Tulsa’s being held up in at least one national publication as how a city should best prepare for the risk of flooding.
As E and E reports, Tulsa could even offer some lessons to the city of Houston. The report details how Tulsa, following devastating floods in the 1970s decided enough was enough in 1984 when a foot of rain resulted in deadly floods that claimed 14 lives. It is remembered as the “Memorial Day” flood of 1984 when rains fell May 26 and 27.
“The Great Drainage War” is how local press described the city’s efforts as it embarked on what some considered the “most aggressive flood control plans in the country.”
A network of drainage systems was built and the city also employed the use of green spaces that can work as flood basins.
“Typically, after people are flooded two or three times they’re ready to sell out,” said engineer Bill Robison in explaining the city’s program where it buys out homes that flood often. He is the lead engineer for the storm water program.