Description

1) Managing Colorado’s Flood Risk Using Enhanced Technology/Datasets for Outreach and Mitigation
Marta Blanco Castaño, GISP, CFM, Colorado Water Conservation Board, marta.blancocastano@state.co.us
Co-presenters: Chris Ide, christopher.ide@wsp.com

Abstract: We will provide an overview on identifying flood risk using new advancements in geospatial technology combined with communication outreach and mitigation project assistance. Over the last few years, Colorado has developed a comprehensive terrain dataset with full statewide coverage. Using this data in conjunction with FEMA’s stream inventory needs and status database, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has developed a strategy to focus mapping efforts for the future, including identification of fluvial hazards, 2D Base Level Engineering (BLE), and 3D flood data visualization. Not only are flood delineations across the entire landscape more accurate, but the data is driving enhancements to community outreach and mitigation. Leveraging statewide 2D BLE floodplains, WSP and CWCB have recently developed a web-based Flood Risk Information System (FRIS) pilot web-application that provides different risk components of flood hazards as well as exposures and vulnerability information by community. This pilot FRIS contains both public-facing and stakeholder-only accessible data. FRIS contains two modules. The first is a core FRIS page demonstrating potential flooding in a 3D environment, and the other is a “Real Time” data dashboard including: weather/flooding prediction and warnings, socioeconomic impacts of flooding, and other similar functionality focused on hazard mitigation, preparedness, and resiliency. CWCB and WSP have also partnered in the Mitigation Technical Assistance Pilot program, a CWCB initiative leveraging FEMA funding to aid communities in performing some technical aspects of investigating potential mitigation projects in their communities. These projects are typically stormwater related projects identified as Areas of Mitigation Interest either during the Risk MAP process or through a Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, and involves additional modeling and engineering analyses to identify potential alternatives to problem areas. This presentation will give an update on CWCB’s program vision, and how statewide data is being used to drive mitigation in communities.

2) Delaware's Flood Planning Tool: A flood and coastal hazards reference tool
Jennifer Pongratz, CFM, DE Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, jennifer.pongratz@delaware.gov
Co-presenters: Gina Tonn, PhD, PE, CFM, gtonn@verdantas.com

Abstract: The Delaware Flood Planning Tool is an interactive web mapping application designed to aid in researching flood risk in the State of Delaware. It is intended to provide floodplain managers, insurance agents, developers, real estate agents, engineers, surveyors, local planners, and citizens with an effective means by which to make informed decisions about the degree of flood risk for a specific property. Map features are connected to geospatial databases that may be queried to obtain flood risk information. This presentation will give a brief history of how the tool was built and will highlight recent updates to the tool. It will walk through how to access and apply the information that is available through the tool, such as floodplain maps, LOMAs, LOMRs, advisory flood heights, topographic contours, sea level rise inundation areas, hydraulic models and other state regulatory information.

3) Outreach and Governance Best Practices Across Four Regions in Texas
Shonda Mace, Texas General Land Office, shonda.mace.glo@recovery.texas.gov
Co-presenters: Stephen Tolbert

Abstract: The Texas General Land Office (GLO) launched the River Basin Flood Studies (RBFS) in the 49 counties which received a presidential disaster declaration due to the impact of Hurricane Harvey plus 4 counties in the Lower Rio Grande Valley that received a presidential declaration for flooding in 2015. GLO’s role is to connect communities susceptible to floods with experts, flood models, and mitigation grant opportunities to help prioritize and plan flood mitigation projects. Through community engagement and coordination across the RBFS regions in Texas, the GLO is aggregating data about flood challenges to deploy local and national resources to foster flood resilience in Texas. As the study progresses, the GLO has continued to evolve and refine its outreach strategies to help Texas’ coastal communities. The study areas consist of diverse stakeholders including underserved communities, rural, urban, and a wide range of political landscapes. The study’s stakeholders have unique needs and often juggle multiple priorities. The following best practices for stakeholder engagement were implemented:

• Expand Existing Community Relationships – The GLO has deep roots within the communities in each study area. By leveraging the existing relationships GLO has established, the RBFS teams have become known and trusted resources throughout coastal Texas.
• Maintain Stakeholder Momentum – Consistent stakeholder engagement is needed through each phase across the study. We have implemented strategies to continue engagement with stakeholders to maintain connections, sustain momentum, and constantly provide value to communities.
• Establish Community Driven Governance Groups – The effectiveness of the study is dependent on how successfully we partner with our stakeholders. Our team has built stakeholder advisory groups to help review and contribute to our modeling processes and mitigation strategies. The GLO and the team of outreach professionals want to share the new challenges encountered and best practices for maintaining stakeholder momentum during a multiyear, complex flood study.