The U.S. Corps of Engineers plans a $6.8 million project to make repairs to the Maysville floodwall and levee, officials said Wednesday.
According to Maysville Projects Coordinator David Hord, the work is designed to stabilize the levee in areas damaged by the summer flooding in 2017 and again in 2018.
“It will be a significant project,” Hord said.
During the project, most of the work will take place on the river side of the floodwall and levee from Limestone Street to near the River Park and will consist of earthwork, Hord said. Dirt will be hauled in to bulk up areas washed away by flooding.
Currently, because of damage from flooding, the washed out areas are difficult to maintain and to mow, he said.
Hord said the city was in line for the funding because it has been able to keep the floodwall and levee in good condition, staying in good standing with the Corps of Engineers.
“That’s one reason we do all this work” on the barrier, he said.
Construction on the floodwall began in 1949. From end to end the floodwall is 14,080 feet long, including 7,774 feet of concrete wall and 6,306 feet of earth levee. It ranges in height from 11 feet to 30 feet, depending on terrain.
Construction could start in late summer or early fall of this year and is expected to last at least six months, Hord said. The dirt will be compacted and covered with stone, he said. There will also be some work at the landing, he said.
All in all, the project will not only shore up the levee but also improve the appearance of the area.
Hord said he has been working over the winter to get deed and easement information on the area involved. City officials signed an agreement with the Corps of Engineers on Tuesday for the project and are expected to meet with representatives of the agency Thursday when they will learn more, he said.
