Most of the homes in the Maple Street Flood Mitigation Project area were built—early in the 1900s—where a stream once existed. The project area is situated in a highly urbanized, heavily impervious setting, which has repeatedly experienced serious flooding during heavy rainstorms.
One of the most severe of those storms occurred on August 4, 2009, when West Louisville experienced widespread flash flooding, the worst of which was in the Maple Street area. To improve public health and safety, MSD pursued and was awarded a FEMA grant to assist residents and provide opportunities for those in the highest risk areas to relocate.
An advisory committee formed in June 2016—which includes residents, Metro government agencies and local advocacy groups—to identify possible uses for the acquired flood-prone properties and define ownership and long-term maintenance options for the accepted use.
