Title
Consideration of and action on the adoption of a resolution by the City Council of the City of Deer Park, Texas, authorizing the submission of a flood mitigation assistance (FMA) planning grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and committing to provide the required local cost share if awarded.
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Summary:
The City previously submitted a Project Scoping subapplication under the FY 2024 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program through the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). On April 30, 2026, FEMA reissued the FY 2024 FMA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which reopened the application cycle. As a procedural requirement of that action, FEMA administratively rejected all previously submitted applications, including Deer Park's. This rejection does not reflect the quality or merit of the City's original submission; all communities are required to resubmit under the updated NOFO.
Staff is recommending Council authorize resubmission of the Project Scoping subapplication through TWDB for the reopened FY 2024 FMA cycle. The application deadline is August 6, 2026. The FMA program provides up to 75% federal cost share for eligible flood mitigation activities, with project scoping subapplications capped at $900,000 in federal funds. Resubmission allows Deer Park to continue pursuing funding to identify and develop future flood risk reduction projects that benefit NFIP-insured properties within the community.
Deer Park has a history of significant flooding, with impacts from hurricanes and severe storms over the past 30 years. The city’s relatively flat topography, multiple bayous and drainage ditches, and location within two distinct drainage watersheds contribute to its flood risk. The city contains areas within the floodway, 100-year floodplain, and 500-year floodplain, which heightens the need for a strategic approach to flood mitigation. The city’s Hazard Mitigation Plan acknowledges the potential need for a Flood Mitigation Plan, and this grant provides an opportunity to move forward with that initiative.
The proposed project will begin with the solicitation of a grant administrator and engineering team to oversee planning activities. Once under contract, the engineering team will conduct a field survey to collect finished floor elevations (FFE) for approximately 1,061 single-family residential and other structures within the city. The survey will also include stormwater infrastructure elements necessary for engineering analysis. Following data collection, an engineering evaluation will produce a report with graphical representations of flood zones, property elevations, and base flood elevations, as well as a list of potential flood mitigation projects. A benefit-cost analysis will then be conducted to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed projects. The final report will provide the city with actionable recommendations for flood mitigation and serve as the basis for future grant applications.
The collection of finished floor elevations for approximately 1,061 single-family residential and other structures will provide the city with elevation certificates for these properties. Having accurate elevation data is a key component in the Community Rating System (CRS) program, which rewards communities that implement proactive floodplain management practices. A more favorable CRS rating can lead to increased flood insurance discounts for property owners in Deer Park, reducing financial burdens associated with flood insurance premiums. This effort aligns with the city's goal of improving flood resilience while providing direct economic benefits to residents.
Additionally, this study will position the city to apply for future grant funding to implement flood mitigation projects identified in the final report. By establishing a data-driven approach, Deer Park will be well-prepared to submit competitive applications for funding opportunities that support infrastructure improvements. Potential projects that could result from this plan include enhancements to street drainage, bayou improvements, and localized mitigation measures such as home elevations or property buyouts. Securing funding for these projects will enable the city to reduce future flood risks and enhance long-term community resilience.
Approval of this grant application will allow the city to take a proactive approach to flood mitigation by gathering essential data and identifying viable projects. The final plan will position the city to seek additional funding opportunities to implement flood mitigation measures that reduce future flood risk and enhance community resilience.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
The estimated budget for this project is $974,557.50. FEMA will provide 75% of the funding, or $730,918.13, while the city will be responsible for a 25% local match, totaling $243,639.37. The project will span 17 months from the award notification, with key milestones including contractor procurement, data collection, engineering evaluation, project identification, and grant closeout. The city will oversee project management tasks until a grant administrator is in place, at which point the administrator will handle all grant-related management and reporting responsibilities.
Recommended action
Approve the resolution authorizing the submission of a FMA planning grant application to FEMA and committing to provide the required local cost share if awarded.