DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — According to the City of Dothan, construction is set to begin on two stormwater detention ponds in the Girard Basin as part of an ongoing effort to reduce flooding in streets, yards and homes during heavy rainfall.
The city said the Girard Basin has experienced drainage issues for many years. A 2016 engineering study identified several areas needing improvements, and the first phase of the project was completed in 2019 with the installation of a new concrete drainage culvert near Girard Avenue.
According to the city, three properties on Tacoma Street and Oak Drive have since been acquired and will be converted into stormwater detention areas. The detention ponds are designed to temporarily hold rainwater during storms and slowly release it into the drainage system, reducing pressure on the system and slowing water flow downstream. During dry weather, the areas will remain open green spaces.
Construction fencing has already been installed, and heavy equipment has moved onto the project site.
Demolition is scheduled to begin during the week of July 13 at:
1502 Tacoma St.
1504 Tacoma St.
Work at those locations will include removing existing structures, clearing trees, site grading, installing stormwater infrastructure, sod and landscaping, and continued maintenance. Construction at the Tacoma Street sites is expected to take two to three weeks.
Following completion of the Tacoma Street work, demolition will begin at 1514 Oak Drive. Construction at that location is also expected to take two to three weeks.
The city also announced that a portion of Plaza Drive, between 1526 and 1528 Plaza Drive, will be closed for approximately one week to allow crews to install additional drainage infrastructure.
According to the city, the Tacoma Street and Oak Drive projects are expected to be completed by the end of August.
The city also announced a long-term citywide stormwater study. A storm drainage inventory is expected to be completed by late 2027, while a citywide hydrological analysis is expected by late 2028 to help develop future drainage improvement projects.
