Laserfiche WebLink
A TYPICAL SCENARIO that many <br />local officials face involves proposals <br />for development of flood hazard <br />lands. The developer offers the <br />prospects of jobs and an increase in <br />the tax base. The flood problems are <br />trivialized or the developer states <br />that "the flood problem can be fixed." <br />These sound like very persuasive <br />reasons for supporting the proposed <br />development. BEWARE, the short- <br />term gains in your tax base from <br />such development can quickly be <br />lost to later flood damage that can <br />become a chronic problem. Many <br />communities have realized only later <br />that the flood problem at that site <br />was never "fixed." (In most <br />instances, it is very difficult to <br />'fix" a flood problem.) You should <br />seek an independent opinion and not <br />rely solely on the opinions, plans, <br />or promises of the developer. <br />flood hazard areas. <br />• Assignment of responsibility to existing departments — preparing public aware- <br />ness and education materials about flood risks. <br />• Using volunteer groups — public awareness campaigns, stream cleanup projects, <br />building or maintaining trails. <br />• The budget process — improving the local flood warning and response system. <br />• Contracts or agreements <br />with other parties — <br />construction of flood <br />control works; obtaining <br />technical or financial <br />assistance. <br />• Official policies — <br />limiting services and <br />utilities to control <br />unwanted development <br />in certain areas. <br />• Working with other communities to manage stormwater in developing areas. <br />YOUR ROLE IN MANAGING YOUR COMMUNITY'S FLOODPLAIN PROGRAM <br />Your commitment — and that of other elected officials — will determine the success <br />or failure of your community's floodplain management effort. If you believe in the <br />program's need and purpose, then you will take actions to ensure that it is carried <br />"I have noticed that addressing the flood threat issue will not out within the limitations of your <br />help get an official elected, but experiencing a flood will help the community's resources. <br />• Take the lead in choosing a few <br />official lose the election." — Windeli Curole, General Manager, easy win -win projects to do quickly. <br />South LaFourche Levee District, Galliano, Louisiana Tangible results will demonstrate to <br />the community that you and other officials are serious and can deliver. This can <br />help overcome public skepticism. <br />• Maintain a vision of the future. Do not lose sight of the complex projects, which <br />may be more important overall in addressing your community's flood problems. <br />• Invite neighborhoods to meet to discuss flood -related activities and other com- <br />munity needs that might be tied to them. <br />page 18 <br />