Title
Consideration of and action on a resolution to authorize the submission of a Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Planning Grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) committing to provide the required cost share if awarded.
Body
The City of Deer Park is seeking approval to apply for a Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Planning Grant through FEMA to develop a comprehensive Flood Mitigation Plan. This plan will provide data-driven strategies to reduce the city’s flood risk and improve resiliency. The project will include field surveying, engineering evaluation, benefit-cost analysis, and project identification to support future flood mitigation efforts. The final report will serve as a foundation for securing additional funding for identified projects in future grant cycles.
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 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.
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.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
The City’s 25% responsibility equals to $243,639.37 funded through series 2022 General Obligation Bond Fund.
Recommended action
Approve the resolution to authorize the submission of a Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Planning Grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) committing to provide the required cost.