By council’s commitment to a $44,000 investment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Navasota has taken the first step toward a solution, or at least understanding, of the historic flooding problems of both Cedar and Sandy Creek.
The Corps’ John Loxley told Council that would be the city’s portion of the estimated $89,000 cost for the initial assessment.
And even if it isn’t federal-friendly, Loxley said the city would at least walk away with a detailed flood plain study of both creeks for the next 500 years.
To qualify for a federal project, Loxley explained, would require a cost/benefit ratio of one, which essentially means the cost would be equal to or less than the benefits that the project would deliver.
Loxley confirmed to Councilman Bernie Gessner the study would track the flood plain all the way to the entrance of the Navasota River.
Loxley estimated the total cost of design and construction at more than a half million dollars, of which the City would be on the hook for more than a quarter million.
But since part of the study is outside of city limits, Loxley suggested the city approach the county about what he called “multiple cost-sharing partners” down the road.
