Description

1) How to Find the Biggest Bang for Your Mitigation Buck: Mitigation Project Designer Update
Lawrence Frank, CFM, AICP, PMP, Atkins, lawrence.frank@atkinsglobal.com
Co-presenters: Richard Passarelli; richard.passarelli@atkinsglobal.com

Abstract: This session provides an update on the functionality and progress of FEMA’s Mitigation Project Designer (MPD), an interactive decision-support tool for flood mitigation decision-making. MPD allows communities to weigh the Return on Investment (ROI) of various flood mitigation projects and quickly and iteratively answer the question, is it worth it? Using location-specific flood and structure data, MPD provides quick cost projections to help communities compare between projects, identify groupings of projects, and forecast the long-term savings of investments before disasters strike. Updates showcased in this session will include a web-based prototype with 3-D visualization capabilities, the automatic identification of mitigation clusters—locations where nearby projects get the best “bang for your mitigation buck”—and the ability to utilize different flood loss methods, including climate and Sea Level Rise projections, in the ROI calculations. The session is designed for community stakeholders and technical experts alike and will walk-through various uses cases of the tool, such as best leveraging a grant with a specific budget or assisting with outreach during the mitigation planning process. The session will also cover the future direction of the project, including efforts to include green infrastructure and improved building code scenarios, and will discuss how the tool will fit within the broader OpenHazus framework.

2) Predicting Interior Flooding: Building an Integrated Flood Model for Washington, DC
Christine Estes, PE, PMP, CFM, AECOM, christine.estes@aecom.com
Co-presenters: Benita Lily Cheng, LEED AP, CPHD, DC Department of Energy & Environment, Lily.Cheng@dc.gov

Abstract: Washington, DC is uniquely situated at the confluence of two tidal rivers and is vulnerable to flooding from three different sources: riverine, tidal/coastal storm surge, and interior. In 2022, the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) with the AECOM Team started work on designing, building, and providing an Integrated Flood Model (IFM) for the District. This model will display the depth and extent of flooding from the three sources of flooding as a result of various scenarios. As the climate changes, all three types of flooding in the District are intensifying. Over recent years, the District has experienced more frequent short intense storms that produce greater rainfall than the city’s stormwater pipe system can handle, causing significant interior flooding. DOEE is trying to better understand interior flooding risk throughout the city with the IFM, and better predict where this flooding will occur in the future. The IFM will provide District residents a better picture of their flood risk as well as help DOEE prioritize where flood mitigation efforts should be directed. The IFM will be used to design and test solutions to reduce flood risk throughout the city. In a later phase of the project, floodshed management plans will be developed to target neighborhood-level mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce flood risk. DOEE is looking for greener, more equitable, and economically sound flood risk reduction solutions. This presentation will review the goals and objectives of the IFM and describe the contracting approach, implementation plan, and technical approach. We will also present progress to date including the establishment of a Model Advisory Group, recommendations for model scenarios, and development of a system architecture document. Finally, we will discuss next steps and a timeline for the IFM.

3) Using Annualized Losses To Create A Flood Mitigation Capital Improvement Plan
Adam Reeder, P.E., CFM, CDM Smith, reederaj@cdmsmith.com
Co-presenters: Joshua Soper soperjj@cdmsmith.com

Abstract:While owners may recognize that they have a flood risk to multiple buildings or facilities subject to different flood sources, it is often difficult to determine the prioritization of flood mitigation projects. This process becomes more daunting when climate change is altering flood risk over time. Although it is a common approach, evaluating just the 1% annual change flood may not provide an accurate understanding of the risk. Annualized losses likely provide a more complete picture of the more frequent, less severe events and the less frequent, more severe events. However, this can be a complex process and not easily understood by many owners. Budget limitations may also add an addition complication since cost and risk reduction must be balanced. Whether owners are considering self-funding or applying for grants to complete their mitigation goals, it is important that they can understand and appropriately plan for mitigation projects. The presentation will discuss an automated optimization strategy which maximizes risk reduction, while considering budget constraints. Consideration of the year-on-year change in risk is an important factor in determining whether or not to delay or expedite certain projects. The results from the proposed approach will provide owners with an initial capital improvement plan that will help them understand when various buildings should be mitigated and outline funding needs through the planning horizon. An optimization method allows owners to balance risk reduction and funding limitations as well as other constraints to tackle the daunting process of planning for climate change. Examples and decision points will be discussed in order to help attendees understand the development of the methodology.