PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — One of Arkansas's most flood-prone areas is in Jefferson County. Pine Bluff's spot on the Arkansas River is what helped it grow as a city, but it has also often been a source of its flood problems.
Several people attended the Watershed Improvement Project meeting held on Thursday to see how the city is updating the infrastructure and to comment on the plans.
"We all know we are dealing with flooding issues in our city and we want to make sure we do not leave nobody out," said Lanette Frazier, a Pine Bluff Councilwoman.
The project is still in the planning phase, which includes identifying the problems and naming solutions in all four wards of Pine Bluff and the surrounding areas of Jefferson County.
Some solutions that have already been created are enhancing the drainage system, eliminating open ditches, and adding detention ponds, which will hold water that can be drained at a later date.
The contracting company said that they want to finish planning by September. Then, it could take years to finish the designs and start construction.
The company estimates it could be 2030 before the project is all finished.
"I'd like to think that this planning period will probably be the longest phase of the work because it seems like we have been planning for so long. But I think it's good. It takes the time that it needs to identify all the areas that need to be identified," said Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington.
There is still one week left for people to submit their pictures and information on flooding in Pine Bluff. You can call (501) 837-1523 to find out where to submit your photos.