Mingo Creek, Tulsa Oklahoma

Dangerous and costly flash floods in Tulsa, Oklahoma resulted in deaths, injuries, and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Mingo Creek was a flood control priority waterway for the city to reduce damage and flood risk. The Tulsa Department of Stormwater Management implemented a voluntary acquisition program by purchasing flooded properties and began floodplain restoration. The city has purchased over 900 vulnerable properties since 1984. The floodplain area has been converted into greenways like landscaped buffers and detention basins for flood control and recreation. This project has also improved water quality, provided habitat for wildlife, and reduced flooding damage costs.