The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is studying how to better protect southeastern Kentucky from floods.
The $3 million project will look at different ways to protect at-risk communities, from building structures like dams or levees to floodproofing individual buildings. They’re also looking at ways nature can play a part, like reforesting mined areas or natural carbon sinks.
Nine counties are involved, including Estill, Lee, Wolfe, Breathitt, Owsley, Clay, Leslie Perry, Letcher and part of Harlan.
Laura Mattingly is a project manager for the Corps out of its Louisville District. She says a big part of the study is surveying locals.
“We need to know up front, from their perspective on the ground, what are these issues that they're seeing? Where is this flooding happening? Where are the repetitive damages happening?” Mattingly said.
She calls the study a big undertaking. That’s because of the amount of land involved in the study, and because it could be a framework for other areas ravaged by floods.
“We know that we are kind of setting a standard, because due to the flooding that happened in North Carolina, Nashville’s district is going to be doing a very similar study,” Mattingly said. “So they are going to be looking to us.”
The study is in its beginning stages and is expected to take three to four years. Those interested in giving their input can visit an interactive map here.
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