NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Residents will have five more chances to weigh in on possible permutations of the Hoosic River flood control. 

 

The Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with the city of North Adams, has embarked on a three-year feasibility study of the 70-year-old concrete chutes and best methods to naturalize the river and protect the city from floods. The Hoosic River Revival has been the key facilitator in bringing the initiative to this point and is running the listening sessions. 

 

The nonprofit River Revival has for more than 15 years been advocating for a more accessible and sustainable river and more modern flood resistance as the chutes have continued to deteriorate. Several panels have already fallen and others are in poor condition. The study will also look at the conditions where the river enters and exits the city. 

 

The community is being asked to provide insight on the chutes' conditions and the river, about the river's history and its importance to the community, examples of other river restorations they may know about it, their concerns about modernizing the flood control and the things they would like to see included (or excluded) in the restoration.

 

The next sessions are: 

Two sessions have already been held, including the first at the UNO Center. 

 

Comments from the public will be part of the feasibility study and used to inform the recommendations to the Army Corps of Engineers for planning purposes. HRR's community engagement committee will be the conduit between the community and the Corps. Its three priorities will be equity, inclusion and transparency.

 

Those unable to attend the forums can send comments to info@hoosicriverrevival.org.