Agencies talk flood answers

State, federal officials tour area trouble spots in first of several meetings to determine solutions to water problem

Web posted September 8, 2000

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By Vicky Eckenrode
Staff Writer

Inquiries from state transportation officials looking for federal funding and input on flooding of Interstate 20 were answered - in part - at a collaborative work session Thursday.

For the first time, officials from federal agencies came into the discussion about solutions to localized flooding near the highway.

Representatives from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency toured the flood-prone areas along the Crane Creek drainage basin where culverts have spilled over during heavy rains.

``This was a working meeting to better define our direction, (with) no one person being labeled as responsible,'' said County Engineer Doug Cheek.

In August, state transportation commissioners sought funding from the Federal Highway Administration to extend a hydraulic study of proposed improvements to the I-20/520 interchange to nearby areas, including the Crane Creek basin.

The response came during the two hours of closed meeting discussion. David Painter, area engineer for the Federal Highway Administration, said the agency would conduct an in-depth survey to examine the problem of overtopping on I-20, which is a federal evacuation route.

As part of the National Environmental Policy Act, the agency also would have to study the impact of construction on the communities up and downstream from the creek, Mr. Painter said.

He said the study would take at least nine months to conduct. Then another year and half of discussion could be expected for alternatives for addressing the flooding before the agency could begin to release plans for improvement.

The officials visited homes Thursday in the west Augusta Commonwealth subdivision that became flooded in June during a heavy rainstorm.

It is near this area, adjacent to highway culverts, where local officials have proposed building a detention pond - a project estimated to cost $3.1 million.

Local officials are looking toward state and federal help to offset the costs. And passage of a local option special purpose tax by the voters in September would determine how much the county could contribute, Mr. Cheek said.

``(Without the bond passage), we do not have funds available for a detention pond or any studies associated with it,'' he said.

Officials said Thursday's collaboration marked the first of many meetings between transportation officials from the various levels of government.

Rusty Merritt, Georgia Department of Transportation area engineer, said the session provided an opportunity for the agencies to identify respective roles.

``This helps keep us organized and on task to find a solution.''

Reach Vicky Eckenrode at (706) 823-3227.