Arkansas Black Mayors Association spearheads flood mitigation project with NRCS funding

The Public Watershed Meeting held on September 21, 2024, in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, focused on flood mitigation strategies for the Leak Creek and Big Creek watersheds. The meeting was attended by local officials, community members, and representatives from the Arkansas Black Mayors Association and Iconic Consulting Group.

The session began with a presentation by Kelly, who outlined the purpose of the meeting and the importance of community involvement in flood prevention efforts. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, which is a joint initiative between the Arkansas Black Mayors Association and the National Resource Conservation Services (NRCS). This partnership marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a nonprofit organization has taken on the role of fiduciary manager for flood mitigation funding in Arkansas.

Keith Bridal, president of Iconic Consulting Group, followed with a detailed overview of the flood mitigation strategies being proposed. He noted that the funding for these initiatives comes from the Biden-Harris infrastructure bill, aimed at addressing flood issues in underserved communities. Bridal explained that the watershed plan includes an environmental assessment that identifies potential projects to mitigate flooding, evaluating them based on economic and cultural factors.

During the meeting, attendees were encouraged to review a hard copy of the watershed plan and engage in discussions during the Q&A session. Bridal highlighted that the project is being closely monitored, as its success could lead to similar initiatives in other communities across the state and beyond.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions and a commitment to keep the community informed about the progress of the flood mitigation efforts. Overall, the session underscored the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.