Recently the City started a new program called the Drainage Improvement Program. Property owners and residents concerned about flooding and drainage issues can apply to have the City look at the issue and see if there are any potential solutions. Residents in the neighborhood along Hill Street, Rock Street, and East Elizabeth Street applied due to the deteriorating pipes and resulting water impacts on their properties in their neighborhood. The study area is not in a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) mapped floodplain, but does experience some urban flooding, such as the May 6, 2024, storm event. During heavy storm events, flooding flows over yards and enters basements. This project aims to explore the adequacy of the existing infrastructure, evaluate necessary infrastructure improvements and alternative routing, as well as lessen the frequency and severity of flooding.
As the study progresses, updates will be provided.
Upcoming Public Meeting #2 - April 22, 2026
Public Works Stormwater team will host a second public meeting to present the findings and proposed alternatives for the Hill St to N. Mason St Drainage Improvement Study. This meeting will be held at the Lucy Simms Continuing Education Center, 620 Simms Ave. At 5:30pm, Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI) will start with a presentation of their findings from studying the drainage area of the neighborhood, as well as proposed alternatives to alleviate flooding. After the presentation there will be an opportunity to ask questions and boards displaying the proposed alternatives.
Proposed Alternatives DRAFT Report
Existing Conditions Study
This document provides an overview of the project background, defines the limits of the project area, and summarizes key observations and data collected during the site visit and field survey. This is Phase I of a two phase study.
Existing Conditions Study [36MB]
Existing Conditions Modeling Maps
These maps provided by Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI) evaluated the existing conditions of the stormwater system throughout the project area. Each map shows how the existing stormwater system conveys runoff for different levels of storm severity. The 2-Year storm event has a 50% chance of occurring in a given year. The 10-Year storm event has a 10% chance of occurring in a given year. The storm event we experienced on May 6, 2024, was considered a 100-Year storm event. The 100-Year storm event has a 1% chance of occurring in a given year.
Archived Documents:
- 2-Year, 24-Hour Storm (Total Rainfall Depth = 2.63 inches.)
- 10-Year, 24-Hour Storm (Total Rainfall Depth = 3.87 inches.)
First Open House Meeting - June 2, 2025
The City of Harrisonburg's Drainage Improvement Program aims to identify and address local flooding and drainage concerns. Residents in the Hill Street, Rock Street, and East Elizabeth Street area applied to the program due to deteriorating stormwater pipes and recurring urban flooding — especially during heavy rain events like the May 6, 2024 storm. While this neighborhood is not located in a FEMA-designated floodplain, frequent runoff impacts yards and basements. In response, the City has partnered with Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI) to evaluate the current stormwater system, explore infrastructure upgrades or alternative routing options, and identify opportunities to reduce both the frequency and severity of flooding. Before evaluating potential alternatives, the City wants to hear from the community to help guide our next steps. We’re interested in whether the model reflects your experience, whether there are any issues we may have overlooked, and what priorities or ideas you would like us to consider as we evaluate potential improvements.
Take our survey to let us know if the Existing Conditions Model matches your flooding experience!
Right of Entry Letter
A letter was sent in November 2024 to property owners of the Study area requesting permission to enter properties to make field measurements and take photos of drainage facilities, through non-destructive methods.
(Archived) Letter in English [328KB]
(Archived) Letter en Español [308KB]