Pearl River flood control hearings set

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By John Carney

A long-awaited report on flood control options for the Pearl River in Jackson has finally been released by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. The public will have the opportunity to comment during upcoming meetings.

A draft environmental impact statement was released by the Corps on June 7 outlining the pros and cons of various options for flood control on the river. One of the most controversial plans is the construction of the “One Lake” project in the Jackson area, providing lakefront property and additional recreational opportunities.

The report was critical of the project because of its anticipated high costs that could top $2 billion. The project would also require mitigation of hazardous waste sites and could actually increase flooding problems in low-income neighborhoods in Jackson.

Monticello Mayor Martha Watts has taken a strong position against the project and is cautiously optimistic about the Corps’ report. She has been concerned for years about the effects of the proposed lake project on areas below Hinds and Rankin counties. Issues such as water flow on the river could adversely affect industry, quality of life, and wildlife below the lake, including the Gulf of Mexico seafood industry.

“While we are opposed to any further alterations to our river, I am somewhat encouraged that this study appears to be complete in realizing the environmental aspect, wetlands concerns, and the aquatic and wildlife needs,” Watts said.

Other options to help the flooding problem in the Jackson area include elevating existing property, building new levees, and improving the flow of the river. The option that seems to be at the top of the pack is a combination of projects that would improve water flows and building a new weir that will help control the river without creating the lake.

While being encouraged by the report, Watts still has concerns.

“I feel it falls short on downstream repercussions – downstream as in much further south than Rankin/Hinds counties. We want to know that our water levels will remain sufficient for our needs,” she said.

The statement went into great detail on the effects of the various projects on the Jackson area, but little was revealed about downstream consequences all the way to the Gulf Coast.

The 300-page report can be viewed at www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Programs-and-Project-Management/Project-Management/Pearl-River/.

Public meetings to receive input from concerned citizens and landowners who stand to be affected by any flood control projects are set for July.

The public is invited to attend any of these meetings to express their concerns and ask questions about the findings. Meetings will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, at Mississippi Public Broadcasting Auditorium, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson; 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, at the Mississippi Trade Mart, 1200 Mississippi St., Jackson; 11 a.m., Thursday, July 11, at Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 2nd St., Slidell, La.; and 6 p.m., Thursday, July 11, at the Monticello Civic Center, 125 East Broad St., Monticello.