Mitigation is a mind set

1. Mitigation is a mind set

2. Storage in the basement

3. Mitigation funds will not solve all of your problems. • Limited amount of funds • Some projects too big • Some projects too small • Some don’t qualify under the rules

4. FEMA 4116 • $30 million in HMGP • $250 million in applications • Our priority is purchasing substantially damaged homes.

5. Advanced Assistance and Preaward Costs • Funding to provide resources to develop mitigation strategies and obtain data to develop complete applications. • PreAward Costs are eligible IF your project is approved.

6. Benefit Cost Changes • Waiver on Benefit Cost for: • Homes in mapped floodplain • Below the base flood elevation • Acquistions up to $276,000 • Elevations up to $175,000 • Credit for environmental benefits

7. Applications • Must get complete applications • Time frame for responses

8. Types of Applications • More Small Structural projects • More non-flooding projects

9. Success ! • Grafton – From one of the most flood prone towns in the United States to a town with minimal risk.

10. Why Mitigate?

11. Levees Dry Flood proofing Acquisitions Detention Ponds Public Education Inlet Control Valves Methods to Mitigate Floods Wet Floodproofing Regulations (NFIP) Elevations

12. Regulations • Support your floodplain coordinator • Mitigating existing structures will have a minimum impact if new structures are built in the floodplain.

14. Levees • Can protect large numbers of people • Extremely expensive to build and maintain. • Environmental costs can be very high. Levees can destroy wetlands and habitat.

15. Levees • Building levees can cause an increase of flooding downstream. Water does not go away.

16. Levees • Encourages a false sense of security, which leads to greater development in floodprone areas. • During the 1993 flood 800 of the 1,400 levees failed.

17. Levees • Levees tend to trap floodwaters behind them, prolonging period of flooding. • Loss of the river’s amenities – No view, more difficult to access.

18. ACQUISTIONS “BUYOUTS”Construction / Destruction / Reconstruction

19. Acquisition Before

20. Acquisition After

21. Acquisitions • Priority for Illinois 3000+ structures bought in last 18 years. • Proven Success • Independent studies - $4 saved for every $1 spent. • Owners receive pre-flood fair market value • Duplication of Benefits are deducted

22. Acquisitions • If the property is purchased post-flood, they only get the purchase price. Foreclosed properties only get the foreclosed amount. • All participation is voluntary • Structure is demolished and the jurisdiction owns the property as open space. • Deed restrictions prevent future development

23. Problems with Acquisition • Takes too long to implement • Potential loss of tax base • Continued maintenance of acquired properties

24. Elevations • Can be more cost-effective than acquisitions • Best in areas with development pressure • Best in areas with shallow flooding • Remain in your home

25. Elevations • Cost of elevating the structure - $20,000 + • With flood insurance there is potential funding from the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) $30,000

26. Temptation to use the lower space • Visual appeal • Circumstances change, climbing stairs can be a burden

27. Flood heights vary; it can still flood. • Potentially inaccessible during flood

28. Detention basin

29. Wet Floodproofing • Assumes water will get into the building • Limits use of area • Protects by elevating appliances, electrical devices, water heater, etc. • Uses water-resistant materials below the flood line. • Can be very cheap and effective.

30. Wet Floodproofing

31. Project Requirements • Project must have positive Benefit / Cost ratio. • No environmental issues • Federal programs pay 75% of total cost. • Jurisdiction must be in good standing with the Flood Insurance Program • A mitigation plan is required.