POINSETT COUNTY, Ark. — Crews with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have started work on a significant drainage project to clear debris from over 23 miles of waterways in Northeast Arkansas.
The maintenance effort focuses on Ditch 9, Ditch 10, and Straight Slough, which run through parts of Craighead, Poinsett, and Cross counties. By removing obstructions, officials say the project will restore the channels and enhance the flow of stormwater runoff for several communities, including Jonesboro, Trumann, Brookland, and Bay.
Jairus Stroupe, program and project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, credited local input for helping push the project forward. "Some of the push that led to this becoming a reality was the input and help from locals," Stroupe said. "A lot of the testimony that was provided to the Mississippi River Commission by local drainage districts and elected officials really helped us to get us to where we are today."
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that the work will be completed by December 2027.
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