Kentucky’s 199^th Watershed Structure

Updated 06/03/2008

The USDA -Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has issued a notice to proceed for construction of the Pigeon Roost flood retarding structure (FRS) #3 near McKee, Kentucky.  The contractor will be mobilizing equipment to the site and beginning work in December 2007. 

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in October with local sponsors and partners.  Local project sponsors are the Jackson County Conservation District, the Jackson County Fiscal Court, and the City of McKee.    Mike Hubbs, State Conservationist was on hand. 

This FRS will protect business and residential properties from reoccurring and damaging floods along Pigeon Roost Creek and is a federally assisted action under the authority of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (PL-566).

At the request of local sponsors, NRCS first evaluated the flooding problem in the City of McKee in the 1980’s and recommended the construction of three floodwater retarding structures (FRS) strategically placed on tributaries flowing into the City.

To date, two of the three FRS have been built. From 2005-2007, the local sponsors have actively worked with NRCS to complete the necessary environmental requirements and to obtain funding and permits for this third structure.

NRCS estimates that the average annual benefits of the project will be in excess of $160,000 per year.

Picture Descriptions:

Picture 1:  Location of watershed area in Kentucky

Picture 2:  Groundbreaking ceremony participants left to right: 

Michael D. Hubbs, NRCS State Conservationist; Marie Rader, State Representative; William O. Smith, Judge Executive; Donna Baker McClure, Field Representative for US Senator Office; Bob Mitchell, Field Representative for US Congressman Office; Tom Jensen, State Senator; Dwight Bishop, Mayor of McKee; Hiram Whitaker, Chair, Jackson County Conservation District; Chuck Gibson, NRCS District Conservationist.

Picture 3:  Location of Pigeon Roost FRS #3, East of McKee, Kentucky

Picture 4:  Bond Memorial Park, McKee, KY (2004)

Picture 5:  Flooding along State Route #421 (2004)

Picture 6:  Flooding near the McKee Baptist Church (2004)

Picture 7:  The existing Pigeon Roost FRS #2 near McKee, KY. FRS #3 will be similar construction – an earthen floodwater retarding structure. (2006)

For background information regarding project, click here Pigeon Roost Creek Watershed FRS#3 Final Environmental Assessment.

Story update:  Kentucky Chapter SWCS sponsors Technical Tour of Pigeon Roost FRS #3 - May 30, 2008

For more information, contact Jacob Kuhn, Assistant State Conservationist.

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