Jonesboro wins floodplain award
Jonesboro Sun
KEITH INMAN
10/5/2007
JONESBORO — The Arkansas Floodplain Management Association has named Jonesboro its Community of the Year.
The award was presented last week during the association’s fall conference at Eureka Springs. Ironically, Jonesboro’s officials returned from the conference as torrential rains were causing flash flooding along Bridger Creek.
The association cited five reasons for selecting Jonesboro for the award:
• The city entered into a Cooperative Technical Partners (CTP) program with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get the countywide Flood Insurance Rate Maps updated and have more input on the new maps.
• Jonesboro developed 2-foot contours to aid in floodplain management decisions.
• A drainage study of one-third of the city was conducted.
• Work by MBC Holdings, developer of The MALL AT TURTLE CREEK, made creek improvements that removed 400 structures from the Special Flood Hazard Area.
• The city has committed to ongoing training.
Public Works Director Erick Woodruff credited an effort by the Engineering, Planning, Building Inspections, Street and Sanitation departments — “all these guys working together to achieve this award.”
The Arkansas Floodplain Management Association was formed in 1996 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a common interest in flood damage abatement. AFMA facilitates cooperation and the exchange of information among individuals, organizations and government offices engaged in managing floodplains in Arkansas.
In cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Natural Resources, AFMA administers an exam for those wishing to become Certified Floodplain Managers and conducts continuing education sessions throughout the year to maintain certification status.
Street Superintendent Teddy Hooton is the city’s floodplain administrator and also serves as the Northeast regional representative for the state organization. Planning Director Otis Spriggs is also a certified floodplain administrator. Woodruff said he plans to earn the certification next spring.
Tony Thomas, special projects administrator for Mayor Doug Formon, also attended last week’s event.
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