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Officials seek outside input to address floods on Laurel Fork

By Max Hrenda

What began as an erosion and flooding issue for a Hampton property owner is becoming a public safety issue for a local neighborhood.

Carl Smith and Swimming Pool roads were flooded when Laurel Fork Creek overflowed during Wednesday evening’s rain storm.

Andrew Worley, director of the county’s Emergency Management Agency, said he and other county officials are determining the best course of action to deal with the increased flooding.

“Right now we’re trying to document what’s going on,” Worley said. “We’re reaching out to state agencies to see what solution there is for this.”

On Thursday morning, Worley met with County Mayor Leon Humphrey to brief him on the situation. Since then, Humphrey has made contact with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“I talked with people in the Johnson City field office,” Humphrey said. “They’ve worked Carter and Johnson counties. I hope to have a meeting (today).”