Carbondale to receive $150K to combat flooding

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – Carbondale will receive $150,000 to create a Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan.

The money comes from the Delta Regional Authority in partnership with the Greater Egypt Regional Planning Commission.

This plan is to increase climate resilience and decrease flooding that has negatively impacted public services and underserved communities in Carbondale.

Carbondale is a community within the Big Muddy River Watershed.

Carbondale city leaders recognize social and economic factors put community members at unequal risk as the world experiences more and more extreme weather events.

The Comprehensive Stormwater Masterplan it to help the community predict, prepare for and adapt to increasingly volatile climate change induced stormwater events.

The plan involves collaboration between community stakeholders including, but not limited to, business owners, landowners, and the wider residents of Carbondale.

“When implemented effectively, stormwater master planning allows city staff, regional entities, and the larger community to transform relatively “piecemeal” and grant-reliant infrastructure planning into a coordinated, forward-thinking, and comprehensive effort,” said Lauren Becker, Planner & Sustainability Coordinator.  “I’m looking forward to the rich public engagement that will occur through this process. Keep an eye out for updates!”