With rain expected later this week, businesses in Old Town Alexandria are gearing up for possible flooding, a recurring issue in the historic area. In response, the city is making efforts to address this ongoing problem.
On Tuesday morning, a meeting is scheduled at Alexandria City Hall at 7:30 a.m. to update the public on a project aimed at mitigating flooding concerns. Historically, the residents and local businesses have faced challenges with flooding, especially during rain events. In fact, as reported previously, heavy rains lead to street closures and emergency crews mobilizing to manage debris and pump water from affected areas.
The area’s infrastructure dates back to the 18th century, contributing to the regularity of flooding issues. City data indicates that there are more than 60 incidents of backflow from river outflows annually, over 30 occurrences of bulkhead overtopping, and over 10 instances where storm sewers are overwhelmed each year.
Currently, the city is in the design phase of the project, with construction planned to follow. However, some local business owners have expressed concerns about how construction might disrupt their operations. To address these worries, several public meetings will be held to gather community feedback and provide updates on the progress.
These efforts signify the city’s commitment to tackling the persistent flooding problems in Old Town Alexandria, offering hope for improved infrastructure and resilience against future weather events.