Flood Mitigation & Drainage Study

The Town of Boones Mill partnered with A. Morton Thomas Associates (AMT) to evaluate chronic flooding issues along Maggodee Creek and develop a long‑term strategy to protect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The study reviewed FEMA data, conducted field surveys, and used updated hydraulic modeling to identify the most effective mitigation measures.


Key Findings


  • Over 55 buildings lie in the FEMA 100‑year floodplain.
  • Major storms, including Tropical Storm Michael (2018) and the 1985 historic flood, have repeatedly impacted roads and downtown businesses.
  • Undersized bridges, aging culverts, and limited storm drainage capacity contribute significantly to local flooding.


Recommended Solutions


1. Major Infrastructure Upgrades


  • Replace and elevate the Boones Mill Road and Boon Street bridges.
  • Raise adjacent roadways to maintain safe travel during large storm events.
  • Improve the Maggodee Creek channel with stabilization, selective excavation, and a new floodplain bench that can double as a Creekside pedestrian walkway.

2. Stormwater Improvements


  • Install larger storm drains, curb & gutter, and flap gates downtown.
  • Extend and upgrade several railroad and roadway culverts to direct flows safely to Maggodee Creek.

3. Building Floodproofing


Some structures will remain at risk even after major improvements. Recommendations include:


  • Acquiring flood‑impeding parcels (e.g., 176 Boones Mill Road).
  • Elevating or floodproofing select commercial buildings (e.g., Buildings #25 & #26).
  • Constructing small floodwalls or elevating utilities for vulnerable homes.


Implementation Path


The full mitigation strategy is estimated at $19.6 million and is structured in phases:


  1. Creek & Bridge Improvements
  2. Downtown Drainage & Roadway Elevations
  3. Building‑Specific Mitigation


The Town is encouraged to pursue funding through:

  • The Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund,
  • FEMA Pre‑Disaster Mitigation programs,
  • And partnerships with VDOT and the railroad.


Expected Benefits

  • Lower flood levels throughout downtown
  • Safer, more resilient infrastructure
  • Reduced risk to homes and businesses
  • Expanded public access through the planned Creekside Walkway and Carter Park connection
Flood Mitigation and Drainage Study October 9, 2025 (42 MB) Interactive GIS Flood Map

A public meeting was held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6 PM at Boones Mill Town Hall to present findings from the recent flood survey and to show potential remediation alternatives based on those findings. The presentation can be downloaded by clicking the button below.

Flood Mitigation and Drainage Study Presentation (15 MB)

A. Morton Thomas Associates has created an online interactive  map which documents 100 year flood levels on properties within the floodplain. The online map also shows the drainage areas in the town based on culvert locations and access points. Click the button below to access the interactive map.


Funding


The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to state, territory and local governments and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.


The Town applied for and was awarded a $50K Flood Mitigation Assistance grant in July 2024. The project was completed in October 2025.