the new law directly provides $73.3 million for 28 authorized Corps of Engineers projects in Mississippi, including $5.5 million for operation and maintenance work at Arkabutla Lake in DeSoto County.
It also provides an additional $118 million in MR&T funding for flood control and other authorized work; $77 million for environmental infrastructure, which will be eligible to assist the DeSoto County Regional Utility Authority (DCRUA) with its ongoing wastewater treatment improvements; and $66 million for the Continuing Authorities Program to allow the Corps to undertake small, localized flood control and related projects.
