Knox County will invest over $2 million in flood mitigation

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County is investing more than two and a half million dollars into flood mitigation.

The county commission approved the funding for infrastructure updates in four parts of the county, including the Cedar Bluff and Northshore areas. 

Those were some of the hardest hit during the February 2019 floods.

Bill Freeman was one of several people stranded in his flooded home off Northshore Drive.

"That feeling of helplessness is very, very discouraging as you watch the things that you've worked so hard for all your life literally sink underwater," he said.

RELATED: TVA: Nearly $1 billion in damages averted during February rains

He's asked the city and county to do something to stop the flooding near his home, and now they are.

"We're excited to get some of these issues that have kind of been ongoing now for some time permanently improved and resolved," said Jim Snowden, Senior Director of Engineering and Public Works for Knox County.

The county commission approved $2.65 million dollars to fund four projects.

1. Build a retention pond at Cedar Bluff and Dutchtown Road
2. Build a pump station at South Northshore Drive and Bluegrass Lake
3. Build flood walls at Pedigo Road and Annatole Lane
4. Realign and elevate Jim Luttrell Lane.

"We looked at pretty much every viable option for each one of these and then kind of came up with what we considered to be the most cost effective," said Snowden.

These projects were chosen after the completion of a February 2019 flood study.

The design process has already started on most projects.

Snowden is working to partner with the City of Knoxville and TVA on the Bluegrass Lake pump station.

RELATED: Northshore neighborhood entrance no longer flooded after days with no way in or out

"We've identified the problems," he said. "We're trying to use your tax dollars in the best possible means to fix your problems so this doesn't occur again."

Freeman is glad something is finally being done so no one has to face flooding again.

"I don't know if this is necessarily a fix, but what I know is that it's better than no action at all," he said.

Snowden is confident the county can finish most if not all four of these projects by the end of 2020 in time for next year's rainy season.