FOLEY, Ala. (WALA) – The City of Foley is working on several projects to ensure local residents are prepared before the next hurricane, flood or major weather event.
In the face of evolving environmental challenges, Foley is paving the way for innovative and sustainable solutions to protect its community. Leslie Gahagan, the city's director of sustainability and natural resources, provided insights into Foley's comprehensive approach to addressing issues such as extreme heat, winter storms and seawater intrusion.
“For Foley, flooding is the No. 1 concern, not just because of riverine flooding where rivers jump their banks, but because of compound flooding, storm water plus lack of drainage plus increased weather events and flooding, you know,” Foley said. Gahagan. “So we're trying to look at everything with a better, proactive approach.”
Gahagan says the city is particularly focused on helping underserved communities that lack proper sanitation facilities. Implementation measures range from major regional projects to small initiatives, such as upgrading sewers and improving drainage in older parts of the city.
“…We are looking at our regional detention facility on Michigan Avenue – not only to expand it but also to serve as a network to deliver stormwater from Beulah Heights to that pond area,” Gahagan said. “And once all of that is done, we shouldn't see the same flood impacts as we did in 2021 when we had a cemetery, a coffin floating in the ground.”
Foley is also working on a program to address failed septic tanks, especially in Beulah Heights.
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