Protecting Huntington from Flooding
I. Immediate Action Underway
Clearing Fourpole Creek to Reduce Flooding
After repeated flash floods, Mayor Farrell issued an emergency order in February to launch targeted debris removal along Fourpole Creek. Since then, crews have focused on clearing blockages at bridges and culverts, especially in Enslow Park, Southside and Harveytown, where debris has long caused dangerous backups. This ongoing work is part of a broader push to keep water flowing, reduce flood risk, and protect our neighborhoods through both immediate action and longterm solutions.
Restoring the Retention Ponds
Later this summer, a contractor engaged by the City will begin clearing out the two retention ponds at Kinetic Park, simple infrastructure that plays a big role in holding back stormwater before it rushes into Fourpole Creek. Years of debris buildup have reduced their effectiveness, and this cleanup will help slow the flow, giving the system, and our neighborhoods, room to breathe during heavy rain. It’s a practical step, done at the right time, to make Huntington safer when it matters most. The City also engaged the Board of Education to ensure their retention ponds at Huntington High School and the new Meadows Elementary, both located along Fourpole Creek, are restored and maintained.
Clearing Catch Basins to Keep Water Moving
After every storm, debris washes into our storm drains and catch basins, especially in low, lying areas prone to flash flooding. That’s why ongoing maintenance is essential. The Huntington Sanitary Board is continuously inspecting and clearing these drains to keep water moving and streets passable. In 2024 alone, the Sanitary Board completed 3,429 catch basin cleanings across the city. That included 2,041 individual catch basins, meaning many had to be cleaned multiple times throughout the year. With approximately 5,600 catch basins citywide, this kind of repeat attention is critical, especially in areas where one blocked drain can lead to major backups.
Early Warning System for Fourpole Creek
When floodwaters rise, minutes matter. After February’s storms, Mayor Farrell made it a priority to secure a new state-approved stream gauge for Fourpole Creek, so emergency officials and residents can get real-time data when it counts. The gauge will deliver early alerts as water levels begin to rise, giving our emergency teams more time to respond and residents more time to get to safety. It’s a critical tool to help protect flood-prone neighborhoods like Enslow Park, Southside, Harveytown, and the West End. Cabell County 911 is leading the installation, with deployment targeted for early fall. It’s a simple but powerful step toward smarter, faster flood response, and a safer Huntington.
II. Near-Term Infrastructure Projects
Emergency Evacuation for Enslow Park
For years, Enslow Park has lacked a dependable way in or out during heavy rain. Following the February flooding, Mayor Farrell and Public Works coordinated with a private landowner to open a temporary emergency and evacuation route, a critical short-term fix that’s already helping residents stay safe. But the long-term solution is being pursued. In February, the City launched Phase 1 for engineering of a permanent route, now fully funded in Mayor Farrell’s proposed FY 20252026 budget. Phase 2 is moving forward, with engineers preparing full construction documents and designing a stormwater system to keep the route accessible during major rain events. It’s a long-overdue investment in safety and peace of mind for Enslow Park.
New Bridge Replacements Along Fourpole Creek
Some of the worst flooding we’ve seen in recent years has been made worse by old, undersized bridges that bottleneck water and block emergency access. That’s why the City, in partnership with the State Department of Highways, is moving forward with a series of modern bridge replacements along Fourpole Creek. That includes a replacement of the Wilson Ct. #1 and #2 bridges, along with upgrades at Enslow Blvd., Whitaker Blvd., and Harvey Road. Each bridge is designed to stay open during high water and allow floodwaters to flow freely underneath, easing pressure on surrounding neighborhoods. Construction is fully funded. These are the kinds of smart, forward-looking investments that help protect property, restore access, and make our neighborhoods safer.
Flood Mitigation Through Sewer Separation in Highlawn
Flooding at 3rd & 24th and 5th & 25th has long disrupted life in Highlawn, overwhelming sewers, backing up water into streets, and blocking emergency routes. That’s why the City is moving forward with a major flood mitigation project to separate storm and sanitary sewers in the area. The project includes a new pump station and force main system to redirect runoff from a 40-acre drainage area straight to the Ohio River, reducing strain on the sewer system and lowering flood risks. It’s a critical investment in both safety and future growth, improving access for emergency vehicles and helping pave the way for the redevelopment of the former ACF site. Construction began in June on 25th Street, with Phase 1 expected to take about two months and full completion phased over the next two years.
III. Long-Term Vision and Federal Partnership
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Infrastructure to Break the Cycle of Flooding
Reducing flood risk in Huntington means planning beyond the next storm. That’s why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been authorized by Congress to launch a comprehensive watershed study of Fourpole Creek, a crucial step toward longterm flood protection. This isn’t just another study. It’s the planning blueprint for both structural and nonstructural solutions, like detention basins, bridge upgrades, and land-use strategies. It will set the stage for engineering and design, followed by construction of permanent flood control infrastructure. While the first phase remains unfunded, Mayor Farrell has made it his top federal priority for 2025, working closely with the federal delegation. Like the floodwall built generations ago, this effort could take years and significant investment, but it will deliver lasting protection for neighborhoods that have waited far too long.