Description

1) Vermont’s Flood Resilient Communities Fund Mitigation Program
Rebecca Pfeiffer, CFM, State of Vermont Rivers Program, rebecca.pfeiffer@vermont.gov
Co-presenters: Stephanie Smith, stephanie.a.smith@vermont.gov

Abstract: While FEMA HMA grant opportunities have been successful at helping Vermont acquire and mitigate flood-prone properties, there are many homes and flood-prone properties that we have not been able to mitigate. In Vermont, many homes and buildings are at great risk of flood-related erosion (where streams may move or avulse during flood events) but are located outside of the FEMA-mapped SFHA. This type of flood damage often cannot be addressed through traditional FEMA HMA grants. With flood-related erosion, a stream may be within a few feet of a home or building, putting that building at risk of being washed away in the next flood. With the use of ARPA funding, the Governor and the Vermont Legislature identified the need for a more tailored flood mitigation program - one that would help bridge the gaps in our existing flood mitigation program. In the spring of 2021, the Flood Resilient Communities Fund (FRCF) was created to allow for projects to: 1) fund the buyout of buildings at risk of flood related erosion or other flood-prone structures not eligible for FEMA HMA grants, 2) help facilitate the purchase of at-risk parcels before homes have been placed, and 3) help fund projects meant to protect, restore, or enhance natural floodplain functions to promote climate resiliency. The FRCF has also identified two additional key priorities: helping to facilitate relocation for socially vulnerable Vermonters, and to prioritize projects that support environmental justice and social equity. This presentation will introduce attendees to the type of flood mitigation projects highlighted by this new program. In addition, attendees will learn about the efforts and tools to help guide the program to promote the key priorities of social equity, supporting socially vulnerable Vermonters, and promoting climate resiliency. Please join us to learn more about our new mitigation program!

2) Proactive Mitigation: Funding Flood Protection Planning Projects in Texas
Malcolm Hamilton, PE, Texas Water Development Board, malcolm.hamilton@twdb.texas.gov
Co-presenters: Samantha Humphrey, PCED, Chambers County, Texas, shumphrey@chamberstx.gov; Matt Lewis, P.E., CFM, Freese and Nichols, matt.lewis@freese.com; David Rivera, PhD, PE, CFM, Freese and Nichols, Inc., David.Rivera@freese.com

Abstract: In the wake of historic flooding in Texas, the 86th Texas Legislature passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects. While many of the program’s projects are continuing their important work, we will reflect on the grant management process and developing policies and procedures for a new state-funding program. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will provide an overview of the FIF program and its goals with a focus on Watershed Studies, also identified as Category 1 projects, including The Flood Intended Use Plan, project eligibility requirements, and prioritization criteria. TWDB will present case studies from its 46 Category 1 projects to demonstrate the range of flood planning Scope of Works, such as data collection, stakeholder engagement, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and alternative project identification. This presentation will demonstrate how the results of FIF Category 1 projects will be integrated into TWDB’s regional flood plans and into Texas’ eventual state flood plan. This session is intended to be a companion to Reem Zoun’s (TWDB), which will provide an overview of findings from Texas' first cycle of statewide regional flood planning.

3) Planning at Sea: Nantucket’s Coastal Resilience Plan Paves the Way for Action
Devon McKaye, CFM, Arcadis, devon.mckaye@arcadis.com
Co-presenters: None

Abstract: On Nantucket, an island about 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, coastal storms are increasing in frequency and intensity, bringing the impacts of storm surge to the front doors of Nantucketers. Erosion of the Island’s bluffs, dunes, and beaches is becoming more rapid with sea level rise, threatening homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. To build a resilient future that embodies Nantucket’s unique history and built heritage, supports healthy coastal and ecological resources, and bolsters thriving communities, a comprehensive, adaptable, and community-supported approach is necessary. During this presentation, the project team for Nantucket’s first Coastal Resilience plan will share how the Town & County of Nantucket laid the foundation for an actionable resilience plan and how they’ve taken meaningful steps to reduce their flood risk since the plan was released. The presentation will highlight the innovative components of Nantucket’s approach, including the meaningful consideration of managed retreat and relocation, and delve into the practical steps they’ve taken to build staff capacity, establish an advisory committee, engage State and private partners, establish a dedicated funding source, and prioritize resilience building projects. It takes more than a plan to become resilient. This presentation will tell the story of how, over time, Nantucket has built the community support, municipal capacity and technical resources needed to move from planning for resilience to taking action. Lessons-learned throughout this process are widely applicable to other communities navigating their way through how to tangibly build resilience.