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Flooding may be a real hazard in your area of town. Properties near the Saline River, McNeil Creek, Depot Creek, Salt Creek, Hurricane Creek, and Willow Depot Creek are most susceptible to inundation during the 100-year flood event. Heavy rains in 1978, and 2008 caused flooding and damage to buildings within these areas. What You Can Do:
During A Flood Watch:
During A Flood - Flood Safety:
The above information is presented in an effort to remind all residents
that flooding is a real hazard during the winter rainy season. Additional
information regarding flood hazards in Benton, and possible floodproofing
measures for structures, may be found at the Saline County Library, and on
the City’s website. Should you have any specific questions regarding
the FIRM, please call the Public Community Development at 776-5996. Maintaining safety and preventing flood damage in the City of Benton requires that the government and the citizens work together to keep the city prepared for a flood.
Obtain permits before building: Development in the City of Benton is carefully regulated, and any construction that takes place, inside or outside the building, requires permits from the City. In the Special Flood Hazard Areas, special rules apply that require new developments be protected from flood damage, elevating their lowest level above the base flood elevation. They may be required to be anchored to prevent lateral movement in the case of flooding. These rules also apply to any substantial improvements to buildings or repairs to any substantially damaged buildings. A substantial improvement is defined as an improvement or repair worth 50% of the original building’s value. If you have any questions about permits or whether you need permits, call the Community Development Department at 501-776-5938. To see the specific regulations pertaining to flooding, see the Benton Ordinance No. 18 of 2008.
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Notice to all
Benton residents
The Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is the area subject to inundation by
a 100-year flood, as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
compiled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This notice is
designed to make you more aware of local flood hazards, the need to keep
flood insurance in force, and other topics related to flood preparedness.
Please take a few minutes to review all of the items presented and
determine what actions you may need to take in order to protect yourself.
Do not dump or throw anything into drainage ditches or streams: Not only
is it a violation of City codes, it is the primary source of flood
occurrences in Benton. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate
and plug channels and outfall structures. Blocked drainage ways simply
cannot carry water, and when it rains the water has to go somewhere. Every
piece of litter contributes to flooding. It also helps to clean drains
around your home, including roof gutters, downspouts, drain inlets, pipes,
drainage ditches and driveway culverts. If you discover a drainage course
that is not functioning, please contact the City’s Street Department at
(501) 776-5990. To see the specific regulations, see the Benton Ordinances
No. 6 of 1998, No. 2 of 2006, and No. 45 of 2008.
Recognize the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains:
Understanding and preserving these areas provides many benefits to the
city, including flood protection. These areas spread out floodwaters,
reducing their velocity and thus erosion damage, as well as collecting
silt and sediments from upstream. They also act as a non-damaging location
for floodwaters to drain to, thus reducing property damage. Furthermore,
these areas add to the beauty of our town and give an opportunity for
wildlife to grow for mutual benefit. 
