Input sought from residents
ALTUS – City officials are taking steps to remedy street flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The City recently began working on a Master Drainage Study to pinpoint its worst drainage problems.
Meshek & Associates, an engineering firm from Tulsa whose resume touts experience with the Army Corps of Engineers, Oklahoma Department of Transportation as well as several larger cities and municipalities across Oklahoma, has been commissioned to conduct the study which will include a fully detailed report and inventory of all the stormwater system’s drainage structures, inlets, pipes, culverts and ditches.
The plan will provide city officials with cost estimates to help determine where capital improvement funds are needed most, said Johnny Barron, Altus Public Works Director and City Engineer.
In addition, city officials are also asking for input from residents regarding areas that either flood or do not drain well.
“We know we have some drainage issues that have been addressed and some that still need to be fixed,” said Barron, “And we just want to make sure we get public input on all of the problem areas.”
A Sept. 24 public meeting was held with staff from the City of Altus and representatives of Meshek & Associates. However, it was decided that the City would hear from residents about any problem areas where street flooding and property flooding have occurred. So far, according to Barron, at least 25 residents have contacted the city to inform them of areas that flood during heavy rains.
The Tulsa-based firm will develop computer models to route stormwater runoff using detailed digital modeling of the city’s terrain, features and storm system to help predict where problems may occur during heavy rainfall. All drainage issues are being studied, including those at Altus Air Force Base, since waterflow and storm runoff is a regional issue.
According to Barron, phases I and II of the six-phase plan are currently underway. The total project will cost upwards of $1.2 million. The study itself is expected to take three or more years to complete.
Barron said with the study, the City will have a much clearer picture in terms of the budget and will prioritize problem areas. His goal is to see one or two projects completed each year.