City of Muskogee

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of this project is to address stormwater concerns. This year the City of Muskogee worked with an engineering firm to create a master drainage plan to address flooding concerns in the city limits. We would like to analyze the drainage issues our city experience during heavy rain events and implement solutions to prevent future problems. The study ranks watersheds throughout the city to provide detailed maps with total stream miles to be studied, paying particular attention to FEMA streams in areas of new development in Muskogee. With this study, we are be able to analyze drainage areas, hydrology costs, problem areas and identify future projects to help determine the best course of action moving forward to deal with all water issues. Future years of the municipal budget may include dedicated stormwater funds for implementation, but the additional funding is needed to carry out the proposed projects.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Muskogee is the county seat and the largest city in Muskogee County with 36,878 residents (2020Census). It is a regional hub city with residents from six surrounding counties traveling to Muskogee daily for employment, services, and entertainment. The improvements requested in our water treatment plant project are essential as it is the only source of water for 55,000 residents in seven rural water districts, four towns, including the historic black community of Taft, and two state prisons, in addition to the City of Muskogee. Vulnerable populations include 17.1% of residents over age 65 and 24.4% of residents under age 18.Further, 21.1% are in poverty including29.4% of children under 18. Muskogee County has a high percentage of minority residents with 59.9% of its residents White; 10.9% Black; 19.7% American Indian;8.8% two or more races; and 6.6% Hispanic. Minority populations in general have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic due to decreased access to health services. The opportunity to assess and improve this raw water line will better serve current residents who are now adversely affected by our inability to address these issues due to financial limitations. Moreover, the remediation of identified problems will further promote economic development and provide stability to our community.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Performance will be measured by the completion and implementation of the master drainage plan.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma