Federal funding sought

Columbia County officials want U.S. government to help pay for projects aimed at preventing flooding

Web posted March 10, 1998

By Jason B. Smith
Columbia County Bureau

Final decisions are expected this summer on funding for as many as five flood-prevention projects that Columbia County officials want the federal government to help pay for.

``I am extremely encouraged by that,'' said County Engineer Jim Leiper. ``I didn't expect it to be that many. I think we've qualified for well more than our share.''

Most of the needed work centers on the Reed Creek basin -- 10,000 acres encompassing more than 9,500 households and 46 percent of the county's population. In all, the county asked for nearly $13.7 million from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

The five final-round projects include stormwater drainage in Halifax subdivision; Blue Ridge Drive; Stevens Creek Road and the Augusta Canal; Reed Creek and Wynngate Tributary; and new culverts at Stevens Creek Road and Reed Creek. If each project is approved, the county will get about $6.4 million.

``I think Stevens Creek Road is the most important project,'' said Mr. Leiper. The thoroughfare was submerged Sunday afternoon and remained closed until early Monday morning because of flooding from weekend rains.

Most grant money will be allocated under a matching plan requiring a local contribution of 25 percent -- roughly $1.6 million if each project is funded. The state has $30 million to distribute from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. State officials hope to allocate most of the money by September.

If the grants are approved, it could be the first step toward a series of stormwater-related improvements in Columbia County. By 1999, officials hope to start a stormwater utility involving a monthly fee charged to property owners to pay for drainage work.