Upper Turkey Creek Project

The first steps are underway in reducing flood risk in downtown Merriam!

In June 2022, City Councilmembers approve a design agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The agreement was signed by Mayor Bob Pape and Col. Travis Rayfield to start the design phase of the Upper Turkey Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project, including preconstruction and engineering design.

Over the next three to four years, the Corps will determine how to best construct flood walls and levees along two miles of Turkey Creek, from Shawnee Mission Parkway to Merriam Drive.

We'll work closely with our partners at Johnson County and the Corps on the next steps and keep you informed of project happenings. 

How We Got Here

• An Upper Turkey Creek Feasibility Plan was approved in 2015.
• In March 2022, Congress approved $500,000 for the Upper Turkey Creek Project. Another $23.9 million in funding also was approved in the Infrastructure bill. A majority of that funding will go toward construction.

Recent Documents

April 2022 - Kickoff Presentation(PDF, 13MB)

June 2022 - UTC Design Agreement(PDF, 626KB)  

2015 Upper Turkey Creek Study

Civil Works Review Board Presentation(PDF, 3MB)

Upper Turkey Creek Chiefs Report(PDF, 311KB)

Upper Turkey Creek Study(PDF, 10MB)

2015 Upper Turkey Creek drone video.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the design process take?
It can take up to two years to design the Upper Turkey Creek project.

When will construction start?
We expect a possible 2026-2027 construction start date.

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