Over 60 miles of ditches in Jonesboro needs to be mowed and better maintained to help prevent flooding like what happened May 24th.
Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin told aldermen during last night’s city council meeting that bids for the work will be open Thursday for the work, which is expected to cost almost two-million-dollars.
The city is working with officials from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management to try to get the area declared as a state disaster area. If that declaration happens, it could make money available for public infrastructure, as well as for individuals who suffered losses from the flood.
At least six inches of rain fell over a couple of hours, which caused massive flooding that affected at least 300 properties. The city has fielded over 500 calls and are still asking residents who suffered damage to provide that information to the city.
Work is also expected to take place in drainage districts in Craighead County to try to help in future rains. Perrin says the city will also continue working with the state and with local residents to try to provide help for those who are in need.
City Water and Light Engineer Craig Light also announced that all of the city of Jonesboro is in a flood plain and it is important for residents to look at how to purchase flood insurance.
