REXBURG — The Madison County commissioners signed a resolution Monday morning declaring a flood emergency throughout the county.
“It’s important to note that there’s no immediate danger to life right now. This action has been taken today as a way to help mitigate river bank erosion,” said Madison Fire Department firefighter and emergency manager Trevin Ricks.
Riverbanks are continuing to be damaged because of high river flow due to spring runoff and melting snow.
“There are some issues with bank erosion and even some issues that may come up that we’re not aware of yet in anticipation of a big spring runoff,” Ricks said.
He said it’s important for the county to get involved with repairs and emergency measures before more damage is done.
“There’s actually part of the riverbank that’s eroding toward an irrigation canal. Damage has been done, but we’re taking preventative measures so that it doesn’t become worse where it would become much more expensive to repair,” he said.
Flooding is taking place about six miles east of the Lorenzo Highway near Twin Bridges. Residents that live near waterways and flood plains could potentially be affected, but that is unlikely, Ricks said.
“There’s some bank erosion on the South Fork of the Snake River. That needs to be accessed through some private land, and the county can help them make those repairs and fix those riverbanks,” he said.
According to the resolution, “If said heavy water flows are not managed and erosion and embankments are not immediately repaired, major flooding will continue to occur in Madison County, causing a flooding disaster.”
Commissioners authorized an expenditure of county funds necessary to meet the needs of the emergency. The county road and bridge department is helping make the repairs.
“Where the erosion problem is, the bank will be pulled away and replaced with big heavy rock material that is resistant to erosion,” Ricks said.
Ricks said it’s anticipated to be a long flood year. He said the last major flooding issue similar to this occurred in 2011.
The disaster declaration will continue for a period of time and will not exceed 90 days. Flooding, however, could occur through June and July.
The post Madison County declares flood emergency appeared first on East Idaho News.