Program Background and Planning
Many communities in Greater Egypt’s jurisdiction have historically been subject to flash flooding and river flooding due to a combination of intense rainfall over a short period of time, steady rainfall over several days, and the poor drainage profile of the soil composition.
Applications were made to the Delta Regional Authority’s Strategic Planning Grant Program to construct plans for the cities of Carbondale and West Frankfort in southern Illinois. Upon receiving the award, planning began, guided by initial goals identified by participating cities:
- Compile an inventory, flood vulnerability score, and reporting protocol for existing stormwater infrastructure
- Develop a strategy for critical businesses, organizations, and landowners to mitigate flood property loss and value
- Develop a standard for decision-making related to stormwater infrastructure maintenance and new construction
- Reduce stormwater runoff, soil erosion, and associated pollution within the city
- Minimize stormwater runoff, soil erosion, and associated pollution in any new development projects
- Maintain and restore stream channels and floodplains when feasible
- Compile a listof recommendations including:
- Code/ordinance revisions
- Current Infrastructure improvements
Creation and implementation of the proposed Stormwater Management Plans would strengthen and insulate community members from extreme weather events and the other impacts of climate change. The plans will also lead to adaptation and mitigation measures necessary to foster a resilient community structurally, socially, and economically. Impacts from plan development will include but are not limited to:
1. Mitigation of Flood Damage including loss of life, livelihood, infrastructure, property, and the environment
2. Reduction of Stormwater Runoff, soil erosion, and associated pollution within the city and minimize impacts from development sites
3. Promotion of Best Management Practices for land development
4. Improved Water Quality
5. Development of an Organizational and Regulatory Framework to be shared with fellow communities in southern Illinois
Projects are ongoing and currently in the initial public outreach and education phases. The Carbondale stormwater management survey is gathering feedback on urban flooding and offering a prize drawing to survey participants.
