HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Multiple agencies are working together on addressing the risk of flooding in Huntington.
The group — which consists of the U.S. Small Business Administration, FEMA, the West Virginia Emergency Management Division and local officials — is drafting short-term, mid-range and long-term solutions addressing flooding in the Fourpole Creek watershed. The effort follows flooding in the Enslow Park and Southside neighborhoods in May.
“We’ve learned that mitigating the risk of flooding along Fourpole Creek presents many distinct challenges, including the fact that watersheds do not acknowledge political boundaries,” Huntington Mayor Steve Williams said.
“In this instance, the Fourpole Creek watershed outside Huntington city limits comprises an area much larger than the city itself. When that area floods, the water heads directly toward the Enslow Park and Southside neighborhoods of Huntington.”
Workers have used drones to label debris locations and parts of Fourpole Creek located within city limits. The crews have identified 85 debris-collection points.
The state Division of Highways is also developing a debris removal strategy for sections of the creek and its tributaries outside of Huntington.
FEMA previously denied an individual assistance declaration request related to the May flooding. Gov. Jim Justice has appealed the decision.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Multiple agencies are working together on addressing the risk of flooding in Huntington.
The group — which consists of the U.S. Small Business Administration, FEMA, the West Virginia Emergency Management Division and local officials — is drafting short-term, mid-range and long-term solutions addressing flooding in the Fourpole Creek watershed. The effort follows flooding in the Enslow Park and Southside neighborhoods in May.
“We’ve learned that mitigating the risk of flooding along Fourpole Creek presents many distinct challenges, including the fact that watersheds do not acknowledge political boundaries,” Huntington Mayor Steve Williams said.
“In this instance, the Fourpole Creek watershed outside Huntington city limits comprises an area much larger than the city itself. When that area floods, the water heads directly toward the Enslow Park and Southside neighborhoods of Huntington.”
Workers have used drones to label debris locations and parts of Fourpole Creek located within city limits. The crews have identified 85 debris-collection points.
The state Division of Highways is also developing a debris removal strategy for sections of the creek and its tributaries outside of Huntington.
FEMA previously denied an individual assistance declaration request related to the May flooding. Gov. Jim Justice has appealed the decision.