Resident asks county for update on Bay Marcus Branch basin study tied to FEMA buyouts

At the Escambia County public forum, resident Chris Kurb asked county officials for a status update on the Bay Marcus Branch basin study and when residents will be able to submit flooding questionnaires.

“You got a $1.1 million contract with HDR to do a basin study update for that Bay Marcus Branch,” Kurb said, adding that about "40–49 buyouts" had been completed through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program in the neighborhood and that the study should include flood questionnaires for residents. He suggested the county put the questionnaire online so residents could complete it digitally.

The chair responded, thanking Kurb for the suggestion on digital access and saying the county would “see what we can do to upgrade our websites.” No timeline was provided in the public forum for when the study would be posted, when questionnaires would be distributed, or when HDR would begin community outreach.

The matter is relevant to residents near Bay Marcus Branch, who have previously participated in HMGP buyouts and are asking how the basin study will shape future flood mitigation work. Kurb said neighbors are asking when the creek will be cleaned, whether a pond will be constructed, or other flood-control steps will be taken — but he emphasized that the study must come first.

The public forum record contains Kurb’s request and the county’s acknowledgement; the transcript does not record a formal response from county engineering staff or a specific implementation date. The county did not take a formal action during the forum; the item remains a resident inquiry pending follow-up by county staff.