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New Hope focus of flooding survey

By Tory Dunnan - bio | email
Posted by Dana Franks - email

NEW HOPE, AL (WAFF) -New Hope is a section of Madison County very prone to flooding. Experts are in the area to look for the reason for all the problems there.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are mapping out a flood plain management plan for New Hope. Mayor John Howard has driven engineers them from site to site in areas that include Paseur Street and Vann Avenue.  Both roads are very prone to flooding.

"The last it was up for about three days," Howard said. "It's a slow drain."

Surveyors have tried to picture the situation residents were in when they make comments like they have previously to WAFF 48 News. 

"I wish I didn't live in New Hope, if that sums it up," said resident Victor Walls back in May.

"I feel like I have lakefront property, but I don't," said Tonya Morgan, also back in May.

The engineers jotted down reasons why some people paddle in their front yards.

"I was taking her out to use the bathroom," said resident Mike Sparkman last January. "The boat had so much water in it, she got excited and jumped out. When she did, it flipped us."

On Tuesday, Howard pointed out drainage issues to the surveyors.

"But with more building going on, New Hope kinda being down in a valley, per se, that's one of our problems," Howard said. "The worst problem is the creek itself."

That's a problem that only gets worse when it rains. But engineers will try to walk the city in a new direction.

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