Eubanks Creek Flooding
Project Overview.
The Eubanks Creek Floodplain Restoration Project, funded by the City of Jackson and overseen by the Fondren Renaissance Foundation, is a significant initiative aimed at addressing the persistent flooding issues in Fondren. Critical mapping and analysis reveal that 237 Fondren structures exist within the 500-year floodplain today, with some experiencing significant impacts much more frequently than others. This project seeks to understand and address some underlying causes of flooding, which are not primarily due to manmade obstacles or infrastructure shortcomings, as some had previously believed. Instead, the recurring flooding occurs because the Fondren neighborhood sits downstream in the Eubanks Creek watershed, collecting large amounts of stormwater in narrow stretches of the creek. The convergence of three creek branches exacerbates the problem in the areas with the most impact. The project involves a detailed analysis of the creek’s hydrology, existing floodplain, and surrounding land use to develop effective, community-supported strategies for managing stormwater and reducing flood impacts.
Potential Outcomes.
The project considers various flood mitigation strategies, including detention, conveyance, and avoidance, emphasizing that no single solution could address all issues. As a result, a multifaceted approach combining interventions from all three types of mitigation will be necessary. Moving forward, the team will further engage with residents to gauge their preferences for different solutions and explore the logistics of each to determine feasibility for the Fondren neighborhood. Ultimately, the project aims to enhance the resilience of the Fondren neighborhood to flooding, protecting both property and public safety while also improving the overall ecological health of Eubanks Creek. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving local government, environmental experts, and the community, ensuring that the solutions developed are both scientifically sound and aligned with the needs and priorities of Fondren residents. While the project is part of the larger Fondren Forward effort, it is a stand-alone study, and its outcomes will be fed into the larger Fondren Forward planning strategies, including identifying priority actions and priority investments that best support the needs of the community.
Community Engagement.
If your property is affected by flooding, please complete the flood impact survey. A community meeting was held on July 23, 2024 to discuss flooding concerns with Fondren residents. A slide deck of the meeting can be found here. If you have additional questions or concerns, please shoot us a message.
