History of Hocking River
Discover the Hocking River’s history, funding details, and the Athens Local Protection Project’s initiatives for operating and maintaining the project.
March 13, 1907
The highest flood of record for the Hocking River occurred, reaching a crest stage of 26.7 feet in Athens.
1888
The Hocking Valley Watershed has had numerous reports, studies, and mapping of the Hocking River and its tributaries conducted to review the need for navigation, dams, and reservoirs, along with any channel improvements that would reduce flooding.
1889
A study of the Coolville area for the possibility of commercial navigation to the mouth of the Hocking River.
August 1948
A notable study of the Hocking River occurred to determine improvements for flood control, water conservation, domestic water use, and allied purposes at and in the vicinity of Athens, Ohio.
August 1950
Another notable study of the Hocking River occurred.
June 1956
Yet another study of the Hocking River occurred.
1963
Notable floods occurred.
December 13, 1963
The Court ordered the creation and incorporation of the Hocking Conservancy District.
1964
Notable floods occurred.
June 1965
The Official Plan for the Hocking Conservancy District was adopted.
1968
Notable floods occurred.
1972
The Athens Local Protection Project (ALPP) was completed in cooperation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers at a cost of $10 million of federal, state, and local funds.
1972-2021
The Corps of Engineers annually tracked the value of flood damages prevented by the Athens Local Protection Project, with cumulative damages prevented exceeding $186 million dollars, updated to reflect property values in 2008.