09-17-07 Meeting of Drainage and Flooding Committee

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storm and flood waters can also be used as athletic tields and parks. In many cases, the renewal of a flood -blighted waterfront can stimulate economic rede- velopment and tourism. • Measures that will achieve the most public good are those that prevent an increase in flood risk. They keep future devel- opment out of flood hazard areas with zoning ordinances, subdivision regu- lations, and other codes. They should also control water runoff from other developing areas. • Measures that achieve the most public goodwill are those that reduce the exposure of existing development to flood risk and that provide amenities to the community. These include controlling flood waters, raising some structures above projected flood levels, or removing others from the floodplain. • Many state, federal, and private groups specialize in certain flood loss reduction measures. It is possible to capitalize on the help that is available. See the list of sources at the end of this guidebook. BUILD SUPPORT BY PROMOTING FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT You will be WHO TO INVOLVE? The process of choosing ways to reduce flood losses and meet other community needs should involve: • owners or renters of flood -prone properties (residential and business) • neighborhood organizations • homeowner associations • farmers, industries, and anyone else whose use of the land affects the floodplain • land developers, real estate agents, lenders, and anyone else whose activities affect the future of local land • organizations interested in the stream corridor • the media. faced with the prospect of generating interest and support for floodplain manage- ment from the rest of the community. "T ulsa's s flooding problems were legendary, and only the most Unless your community has experi- enced a flood within the past year courageous of community, leaders would have tackled the task of or two, you will face a number of finding long-range solutions. In the short term, floodplain manage - daunting challenges. ment can be controversial, but in the long term it is rewarding, CHALLENGES YOU WILL FACE because you are willing to do whatever it takes for the good of your • The public pays little attention community. "— M. Susan Savage, Mayor, Tulsa, Oklahoma to flooding potential. Most people do not believe that their community will experience a flood disaster. • The political rewards for dealing with flood hazards before a flood are often small but they may have a big payoff after a flood. Many immediate problems command your attention and that of other elected officials. It is hard to commit public funds to avoid a flood disaster when the benefits will not be realized until some uncertain future date. page 15