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Elizabethtown says stormwater system largely held up during heavy rain; city awarded Tree City USA status
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Summary
City stormwater staff reported the system performed well during a Feb. storm that dropped about 4.66 inches of rain; the city also announced it earned Tree City USA recognition and will pursue tree‑protection ordinances.
Elizabethtown stormwater staff told the City Council on Feb. 18 that the city's stormwater infrastructure performed well during a weekend storm that dropped about 4.66 inches of rain, though some localized flooding and basement water intrusion tied to groundwater occurred.
Rita Davis, the city's stormwater director, said the Kentucky Mesonet (Cecilia Gage) recorded roughly 4.66 inches of rain between Saturday and Sunday morning, with peak rates near 2 inches per hour during the storm. Davis said the city's recent investments in basins and lakes helped slow flows downstream and likely prevented more extensive surface‑water flooding.
"I think we handled that much rain pretty well," Davis said, adding that most residential basement flooding reported to staff appeared to be driven by groundwater and sump‑pump capacity rather than surface‑water overtopping. She said crews inspected newer basins, including those at the area referred to in discussion as "Rita's Point," and found them stressed but functioning as intended. Davis said the event highlighted several places for potential improvement that staff will review.
Council members recognized staff efforts in communications and field response. City staff credited communications staff member Amy for preparing social media posts and status updates and thanked public‑works staff who performed after‑hours checks. James (staff member), Jason Bailey and Seth were singled out for work on tree‑related efforts. The mayor and council praised proactive public messaging that advised residents to check sump pumps and prepare for flooding.
City staff also announced that Elizabethtown's application to Tree City USA was approved. James, who worked on the application, said the recognition reflects existing protections for trees, particularly in public rights‑of‑way. Davis said the city plans to draft ordinances in coming months to regulate tree removals and require replacement at ratios based on the size of removed trees; staff said draft ordinances will be brought to council for consideration.
The discussion was informational; the council did not take formal action on new stormwater capital projects or on tree ordinances at the Feb. 18 meeting.
