Utilization, planning, and problem evaluations of urban arterial waterways and corridors as an urban resource.

Abstract

Widespread concern about flooding and possible use of the nation's urban river corridors has generated unprecedented interest in the potential for utilization of urban riverine corridors while simultaneously protecting the environment. This research effort is directed toward the development of a conceptualized plan to utilize the arterial waterways and intermittent streams as a resource and an asset to the community, so that existing problem areas can be economically transferred into useful and feasible activity centers. Flooding problems and methods of flood mitigation, both structural and non-structural are presented. Physical effects of certain practices, such as sand mining and its effect upon flooding, sedimentation, river regime changes, erosion and backwater are also presented. A river corridor plan is invoked on the basis of a study of the soil, topography, vegetation, hydrology and cultural features assembled and an array of potential benefits from reclaiming the corridors presented. A multi-purpose, multiple-approach river corridor plan strategy has been developed and general application to riverine corridor areas has been made.