Recently the City started a new program called the Drainage Improvement Program. Property owners and residents concerned about flooding and drainage issues can apply to have the City look at the issue and see if there are any potential solutions. Residents in the neighborhood along Hill Street, Rock Street, and East Elizabeth Street applied due to the deteriorating pipes and resulting water impacts on their properties in their neighborhood. The study area is not in a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) mapped floodplain, but does experience some urban flooding, such as the May 6, 2024, storm event. During heavy storm events, flooding flows over yards and enters basements. This project aims to explore the adequacy of the existing infrastructure, evaluate necessary infrastructure improvements and alternative routing, as well as lessen the frequency and severity of flooding.
Once the preliminary engineering report phase is complete, we will schedule a community meeting to present the findings of the existing conditions, collect feedback from residents, and discuss the project plans moving forward. We are currently aiming for this public meeting to occur sometime in May 2025 or June 2025.
As the study progresses, updates will be provided.
Existing Conditions Modeling Maps
These maps provided by Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI) evaluated the existing conditions of the stormwater system throughout the project area. Each map shows how the existing stormwater system conveys runoff for different levels of storm severity. The 2-Year storm event has a 50% chance of occurring in a given year. The 10-Year storm event has a 10% chance of occurring in a given year. The storm event we experienced on May 6, 2024, was considered a 100-Year storm event. The 100-Year storm event has a 1% chance of occurring in a given year.
- Existing Conditions Study Area Layout
- 2-Year, 24-Hour Storm (Total Rainfall Depth = 2.63 inches.)
- 10-Year, 24-Hour Storm (Total Rainfall Depth = 3.87 inches.)
- May 6, 2024, Storm Event
Open House Meeting
The City of Harrisonburg's Drainage Improvement Program aims to identify and address local flooding and drainage concerns. Residents in the Hill Street, Rock Street, and East Elizabeth Street area applied to the program due to deteriorating stormwater pipes and recurring urban flooding—especially during heavy rain events like the May 6, 2024 storm. While this neighborhood is not located in a FEMA-designated floodplain, frequent runoff impacts yards and basements. In response, the City has partnered with Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI) to evaluate the current stormwater system, explore infrastructure upgrades or alternative routing options, and identify opportunities to reduce both the frequency and severity of flooding. Before evaluating potential alternatives, the City wants to hear from the community to help guide our next steps. We’re interested in whether the model reflects your experience, whether there are any issues we may have overlooked, and what priorities or ideas you would like us to consider as we evaluate potential improvements.
Take our survey to let us know if the Existing Conditions Model matches your flooding experience!
Open House Details
Date: June 2, 2025
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm- stop by any time during this time!
Location: Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center (620 Simms Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802)
Input Requested: At a table, staff will have graphics and information on the existing conditions model. Before we begin evaluating potential alternatives, we want to hear from the community to help guide our next steps. We’re interested in whether the model reflects your experience, whether there are any issues we may have overlooked, and what priorities or ideas you would like us to consider as we evaluate potential improvements.
Información de la reunión abierta
Fecha: 2 de junio de 2025
Horario: Desde las 5:00 p. m. hasta las 7:00 p. m. ¡Puede pasar en este horario!
Ubicación: Centro de Educación Continua Lucy F. Simms (620 Simms Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802)
Opiniones requeridas: En su puesto, el equipo tendrá gráficos e información sobre el modelo de las condiciones existentes. Antes de que comencemos a evaluar posibles alternativas, queremos oír lo que la comunidad tiene para decir para ayudar a guiar nuestros siguientes pasos. Nos interesa saber si el modelo refleja su experiencia, si hay problemas que hemos pasado por alto y qué cuestiones prioritarias o ideas querría que consideremos cuando evaluemos las posibles mejoras.
Right of Entry Letter
A letter will be sent in November 2024 to property owners of the Study area requesting permission to enter properties to make field measurements and take photos of drainage facilities, through non-destructive methods.
Letter in English [328KB]
Letter en Español [308KB]