Butla update 11/14/2023

Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented information to the Board of Supervisors yesterday about its flood studies, flowage easements, and Arkabutla Lake. Here is a recap.

Arkabutla Lake:
Restoration of the reservoir is expected to be about 7 to 9 years away. Why so long? There are multiple aspects to repairs.
*Currently, the USACE is seeking funding to help reduce current risks to the dam.
*They are also studying to determine the best permanent fix for the dam.
*Once a permanent plan is selected, the Corps will have to get funding for that plan.
*Construction will begin once funding is secured.

Flowage Easements:

USACE staff from Vicksburg shared PROPOSED changes and processes for homes in Flowage Easements.
*The Initial survey of extent of flowage easement is complete.
*USACE's PROPOSED updated map of easements must be approved before release.
*The Corps of Engineers PROPOSEs a new flowage easement elevation of 270 feet.
* PROPOSED flowage easement elevation categories: Above 270 ft, Close to 270 ft, below 270 ft.
*The PROPOSAL would allow homes/buildings & driveways with elevations above 270 feet to be removed from the easement – if requested by the property owner.
*The PROPOSAL states homes and driveways below 270 feet elevation, will not be able to be removed from a flowage easement.
*Again, this information is what is being PROPOSED. The recommendations must go through a multi-step approval process.
*There is no time frame for how long the process will take.
(Why PROPOSED all in caps? USACE wants to let people know they are working on the issue – they also wat to make sure people are aware this is not in effect. This is just a PROPOSAL – that could be accepted or denied.)
Horn Lake Creek Flooding:
*The USACE's feasibility study to prevent flooding along Horn Lake Creek is nearly complete.
*The Corps of Engineers is recommending a 2,500 foot long levee near the southeast corner of Goodman Rd and Hwy 51.
*The recommendations must go through a multi-step approval process all the way to headquarters.
*Once approved, it will be presented to Congress for funding and authorization.
*This could be completed within a year - or could take longer.
*The project is projected to be complete by about 2030.

Coldwater River Flooding:
*USACE is looking to lessen erosion and stabilize the banks of creeks and rivers that flow into the Coldwater River.
*The Corps is proposing the straighten