SAGA OF A COASTAL LEVEE 1. VDD is Local Sponsor for the Federal - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

SAGA OF A COASTAL LEVEE

1. VDD is Local Sponsor for the Federal Levee System including 44 miles of levees, pump stations, Tidal Gate and drainage structures. 2. USACE accepted the System into the Federal System post-Carla with a $42 million project. Levee condition/design has not changed and has 3. been in compliance until standard changed post-Katrina in 2005.

 Early 2000’s Congress Authorized NFIP Re-Mapping  2004/2005 FEMA Came to Brazoria County/District  2005 KATRINA & RITA STORMS  2006/2011 KATRINA Impact on USACE & FEMA a) USACE-- More Stringent Standards b) FEMA – Certification or Levee Removed from Flood Maps 2006/2009 Drainage District Met With FEMA & USACE

2010/2014 District did the following: a) Retained Consultant (Lobbyist) b) Made 5 trips to Washington, DC c) Authorized $4.5 Million To Evaluate Levee Apr 2010 a) Authorized $1.5 Million To Evaluate Levee Mar 2011 a) FEMA Dropped “No Levee” Policy b) FEMA Would Develop Model Based Risk Assessment

 Fall 2011 USACE Continuing PL 84-99 Eligibility Inspection

 PL 84-99, Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (33 U.S.C. 701n) (Guidance in ER 500-1-1)  Allows Corps of Engineers to:  Provide disaster preparedness including coordination, planning and training with local, state and federal agencies.  Supplement State and Local entities in flood fighting  Rehabilitation of an eligible flood protection system  Federal systems are active in RIP upon completion  Non Federal systems become active in RIP after an acceptable rating on an Initial Eligibility Inspection  Continuing Eligibility Inspections conducted at minimum every two years

 Fall 2011 USACE Continuing PL 84-99 Eligibility Inspection  Nov 2011 USACE SWIF Program

SWIF applies to levee systems that are active in the RIP  SWIF is available for local sponsors of a system that receives an  unacceptable rating on a USACE inspection SWIF allows the Local Sponsor to remain eligible for rehabilitation  assistance while correcting unacceptable items. Sponsor submits a Letter of Intent  Commitment of “significant” resources  SWIF addresses systems worst deficiencies first  2 year initial extension evaluated yearly for progress 

 Fall 2011 USACE Continuing PL 84-99 Eligibility Inspection  Nov 2011 USACE SWIF Program  Nov 2011 FEMA Surge Results Available

Location of Cross Section

 Fall 2011 USACE Continuing Eligibility Inspection  Nov 2011 USACE SWIF Program  Nov 2011 FEMA Surge Results Available  Dec 2011 District Notified FEMA We Could Not Certify  Feb 2012 FEMA Notified District of Wave Run Up Results

 Feb 2012 District Authorized $3.O Million Study a) To Estimate Costs & Develop Time Line for Correcting Deficiencies. b) Determine Method of Funding c) Corrections Must be Acceptable to USACE and FEMA For Certification  Apr 2012 District Authorized COULWAVE to check FEMA Wave Run Up results.

 Aug 2012 USACE Periodic Inspection  Oct 2012 Results of USACE Inspection

The Freeport and Vicinity Levee System has been rated UNACCEPTABLE by the USACE.  1. Primary cause is shallow and deep slope stability along with potential under seepage.

