Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The City of Jonesboro has been awarded $1,036,550 in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program to advance flood mitigation efforts along Lost Creek.

The grant will fund detailed engineering and design plans for improvements to approximately 4.27 miles of the Lost Creek channel.

“Effective flood mitigation requires proactive solutions. I was proud to support, and now see advance, this investment in the Lost Creek project,” said Arkansas Congressman Rick Crawford. “This grant works together with previous infrastructure successes and positions Jonesboro to successfully pursue future construction phases. This is laying the foundation needed to protect local homes, support businesses in the area, and secure Jonesboro’s economic growth.”

The BRIC program, administered by FEMA, provides federal funding to help communities reduce risks from natural hazards before disasters occur. The Lost Creek project has an approved cost of $1,360,550, with the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management providing the required $324,000 non-federal match.

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An additional $64,550 in subrecipient management costs is funded at 100% by the federal government, bringing the total federal share obligated for the project to $1,036,550.

Floodplain restrictions have limited commercial development in North and West Jonesboro for decades. While many direct flooding concerns have been addressed on a by property basis, floodplain designations continue to exist, which make private development, or redevelopment, in the area financially unfeasible.

“This is an important step toward addressing longstanding flooding challenges in our community,” said Mayor Harold Copenhaver. “Improving Lost Creek will help protect residents and property while creating opportunities for future growth and development in North and West Jonesboro. We thank Congressman Rick Crawford, Sen. John Boozman and Sen. Tom Cotton for helping bring these federal dollars back to Jonesboro.”

Proposed improvements include increasing the channel’s bottom width, creating more gradual side slopes and incorporating a tiered bank shelf that will incorporate a maintenance road that will serve the dual purpose of a walking trail.

The grant’s Period of Performance runs from Jan. 3, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2028. In addition to this most recent grant, the city was awarded $1 million in federal funding in FY2025 to help support property acquisition needed to accommodate stormwater retention and future improvements.

“This funding will help us develop plans to address current needs and prepare for the future, positioning the City to pursue significant federal construction funding through opportunities such as WRDA,” said Chief Operations Officer Tony Thomas. “Addressing flooding is expensive, but necessary as we continue to see increased demand for housing and recreation. As Jonesboro continues to grow, investments in critical infrastructure and public safety are essential to building a stronger future for generations to come.”

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