Commission approves revised drainage plan for Powerhouse area to protect Search & Rescue building

Lawrence County approved an updated drainage plan for the Powerhouse area that will divert runoff away from a Search & Rescue garage building and add a retention pond and dry wells as part of finishing work on a multi-phase development.

A consultant and planning staff walked commissioners through the technical memorandum showing the plan’s objectives: retain runoff for the county-required 25-year event, model the 100-year event for information, and reduce flow under the Search & Rescue structure by routing water toward a natural drainage area. The engineer explained the design: “So the county has a 25 year requirement...we designed it to the 25 to retain water...and then in 100 year event...we also show what happens in 100 year event,” noting the retention pond will store much of the runoff and release only a small flow during extreme events. The board voted to approve the drainage agreement and updated plan, and staff said they would record any needed drainage easements and coordinate final construction details with Search & Rescue and adjacent landowners.

Commissioners and staff said the revisions address prior flooding concerns and will finalize outstanding items from the earlier project phase. The board instructed staff to ensure the drainage easement documents are prepared and filed as part of implementation.