WLAF’s Charlie Hutson captured this photo of Middlesboro Highway in front of the La Follette Middle School in June 2019.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The hundred-year flood of 2019 continues to be a discussion for the City of LaFollette. Yesterday, the LaFollette City Council met in a special called workshop with Cannon and Cannon, TDOT and County Road Superintendent Ron Dilbeck to discuss the wet weather conveyance on the east side of LaFollette. WATCH the workshop on demand from WLAF

Houston Daugherty with Cannon and Cannon explained that ”a wet weather conveyance is a dry ditch that fills up when it rains.” Daugherty told the council a good point of this is permits are not required when cleaning out the wet weather conveyance. The city has been working to remove vegetation and debris from the conveyance in attempt to keep water flowing when it rains.

Councilman Mark Hoskins said the box culvert that runs alongside and under Central Avenue needs to be cleaned out. He continued that the tile on Stone Bridge Lane needs to be replaced “it’s egg shaped” said Hoskins.

This is the side of Middlesboro Highway where Faithway Assembly of God is located.

Dilbeck shared with the council there is a grant program through Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) that could possibly assist the city with the cost of the project.

Daugherty recommended the city continue cleaning out the conveyance and maintain them. He also suggested they redefine the channel of the conveyance. “This will go a long way in addressing the normal rain issues,” said Daugherty.

The council agreed to investigate the grant program before taking any additional action. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 02/05/2021-6AM)

Related