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Project Map

Recent Updates

The Mobile District and the City of Atlanta are hosting a in-person public meeting at the WAWA Outdoor Activity Center (1442 Richland Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310) on September 25, 2025, from 5-8 pm EST. The intent of this meeting is to provide the public with background on the study, help the public access the project website and report, and provide the public with guidance on how to submit a meaningful public comment.

Project Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mobile District, in partnership with the City of Atlanta, Georgia (the Non-Federal Sponsor), conducted this study to evaluate the feasibility of restoring Utoy Creek in Atlanta, Georgia. The NFS has identified that increased urbanization in and around the Watershed has contributed to significant degradation of the creek due to increased water flows. Key stressors affecting the Watershed include bank failures, erosive channel velocities, sedimentation, loss of aquatic habitats, episodic flooding, and blockages that hinder aquatic life passage. The purpose of this study is to assess the existing conditions of the Main, South, and North branches of the Watershed and formulate alternatives that contribute to National Economic Restoration while ensuring environmental protection. Ecological goals for restoration were developed based on the current state of the Watershed. The primary objective is to transform UC into a vibrant, sustainable ecosystem that supports a resilient habitat for native species. The team also identified potential watershed restoration actions to achieve these restoration goals.

Project Status

In 1983, a Reconnaissance Study was conducted by the USACE, Mobile District to examine flooding problems; however, that investigation found limited flood damages that could not justify further consideration.  In 1994, a House Resolution authorized study of watersheds in the Metro Atlanta area to address water quality and flooding associated with stormwater runoff, including identification and evaluation of environmental infrastructure and resource protection needs. This authorization included Utoy Creek and other neighboring creeks. A Reconnaissance Report was prepared per Section 905(b) of WRDA of 1986 recommending further detailed study, but the City of Atlanta declined to continue the study at the time.  In 2017, the City of Atlanta, Department of Watershed Management, analyzed UC’s watershed conditions and developed a Watershed Improvement Plan (WIP) (Department of Watershed Management, 2017). This study identified potential hydrologic restoration actions, along with their associated construction costs and retention volumes. The WIP proposed several restoration actions, including detention/retention and the use of green infrastructure.

Past Meetings

A stakeholder planning charette meeting was held on May 30, 2023, at the City of Atlanta office building located at 72 Marietta SW Street from 1 pm to 4 pm (eastern time). A Public Meeting was held on June 27, 2024, from 6-8 pm EST at the Providence Missionary Baptist Church in SW Atlanta, Georgia.

Upcoming Meetings

The Mobile District and the City of Atlanta are hosting a virtual public meeting September 11, 2025, from 6-8 pm EST. The intent of this meeting is to provide the public with background on the study, help the public access the project website and report, and provide the public with guidance on how to submit a meaningful public comment.