Jonesboro has been awarded $1,036,550 in federal funding to advance flood-mitigation work along Lost Creek, a project that city officials say has affected development in northern and western parts of the city.
The funding comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, known as BRIC. The program provides money for communities to reduce risks from natural hazards before disasters occur. The grant will pay for detailed engineering and design plans covering about 4.27 miles of the Lost Creek channel.
U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, an Arkansas Republican, said he supported the investment and linked it to earlier infrastructure work in Jonesboro.
“Effective flood mitigation requires proactive solutions. I was proud to support, and now see advance, this investment in the Lost Creek project. This grant works together with previous infrastructure successes and positions Jonesboro to successfully pursue future construction phases. This is laying the foundation needed to protect local homes, support businesses in the area, and secure Jonesboro’s economic growth.”
The Lost Creek project has an approved cost of $1,360,550. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management is providing the required $324,000 nonfederal match. The federal funding also includes $64,550 in subrecipient management costs, which are funded entirely by the federal government. The total federal share obligated for the project is listed as $1,036,550.
Floodplain restrictions
Floodplain designations have limited commercial development in North and West Jonesboro for decades, according to the city. Some direct flooding concerns have been addressed on a property-by-property basis, but the remaining designations continue to make private development and redevelopment financially difficult in those areas.
Mayor Harold Copenhaver said the grant represents a step toward addressing the city’s longstanding flooding problems.
“This is an important step toward addressing longstanding flooding challenges in our community. Improving Lost Creek will help protect residents and property while creating opportunities for future growth and development in North and West Jonesboro. We thank Congressman Rick Crawford.”
- Federal grant: $1,036,550 through FEMA’s BRIC program.
- Planned work: Engineering and design for approximately 4.27 miles of Lost Creek.
- Local project cost: $1,360,550, including a $324,000 state-provided nonfederal match.
The current award is for planning, engineering and design. Crawford said the work would support Jonesboro’s effort to pursue later construction phases for improvements to the channel.
