Chattanooga approves USGS joint funding for real-time flood monitoring network

Chattanooga approves USGS joint funding for real-time flood monitoring networkThe City Council has authorized over $107,000 as its share of a joint agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey to maintain continuous precipitation and stream gauges across seven local creeks.

The joint funding agreement covers three continuous real-time precipitation gauges and seven continuous real-time stream gauges.

The total cost of the program is $118,339, with the city contributing a share of $107,464.

Monitored waterways include North Chickamauga Creek, South Chickamauga Creek, Chattanooga Creek, Mountain Creek, Wolftever Creek, Lookout Creek, and Friars Branch.

The monitoring network will support emergency preparedness and flood response activities from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.

During its May 5, 2026, meeting, the Chattanooga City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Department of Public Works to enter into a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The agreement secures the operation of a continuous real-time monitoring network designed to support emergency preparedness and flood response activities across the city. The monitoring infrastructure includes three continuous real-time precipitation gauges and seven continuous real-time stream gauges. These will monitor water levels and rainfall across multiple key local waterways, specifically North Chickamauga Creek, South Chickamauga Creek, Chattanooga Creek, Mountain Creek, Wolftever Creek, Lookout Creek, and Friars Branch. The total cost of the monitoring program for the period beginning April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, is set at $118,339. Under the joint funding agreement, the city of Chattanooga is authorized to contribute a share of $107,464. The resolution was passed by the council without opposition following a motion and proper second.