In January 2021, the FCBOS requested planning assistance from the National Resource Conservation Service for a project to mitigate flooding problems in Rawls Springs, Mississippi.
The NRCS approved the request, and granted funding to the Mississippi Soil & Water Conservation Commission to develop a Watershed Plan – EA
The Problem:
The Rawls Springs area frequently faces flash flooding after rainstorms from overflow lands. Flooding is also caused by undersized ditches/culverts that are not well connected, and natural channels that are too small or clogged with vegetation.
The Action:
Potential solutions for the flooding include: Larger ditches and ditches to connect existing ditches to drainageways, clearing out those clogged channels, a diversion channel between existing drainageways, and property buyouts in floodways.
Timeline:
The project kickoff was in Fall of 2023. The watershed plan/environmental assessment is to be completed in Summer 2025. Design will begin in fall of 2025 and construction will likely occur in 2026.