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As floodwaters in various spots and communities in Clarksville slowly receded following the late February rain event , attention to the issue of repeated flooding in these areas – once again – receded as well.

Time after time, high water from rainfall has been an issue across Clarksville and Montgomery County, each generating another wave of comments about excess development, too much concrete, global warming/climate change, local government greediness, state government ineptitude, developer and home builder sins and poor planning on the part of whomever it is plans these things.

Each event seems to be greeted with wide-eyed shock at the outset until media and memories catch up with reality and history. But then, the issue as a media menu item recedes. The issue of home damage and disruption to lives gets plopped squarely on the lap of the homeowners, almost with a “Gosh, your damn bad luck!” said with gleeful relief on the part any who might have a presumed role in visibility, mitigation or recovery.

And then, no one other than affected property owners think about it again until the next flooding event.

It’s not my contention that City of Clarksville, or Montgomery County, nor State of Tennessee should bail out (no pun intended) homeowners or businesses affected by one-time or repeated flooding.

It is my contention that City of Clarksville, Montgomery County and the State of Tennessee (in appropriate organizations) should understand the issue in detail but do not currently understand the issue in detail.

Simple fact: Such flooding in Clarksville and Montgomery County will continue absent any coordinated plan based on understanding of the issue.

I’m not convinced that, after days of searching City of Clarksville, Montgomery County nor State of Tennessee records, there is a single, current and understandable account of how the geology and geography of our area in Middle Tennessee might impact future development and the creation of even more “at risk” areas.

Prove me wrong. But do so also with citations to policies or programs that are both funded and enforced.

Full reveal: I live in the Stones Manor community off Rossview Road. I selected my home because it was on a hill. Before I arrived in Tennessee (this time) I lived on a hill about 200 yards off the Atlantic Ocean. I like to live on hills. My home in Clarksville has never been at risk of flooding. High winds and tornadoes, yes, but not flooding.