USACE completes emergency stabilization work on Village Creek Levee

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District has completed emergency stabilization work on the Village Creek Levee near Newport, Arkansas.

The work was conducted to reduce the risk of further damage to the levee and help protect surrounding communities during future spring rainfall events.

Construction was completed ahead of schedule through coordinated efforts between USACE and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

“Levees like Village Creek protect homes, businesses and farmland from flooding,” said Col. Eric Swenson, commander of the USACE Little Rock District. “This emergency work strengthens the levee now, while permanent repairs will provide long-term protection. This effort reflects the Army Civil Works ‘Building Infrastructure not Paperwork’ Initiative, cutting delays so we can deliver real on the ground results to the communities we serve.”

Emergency stabilization measures included placing additional soil, reinforcing eroded sections and strengthening the levee to restore its ability to reduce flood risk. Crews installed protective poly sheeting over newly placed soil to reduce surface erosion and maintain material integrity during rainfall and high wind conditions.

Permanent repairs will fully restore the levee to its intended level of protection. Planned work includes levee realignment and construction of river training structures, such as spur dikes to improve hydraulic performance, reduce erosive forces and strengthen long-term flood risk management.

The Village Creek Levee protects more than 650 people, as well as 400 buildings valued at over $60 million and more than 12,000 acres of farmland estimated to produce over $250 million in farm goods annually.

More information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace and on the USACE Little Rock water level mobile app at www.swl.usace.army.mil/Home/water-control-app/.

B-Roll can be found at www.dvidshub.net/video/1000590/little-rock-district-usace-continues-village-creek-levee-stabilization.