09-17-07 Meeting of Drainage and Flooding Committee

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historic buildings, and economic diversification from our agricultural dependency. Recognizing the need for an intensive retention and recruitment program and long-range planning in conjunction with the flood mitigation projects, we applied for and received a Community Based Economic Development grant for $19,000 through the Department of Development and have begun a succession of town meetings. Again the major problems encountered have been due to the changing program regulations, code, and escalated cost. Thus we will fall short in funding, even though building owners are responsible for all code requirements and building improvements not associated with flood mitigation. Many are also remodeling second stories, creating offices or badly needed living quarters. We will continue to strive to obtain funding for completion of this critical project. ACQUISITION/RELOCATION OF SEVERAL BUSINESSES Supplement I providing $20,500, including matches by WDEG and DOD/CDBG, for acquisition appraisal for 13 designated properties, and Supplement II providing $798,500, including matches by WDEG and DOD/CDBG, for actual acquisi- tion and/or relocation. When demolition is required, WEG with in -kind match by city crew and equip- ment, will provide funding. There are three important reasons for moving these commercial activities out of the floodplain: • The farm implement dealership, car dealership, and mill are magnet businesses impacting other businesses and lie directly on the river bank. If lost due to flooding, customers will go elsewhere. • By the very nature of the types of businesses that located along railroads (fuel companies, agricul- tural supply, chemical) contamination occurred and one fuel company is still operating just above town, thus creating a potential hazard with each flood. • The deed restricted to green space designation all floodway land along the river. Parkland, recreation, natural plant and habitat restoration adds to the economic, ecological, and social welfare of the community. SUPPORTING INFORMATION FOR ACQUISITION/RELOCATION PROJECT The city purchased 33 acres of land at $330,000 on the southwest end of the city for a business park for the relocation process. The Economic Development Administration granted $697,000 to install the utilities and a lift station. The owner donated $100,000 of the purchase price to our library, $50,000 toward our new ambulance, and $5,000 to our fire department. The remaining $175,000 was used as local match for grants. Four properties have been acquired and cleared, the papers have been signed for another four, four properties are under contamination remediation, and we will be short of funding for two proper- ties. Again, funding will be sought to complete the work. Contamination has been the major problem and we are now waiting for the final results of testing, determining type and extent. It has been determined that the properties are PECFA eligible. The Department of Development furnished the $69,000 deductible for testing so if all goes well we should be able to soon acquire and relocate before another flood. The city assumed the role of agent for the affected businesses. It is our desire to relocate the businesses, do contamination remediation, then Success Stories 4