By Pam Spencer, City of Paducah
Paducah, Ky – Sunday evening, Major General William T. Grisoli toured Paducah's flood protection structure. Maj. Gen. Grisoli is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations. Mayor Bill Paxton, City Engineer-Public Works Director Rick Murphy, and Floodwall Superintendent Kenny Brannon showed Maj. Gen Grisoli the City's floodwall and the ongoing efforts to protect the Julian Carroll Convention Center and the Expo Center.
Mayor Paxton says, "I emphasized to Maj. Gen. Grisoli what a great team he has here in Paducah and that their work alongside City of Paducah staff to check the gates and floodwall has made me feel more comfortable." Mayor Paxton adds, "I also emphasized that there is more money to be spent to rehabilitate the City's floodwall. I hope that he understands the need for the appropriation of additional funding to maintain the integrity of Paducah's floodwall, pumps, and piping."
The Ohio River at Paducah has fallen nearly a foot since its crest at 55.03 feet last week. As of 1:00 p.m. the Ohio River level is at 54.17 feet. The current forecast from the National Weather Service River Forecast Center shows the river level to be below 52 feet on Thursday and to start dropping below 50 feet on Saturday. Dropping below 50 feet will take the water below the bottom of Paducah's floodgates. However, the floodgates will remain in place until the river and lake levels drop significantly and stabilize. Perkins Creek on the west side of Paducah will recede in conjunction with the drop in the Ohio River. Stuart Nelson Park and the Greenway Trail will remain closed until further notice.
Pedestrian and vehicle traffic are not allowed on or near the floodwall and floodgates. The Paducah Police Department will cite anyone found in violation. For safety, do not drive around barricades or through floodwaters covering roads. Also, do not drive around barricades even if the water has receded. Crews will need to inspect each road that was covered in floodwaters to make sure there are no problems such as washouts, potholes, and compromised culverts.