Jonesboro has been awarded $1,036,550 in federal funding to create detailed engineering and design plans aimed at mitigating flooding along 4.27 miles of Lost Creek, city officials announced.

The grant was issued through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program. It is intended to fund planning for improvements, with construction to be pursued in a later phase. Proposed improvements include channel widening, reshaped side slopes, and the addition of tiered bank shelves featuring a maintenance road that could also serve as a walking trail.

City officials highlighted the long-term impact flooding has had on commercial development in north and west Jonesboro, where floodplain restrictions have discouraged new projects. Mayor Harold Copenhaver emphasized the importance of the project not only for protecting residents and property but also for promoting economic development in those areas.

“This is an important step toward addressing longstanding flooding challenges in our community,” Copenhaver said. “Improving Lost Creek will help protect residents and property while creating opportunities for future growth and development in North and West Jonesboro.”

Copenhaver also expressed gratitude to U.S. Representative Rick Crawford and U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton for supporting the city’s efforts.

The project’s total cost is estimated at $1,360,550. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management will cover the required $324,000 in nonfederal matching funds, while the federal amount includes $64,550 allocated for fully funded subrecipient management costs. The grant’s performance period is scheduled to run from January 3, 2025, to January 2, 2028.

In addition to this grant, Jonesboro received $1 million in fiscal year 2025 funding aimed at acquiring property needed for stormwater retention and potential future flood mitigation projects.

“This grant works together with previous infrastructure successes and positions Jonesboro to successfully pursue future construction phases,” Congressman Crawford said.

Chief Operations Officer Tony Thomas noted that the planning phase will enable the city to apply for federal construction funds under initiatives such as the Water Resources Development Act.

“Addressing flooding is expensive, but necessary as we continue to see increased demand for housing and recreation,” Thomas said.