The Choctaw County Board of Supervisors have identified the following needs of the project area and purposes of the proposed project.

Flood Prevention – The surrounding project area as well as areas downstream are subject to flash flooding during and after heavy rain events. The proposed project would alleviate some flooding and protect residential properties and timber land within the project area.

Economic Development – This proposed project would provide new development opportunities to create additional residential areas, which would increase local retention and provide additional options for those who work and/or attend school in the surrounding counties.

Fire Protection – Currently, there are no public wells or water lines within the project area to provide water in the event of a residential or forest fire. The proposed project would provide vital fire protection and faster response time.

Industrial and Municipal Water Supply - The proposed project would provide an alternative water supply to both industrial and municipal areas within the surrounding area. In addition, this additional water supply would alleviate pressure from the use of the Wilcox aquifer.

Recreational Opportunities - The proposed project would provide public fish and wildlife recreation opportunities to the surrounding community and visitors.

No, the proposed project will be placed within the Area of Interest as depicted on the project maps. However, the whole area may not be significantly impacted by the project. The Area of Interest will be narrowed down as the project progresses and further studies are completed.

Currently, this project is within the Public Involvement stage. Once completed, we will begin coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, start data collection within the project area, and develop several solutions, or alternatives, to meet the purposes and resolves the needs of the project area.

These alternatives will undergo a selection process based on several criteria, including feasibility, economic factors, environmental impacts, etc. The remaining viable alternatives will be presented to the public in another meeting, where the public can comment on which alternative they prefer. The comments along with additional factors will be used to choose a preferred alternative to move forward. Keep a look out for advertisements within newspapers and online for the next meeting.

We ask the members of the public to provide any information about the project area, specifically areas which flood with any frequency, areas of ecological or cultural importance, and any additional needs of the project area. Members of the public should also submit official comments about this project. These comments will help shape the outcome of the proposed project.

‍ ‍

Members of the public are encouraged to fill out the comment form on this website. You can found the form by clicking this link. Comments are able to be submitted until Monday, August 31st.

‍ ‍

Please send any photos and, if possible, address or location of where the photo was taken to the following email: naturalresources@pickeringfirm.com