A comprehensive approach to flood hazard management planning
provides for a better understanding of the river, streams and watersheds in
Redmond. This ensures that flooding problems are not simply transferred to
another location within the basin, but are addressed in a comprehensive, basin-wide manner. This approach directs future flood hazard management
expenditures in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
A Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan is a planning
document that gathers information about existing streams, rivers, land uses, and
regulations related to flood hazard reduction; identifies goals for flood hazard
reduction consistent with the needs of residents, businesses, and neighboring
jurisdictions; and identifies flood hazards, evaluates alternative solutions and
makes recommendations for future projects or program modifications to address
these hazards. The CFHMP is produced in accordance with guidance from the
Department of Ecology to make it eligible for FCAAP funding.
The Department of Ecology provides financial assistance for
flood control through the Washington State’s Flood Control Assistance Account
Program. More information about FCAAP can be found at:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/grants/fcaap/index.html.
By developing and adopting this plan, the City of Redmond
will most efficiently and effectively use Stormwater Utility fees to construct
projects to help prevent impacts from floods. The plan also makes the City
eligible for other grants for construction of these projects. By funding
projects through grants, the City is able to use utility fees for other
projects.
One of the goals of this project is to take the steps needed to allow the City
of Redmond to enter into FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP)
Community Rating
System (CRS). The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and
encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum
NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to
reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the
three goals of the CRS: (1) reduce flood losses; (2) facilitate accurate
insurance rating; and (3) promote the awareness of flood insurance. If the City
can successfully complete all the requirements, then flood insurance policy
holders will see a reduction in their insurance premiums.
See information about the project schedule
here.
An important part of this project is the Citizen Advisory
Committee. More information is here.
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