County works to minimize future flooding

Franklin County commissioners took action this week that will hopefully prevent flooding in the future like we’ve seen this week. An estimated 6 to 9 inches of rain on Monday flooded numerous areas countywide; continued rain throughout the week has insured that many of the flooded areas have stayed inundated. The high waters in some areas have covered roads and yards, and even closed a portion of Highway 98 near Alligator Point for a number of hours on Tuesday. The board first asked that its road camp spend more time cleaning ditches around the county to make sure that water can flow properly. That’s a big job, so the commission agreed to contact the state prison system to see if more state prisoners can be available to help with the ditch cleaning work. The county also agreed this week to purchase more of the flashing lights that can be attached to warning barricades that are placed around flooded areas. County road supervisor Hubert Chipman said the county owns about 50 but needs at least 50 more plus batteries to make sure there are enough for all of the areas that could potentially be flooded during a very heavy rain. County commissioners also agreed to contact the state Department of Transportation about flooding on state roads, especially at the curve near El’s Court east of Carrabelle. Commissioners said there is a major flooding problem in that location that they believe may have something to do with the new road design. They want state officials to inspect the area and make any fixes that are needed to stop the flooding.