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The City of Albemarle has received $250,000 in funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation to assist with a portion of the city’s proposed stormwater management program planning.

The Golden LEAF Foundation awards funding to local governments for public infrastructure projects to support flood mitigation. The Golden LEAF Foundation was appropriated $25 million from the State of North Carolina for the Flood Mitigation Program.

The City of Albemarle was one of nine local governments that were awarded funding throughout the state at the October meeting.

The funding awarded to the City of Albemarle will be used for a watershed study of Little Long Creek.

Watershed studies examine the routing of stormwater flow. The study results will be included in the development of a watershed master plan and stormwater management strategy.

“The Golden LEAF Foundation was entrusted by the N.C. General Assembly to administer a program for local governments seeking to mitigate flooding in their community,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF president and chief executive officer. “We are pleased to help the City of Albemarle plan to implement its stormwater management program. This work is critical to prepare the city to address flooding issues.”

The City of Albemarle has been developing a stormwater management program to address residents’ concerns about flooding.

“We’ve heard from our residents that flood prevention is a critical concern,” said Ross Holshouser, public works director. “These funds will be a valuable resource as we develop our stormwater management program, which is aimed at reducing the severity, frequency, and duration of flooding.”

As part of the application process, the Golden LEAF Foundation met with city staff to review current flood management practices and discuss the impacts on the community when flooding occurs. Albemarle received the maximum amount of money, $250,000, for an eligible project according to the Golden LEAF Foundation.