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Engineers begin flood‑mitigation study for Third/Fourth/Columbus corridor; FEMA funding expected
Summary
Woodard & Curran presented a flood‑mitigation study kickoff for an area the city identified as repeatedly flooded. The firm described advanced 1D/2D hydraulic modeling, public outreach plans, a funding strategy tied to FEMA reimbursement, and a schedule targeting alternatives by November and a final report this winter.
City officials and engineering firm Woodard & Curran briefed the council on an ongoing flood‑mitigation study focused on the Third/Fourth/Columbus area, which the city said has experienced repeated roadway flooding and infrastructure strain.
Joseph Kirby, lead engineer for Woodard & Curran, said the firm’s work aims not only to study conditions but to develop shovel‑ready solutions and help secure funding. "The only mitigation study worth doing is one you implement," Kirby said, describing the firm’s approach: model existing drainage networks with advanced 1D/2D methods, evaluate alternatives, test impacts on buildings and neighbors, and pursue funding packages.
City staff said the project seeks FEMA funding that would be reimbursable at 90% with a local 10% match and that Woodard & Curran’s scope includes outreach. The team has completed kickoff meetings with the public works department, begun collecting GIS and field data, and plans public engagement at a Department of Public Works town hall scheduled later this week.
The firm described its schedule as producing an alternatives list and performing detailed analysis on three preferred options with results expected by November and a final report targeted for December; city staff said the grant has a hard stop tied to a March 4 deadline. Woodard & Curran said they will also prepare necessary grant documentation and operations and maintenance guidance for any recommended solution.
No final funding authorization or construction commitment was made at the work session; council members expressed support for community outreach and a desire to present shovel‑ready projects to funders.
