Metro officials are laying the groundwork to discuss a potentially huge project: readying the city along its rivers in case of another flood. A big factor is just how much money Nashville is willing to spend.
Engineers are months away from laying out specific proposals, costs and benefits. Metro Water Director Scott Potter (no relation) says all options are on the table, from dredging rivers to building floodwalls and earthen levees to buying out more homes in flood-prone areas.
“I’m a big believer that if a home is not there it will not flood.”
Potter also likes the idea of creating green spaces like soccer fields near rivers, such that in a flood they could hold water. Whatever the plan, Potter says cost will be key.
“You can ask an engineer, ‘Can you do that?’ And generally the answer is ‘Yes, I can do that.’ The follow-on question is ‘How much is it going to cost?’”
At a public update Thursday night, officials said they’re zeroing in on specific points along the Cumberland and its tributaries, and what concerns they’ll factor in when it’s time to draft a budget.
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Particulars about locations and projects are expected this summer. Officials will share their progress update at two more meetings later this month:
Feb. 23, 6 to 7 p.m.
Bellevue Community Center
656 Colice Jeanne Road
Nashville, TN 37221
Feb. 28, 6 to 7 p.m.
Looby Community Center
2301 Metro Center Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37228
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