hitch lot flooded

Fishing River Watershed Study For Downtown Excelsior Springs

hitch lot flooded
Photo by S. Jason Cole

Heavy rains and flash flooding have impacted Excelsior Springs’ historic downtown for years. In your opinion, what types of flooding impacts affect the area most? The City is kicking off the Fishing River Watershed Study for Downtown to explore the issues and develop improvement projects that will address them. This summer we are holding a series of public input opportunities to collect comments. See them in the table below.

Public Input Opportunities
DateTime Location
Friday, June 24, 20226 – 9 p.m.WaterfestHistoric Downtown Excelsior Springs201 E. BroadwayExcelsior Springs, MO  64024
Saturday, June 25, 20229 a.m. to 9 p.m.WaterfestHistoric Downtown Excelsior Springs201 E. BroadwayExcelsior Springs, MO  64024
Now through July 15, 202224 hours a day, 7 days a weekOnline commenting is available at:www.tinyurl.com/FishingRiverComments  

The Fishing River Watershed Study for Downtown is in response to chronic flooding and erosion issues along the East Fork and Dry Fork Fishing River, particularly where they come together downtown. The summer 2021 flood is the most recent example. Potential improvement projects will reflect our city’s vision and character plus community input. The plan will include: three- to five-year capital projects and longer-term needs; opportunities that offer multiple benefits to our city; public-private partnerships with local stakeholders and Clay and Ray Counties; and suggested funding sources for improvements. 

The planning process began this spring and will continue through winter 2023. A consultant team is assisting with the project. During the “pop-up” meetings, the public will be able to review exhibits, identify areas with flooding issues, and discuss impacts with staff from the City and consultant team. Staff may also walk through the event to gather comments and listen to opinions. No formal presentations will be given. During the weeks of June 20 and 27, you may see City staff and the consultant team conducting field work related to the watershed study. They will be carrying identification badges and wearing reflective vests.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the Fishing River Watershed Study for Downtown, visit the web page at . You may also contact Molly McGovern, City Manager, at 816-630-0752 or mmcgovern@excelsiorsprings.gov. Follow the City on social media and use our #FishingRiverDowntown hashtag.  

We keep the local news free thanks to advertisers and individual contributions!

News for and About Excelsior Springs!

Get the Excelsior Citizen e-newsletter delivered straight to your inbox each week. It’s a collection of the best news and events all focused exclusively on Excelsior Springs. No fluff just local news and information you can trust!