Posted on May 20, 2021
One of the Memphis District’s major mission areas includes flood risk management. Throughout its history, the Lower Mississippi River Flood Plain has been besieged by floodwaters. The Memphis District proudly serves as the first line of defense for the entire lower Valley.
In support of this mission, the Memphis District regularly plans and executes projects to maintain and repair channels and levees as needed. Most recently, a project called “The Locus Creek Channel Cleanout”, recently reached a significant milestone known as “Ready to Advertise” (RTA).
“Ready to Advertise” means the project package has been sent to the district contracting team for awarding this fiscal year.
The work to be done is in the Craighead County, Arkansas area. According to PDT Project Manager Amber Jarnagin, Locust Creek has been experiencing debris blockages that aren’t allowing proper channel drainage.
“This leads to water ponding against the levee and an increase in the frequency of flooding events,” Jarnagin explained. “In June of 2020, hired labor removed a large amount of debris that had accumulated over time in the channel.”
Crews need to clean out the channel to remove sedimentation buildup along approximately two miles of the creek to prevent future debris accumulation.
“This will return the channel to its original drainage design capacity and reduce the chances of flooding instances,” Jarnagin added.
The St. Francis Levee District of Arkansas is a partner in this effort.
PDT members are Project Manager Amber Jarnagin, Technical Lead Jon Korneliussen, Contracting Specialist Gilbert Chonje, Civil Engineer Technician Gerrit Myers for construction, Civil Engineer Bio Dambo for design, Civil Engineer Ashley Evans for hydraulics and hydrology, Geotechnical Engineer Ben Vogel, Realty Specialist Bobby Porter, Cost Engineer Kevin Keller, Biologist Mike Thron for environmental, Survey Manager Chris Billingsley, Permit Manager Mike Keating for regulatory, and Civil Engineer Conrad Stacks for stormwater.
Congratulations to all involved in reaching this vital project milestone. And many thanks to this team and partner, St. Francis Levee District of Arkansas, for their continued efforts in flood risk management.
