City council reviews flooding issues and drainage solutions on Harvey Street

During the Newcastle City Council meeting on May 12, 2025, significant discussions centered around addressing persistent drainage issues affecting local businesses, particularly along Murphy Street and Harvey Street. Council members highlighted the urgent need for improvements to prevent flooding, which has previously forced businesses to close temporarily.

A key point raised was the ongoing engineering study funded by the Chickasaw Nation and the Corps of Engineers, aimed at developing a long-term solution for the drainage problems in the area. Council members expressed optimism that this study would lead to effective measures to manage water flow and protect local businesses from future flooding.

Concerns were also voiced about previous interactions with contractors and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), where drainage issues were dismissed as outside the scope of discussions. This has led to frustration among council members, who emphasized that flooding directly impacts the community and local economy.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between city officials and state agencies to ensure that infrastructure improvements are prioritized. As the city moves forward with the engineering study, there is hope for a comprehensive plan that will safeguard businesses and enhance the overall resilience of the area against flooding.