OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – In order to prevent flooding in the Shadow Ridge neighborhood in Oak Grove, officials are mulling over an expensive plan that would include expanding the nearby drain basin.
In March of 2025, the neighborhood on Shadow Ridge Avenue off of State Line Road experienced flooding, which was exasperated by the major flood event later in April that saw over a foot of rain within a few days. Oak Grove was hit especially hard by the flood, with several feet of sewage and floodwater filling homes and leaving residents displaced. The continuous flooding of this specific neighborhood has previously been called out by residents and city officials, but no concrete action has been taken for mitigation.
During the Oct. 2 Oak Grove Committee of the Whole meeting, councilmembers heard from contracted engineer Alex Henry about potential plans. He proposed that the city may need to invest in further excavation of the drain basin by the neighborhood, allowing a higher volume of water to be contained in the event of flood conditions.
Excavation extent, cost, roadblocks
“You’re talking about $200,000 worth of excavation,” said Henry to the committee. He went on to share that approximately 7,500 cubic square yards of soil would need to be removed from the basin, which would equate upward of 400 dump truck loads of materials. They could also install an additional injection well, which would raise the price tag by another $100,000.
The main roadblock with this proposed plan would be truck access, since the drainage basin is located centrally in the Shadow Ridge neighborhood, as circled in the photo. The best access point for construction access would be off of Timothy Avenue, contingent on the approval of the property owner who has yet to be contacted.
Henry iterated that this plan acts as a first look so officials can get an estimate on the scope of work, cost, and potential routes forward. He suggested an additional elevation survey of the land and further seismic mapping of the area. While the option of installing a stormwater pump would also mitigate the issue, he explained that it would not be feasible for this area saying, “Theoretically all you can do is create more volume.”
In terms of funding, it was explained by Public Works Director Brian Ahart that there would usually be federal grants available for mitigation costs related to a natural disaster, but the current administration is likely not providing that funding.
No action was taken during the meeting about this plan.
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