After being impacted by historic rainfall amounts and flooding, Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight appeared on WHOP on Friday to talk about the City’s approach to improving stormwater mitigation.
In February, Hopkinsville was impacted by icy temperatures and floodwaters that covered multiple roadways. Then in early April around 14 inches of rain fell across Christian County resulting in major and long-lasting flooding in some areas. Recently in late June, around four inches of rain fell within around an hour and caused flash floods.
Since the start of the year, Knight says Hopkinsville has received around 55 inches of rainfall which is typically the amount of rainfall the city receives per year. As a result of the rain increase, Knight says they are looking into expanding and strengthening stormwater drainage systems.
At the July 15 City Council meeting, Knight says members of the Public Works Department and Stormwater Management will share ways to strengthen the city’s drainage system in order to be better prepared for heavy rain events in the future.
Knight says it’s important to discuss mitigation efforts, but at the end of the day it boils down to how much those efforts will cost. During talks with Stormwater Management, Knight says they have discussed a project that was aiming to reduce stormwater levels on the south side of Little River. However, with recent weather patterns, Knight says they also need to focus on ways to mitigate flash floods.
Knight also called on the community to help with stormwater drainage by properly disposing of their trash. During heavy rain events, Knight says they have come across drains that are clogged by cardboard boxes and used water bottles.
Along with mitigation, Knight says the city is advertising bids to clean up the water retention area along North Drive between West 7th Street and Glass Avenue. North Drive was one of multiple city streets to have parts of it completely submerged during the April floods.