By Akima Garner, Washington University Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement 2026 St. Louis FellowFor residents near Ulena Avenue, heavy rain has led to water pooling in yards, seeping towards garages, and threatening the homes that families have built their lives around. That kind of overland flooding is exactly what the new Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) projects are designed to stop.On Wednesday, June 10th, MSD officially broke ground on a new stormwater project along Ulena Avenue and Walsh Street. The Stormwater Improvement Project marks an important milestone as the first project funded by Proposition S (Prop S).  A voter-approved measure dedicated to improving stormwater infrastructure across the St. Louis region.An excavator officially breaks the soil in the ceremonial ground breaking. A Project Rooted in Community NeedThe Ulena Avenue area had been experiencing overland flooding, where rainwater ponds and pools in areas that are normally dry. According to Bess McCoy, MSD’s Manager of Public Affairs, the project directly addresses concerns raised through community reports and local investigations. Workers will install 150 feet of new underground storm sewer pipe and drains designed to alleviate flooding during typical rain events.She further clarified that the project was selected because its smaller scale allowed it to move quickly through design and easement acquisition, directly getting relief to residents faster. With a budget of $170,000, the work is expected to protect two to three homes and structures. Construction is anticipated to take approximately six months. Since Ulena Avenue is a dead-end street with a limited number of affected properties, overall community disruption should be minimal. Contractors will work directly with impacted homeowners throughout the process.What Local Leaders Are SayingThe groundbreaking drew elected officials who see this project as more than an infrastructure repair.  Missouri State Senator Karla May spoke, “We’re going to pass along to our next generation a better infrastructure. I am excited about the project and the positive impact on the community as a whole.”McCoy echoed that sentiment, acknowledging the significant work that still lies ahead while expressing MSD’s commitment to seeing it through. The goal, she said, is a St. Louis where flooding no longer puts residents’ homes and safety at risk.Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District workers in front of siteThe Bigger PictureWhile the Stormwater Improvement Project may appear small in scale, it demonstrates the larger regional effort to rethink how St. Louis prepares for storm events. Through Prop S, MSD and its regional partners are demonstrating a shared commitment to improving stormwater infrastructure and protecting residents from flooding. The City of St. Louis is playing its part too, through its partnership with the Stormwater Task Force. “Working with the Stormwater Task Force is a huge and very importan 

Author