Many thanks to the Congressional Delegation that represent Adams County: Senator Thad Cochram, Senator Roger Wicker and Congressman Greg Harper.

They helped Adams County receive over $750,000 for Emergency Watershed Projects (EWP) that was approved by Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), but were not funded over four years ago.

Several months ago, Supervisor Angela Hutchins, Supervisor Calvin Butler, along with Chancery Clerk Tommy O’Beirne and Board Attorney Scott Slover, along with myself, met with our Congressional Delegation to explain the urgency of money needed for these projects in order to prevent the loss of infrastructures here in Adams County.

Adams County-Natchez is comprised of a soil type, called loess soil or wind-blown silt, which is highly susceptible to erosion.

It happens to be one of the most challenging problems we face here.

The federal government just recently decided that they will no longer program any Emergency Watershed Projects (EWP) unless the President of the United States declares the area as a “disaster area.”

Therefore, if you are facing any erosion problems, there is nothing Local, State, or Federal Government can do unless it was created by the government and a professional engineer must certify that is was created by government.

Ninety-five percent of erosion problems from my experience are the result of natural drainage flow, in which government is not responsible; it is the property owners’ responsibility.

I encourage residents before purchasing property that is contiguous to a bayou, creek and gully, make sure that the property is not susceptible to erosion, or doesn’t have any active erosion associated with it before you acquire the property. I personally would consult with an engineer before acquisition.

Our hands are tied when it comes to private property, especially since these Emergency Watershed Projects (EWP) are no longer being funded, unless there is a deceleration of disaster on the federal level.

 

Darryl V. Grennell is president of the Adams County Board of Supervisors.