WATN-TV Memphis
Corps Of Engineers To Conduct Flood Study In DeSoto County, Mississippi
By Tish Clark
DeSoto County, Miss (localmemphis.com) - Flooding problems have plagued DeSoto County, Mississippi for years, but help could be on the way.
Friday, state and local leaders met with federal officials in Hernando to sign a flood-risk management study agreement.
US Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith were among those who came to support a flood-risk management study agreement between DeSoto County, Mississippi and the Army Corps of Engineers.
"Until you've seen homes that have been flooded it is so devastating for families," said Hyde-Smith.
Wicker added, "We have serious problems with flood control. It's just the lay of the land and the way the creeks come together."
Colonel Michael Ellicott, a commander at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis office said, "This is a comprehensive study and a comprehensive solution. It won't just be one giant rip rap canal down the center of the northern part of the county."
The Corps of Engineers will look at problem areas throughout the county and cities in DeSoto County to help find permanent solutions after years of flooding which has damaged or destroyed homes, businesses, and roads.
"Some of the things are gonna be structural i.e. something we build on the ground. And some of the solution portion are probably going to be non-structural. Do we warn people? Do we move people out? Do we restrict some portions of the area in order to open up floor for the ground water to spread," said Ellicott.
This is not a quick fix. The $3-million study will be done over three years. The cost will be split between DeSoto County and the Corps of Engineers.
"What may be improved or fixed with the study may show us that the issue that needs to be remedied may be to the far east of the county but it's going to help the people on the west side of the county," said DeSoto County Supervisor, Lee Caldwell.