The City of Harrison has started working on plans to restore an area to what it was more than 30 years ago.
According to KYTV, the city and state are teaming up to get rid of Lake Harrison and bring new life to Crooked Creek.
Harrison Public Works Director, Wade Phillips, states, “During heavy rains, you’ll see how much Crooked Creek can swell.”
The swelling is said to often lead to flooding with the possibility of dangerous conditions occurring near the downtown area.
Phillips says, “You create a large pond area on a stream that’s supposed to be natural and free-flowing, it does have a negative impact.”
The Army Corp of Engineers created Lake Harrison by putting a dam in the creek as a means to control flooding.
Harrison Mayor, Jerry Jackson, states, “We learned that everything they did back in the 60’s during urban renewal is not benefiting us for flood protection.”
Phillips also said there is a safety issue in regards to having low-head weirs on streams, especially in the middle of town, in an area they want to be a recreational area.
The city is working with the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDot) on the restoration project. Harrison has earned stream credits, which is funding allocated by ARDot to replace wetlands affected by road work.
Jackson states the whole restoration of the creek is going to be paid by ARDot. As of right now, the project is in the planning stages. Once the Main Street bridge over Lake Harrison is replaced, the waterway will begin to take on its new shape.
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