CARBONDALE – The City of Carbondale has secured $150,000 from the Delta Regional Authority to create a Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan in partnership with the Greater Egypt Regional Planning Commission. This plan will increase climate resilience and decrease flooding that has negatively impacted public services and underserved communities in Carbondale.

As a community within the Big Muddy River Watershed, Carbondale has a rich history of advocacy surrounding the preservation and protection of our freshwater resources; ensuring we are regionally focused when pursuing water quality initiatives.

The City of Carbondale recognizes that social and economic factors are putting community members at disproportionate risk as the city experiences more and more extreme weather events. This Comprehensive Stormwater Masterplan will help the community predict, prepare for, and adapt to increasingly volatile climate change induced stormwater events.

The City of Carbondale Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan will involve 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. I’m looking forward to the rich public engagement that will occur through this process. Keep an eye out for updates!” said Lauren Becker, Planner & Sustainability Coordinator.