Types of Slope Failures Shallow Slope Failure Levee Deep Slope Failure Levee

The Freeport and Vicinity Levee System has been rated UNACCEPTABLE by the USACE.  1. Primary cause is shallow and deep slope stability along with potential under seepage.  2. Three I-Walls with questionable ability to meet 100 year design storm loads.  3. Video documentation of concrete gate structures.  4. Encroachments

Aug 2012 USACE Periodic Inspection Oct 2012 Results of USACE Inspection Nov 2012 District Submitted SWIF Letter of Intent. Jan 2013 USACE Approved SWIF Letter Letter of Intent. USACE added Brazoria to Feasibility Study Aug 2013 Sold $6.4 Million Bonds Nov 2013 $80 Million Bond Election USACE RMC Risk Assessment

1. Must comply with USACE “Acceptable” rating  or fail to qualify for PL 84-99 Fed Funds in case of major storm damage to levees. 2. Must certify Levee System with FEMA to maintain  Zone X behind levees or risk some level of BFE behind levee with increased flood insurance cost. 3. Significant restrictions on Industrial, Commercial & Residential development. 4. Long Term Increased Risk Behind Levees if we do not fix the issues/deficiencies.

 PUBLIC SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE PRIORITY  RISK IS GREATER THAN HISTORICAL ACCEPTANCE  RISK MANAGEMENT IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY  FLOODING WILL HAPPEN  RISK ASSOCIATED WITH STORMS WILL VARY  LEVEES REDUCE THE RISK OF FLOODING  ACTIONS TAKEN WILL SAVE LIVES AND PROPERTY

1. Armor one or both sides of 8 miles of Barge Canal Levee.

1. Armor one or both sides of 8 miles of Barge Canal Levee. 2. Install Relief Wells as needed on Barge Canal Levee. 3. Decide on I-Wall fix, if needed, after USACE completes analysis.

CURRENT ESTIMATE FOR VDD IS $75-$80 MILLION USACE COST IS UNKOWN UNTIL SEVERAL STUDIES ARE COMPLETE INDUSTRY COST UNKNOWN

THE ONLY FUNDING METHOD IS BONDS VOTED ON BY COMMUNITY VDD CALLED BOND ELECTION FOR NOVEMBER 2013 PASSED 86/14

IF ENTIRE $80 MILLION IS USED ESTIMATED TAX WOULD BE $0.08/$100 EVALUATION $80/YEAR FOR $100,000 PROPERTY $160/YEAR FOR $200,000 PROPERTY

EXEMPTIONS $100,000 $200,000 __________________________________________ NONE $80/YR $160/YR HOMESTEAD(20%) $64/YR $128/YR HS & OVER 65/DA ZERO $48/YR

Seclusion Process in Brazoria County Texas FEMA Region 6 September 18, 2013

Status of Study • Preliminary Maps Basically Complete • Non-accredited Levees in County • Levee Analysis and Mapping Procedures (LAMP ) • In response to congressional request • Procedures developed • Pilot LAMP Projects Initiated 33

Seclusion • Process To Allow Flood Insurance Study to Proceed While LAMP Process Completed • Current Data Shown In Areas Protected By Levees • Current data used for insurance purposes • Note Placed in Levee Protected Area • Requires Concurrence of Impacted Communities 34

TO BE CONTINUED..

THE ONLY FUNDING METHOD IS BONDS VOTED ON BY COMMUNITY VDD CALLED BOND ELECTION FOR NOVEMBER 2013

THE ONLY FUNDING METHOD IS BONDS VOTED ON BY COMMUNITY VDD CALLED BOND ELECTION FOR NOVEMBER 2013 PASSED 86/14

 Results of USACE Inspection

 Results of USACE Inspection  Cost of Fix a) District Cost b) Local Industry Cost c) Federal Funding (If, How Much and When?)

 Results of USACE Inspection  Cost of Fix a) District Cost b) Local Industry Cost c) Federal Funding (If, How Much and When?)  Method of Funding a) Bond Election (Amount & Timing) b) Federal Interest

Sell $6.4 Million from ‘78 Bonds Authorize Engineering on Phase 1 Select Bond Advisory Committee Set November Bond Election Continue & Expand Pro-Active Strategy Continue Discussions with FEMA, COE, and Legislative Options

 1. Shallow Slope Stability  2. Deep Slope Stability  3. Under Seepage  4. Potential I-Wall Stability  5. Encroachments