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WHAT IS A "NONSTRUCTURAL" FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT?
"Nonstructural" is the term the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses to refer to solutions to flood problems that do not involve basic structural work such as the construction of dams, floodwalls or levees. The McDowell County, West Virginia Nonstructural Flood Control Project has been established in coordination with your County Government by a cost-sharing agreement with the County Commission of McDowell County and the Federal Government. As you'll read in this website whether or not you participate in the project is entirely voluntary. It is all up to you.
Project Authorization In response to the April 1977 flood, which devestated a vast area affecting Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia, the United States Congress enacted Section 202 of the Energy and Water Development Appropriation Act of 1981 (Public Law 96-367). This Act directed the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to design and construct flood control projects. Later, Section 103 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-662) required that all new flood-control projects be cost-shared with a local sponsor. These Acts authorized the project located in McDowell County. The County Commission has entered into an agreement with the Federal Government to serve as the project's local cost-sharing partner.
Project Site Broken down into four geographical phases the project covers both banks of the Tug Fork River extending from the McDowell County Line upstream approximately 55 miles to Anawalt, West Virginia at Big Stone Ridge near the Virginia/West Virginia state line. Also included are areas along the major tributaries of Elkhorn Creek, Browns Creek, Dry Fork, Panther Creek, Little Slate Creek, Bradshaw Creek and Barrenshee Creek, that feed the Tug Fork River, along with areas located near the confluences of several small branches.
Two Forms Of Flood Protection Two forms of nonstructural flood protection will be available. Those participating in the project will be eligible to receive the least costly of the following alternatives. 1.) The floodproofing of identified areas or structures: This typically involves raising of flood-threatened structures so that the first floor is above the level of the 1977 flood. If the building or other structures on your property are floodproofed as a result of your voluntary participation, you, the owner , must grant to the County Commission a perpetual easement, covenants, and restrictions over your property. This grant gives the County the right to inspect your property periodically to assure your compliance with the provisions of the floodproofing agreement and restricts the use of your property below a specified elevation; or2.) The purchase of land and structures in the floodplain and the relocation of occupants out of the floodplain: If you voluntarily participate in the project's land-acquisition program, the Corps of Engineers will purchase your property on behalf of the County Commission, and relocate all eligible occupants.
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