Loading...
FEMA Flood Plan Map UpdateMasterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: FEMA Flood Plain Map Update DATE: December 27, 2010 Dubuque hitel AU- America City r 1 ' 2007 Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is providing an update to the City of Dubuque's Technical Appeal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA's) Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) for the City of Dubuque On December 17, 2010, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicated that they have accepted the flood map revised by the City of Dubuque through the City's consultant, CDM, to determine which North End areas are within the 100 -year flood plain. The new maps reflect more accurate information about the flow of storm water and resolve conflicting data related to base flood elevations. FEMA's decision to use the City of Dubuque maps will save 1,600 Dubuque households from being required to pay for flood insurance at the high risk rate. This is not the only burden a property owner would have experienced. To remodel, the homeowner would have had to hire an engineer to determine proper elevations. The home could have required raising the foundation to meet elevation requirements. Essentially, most remodeling would have been stopped by these extra burdens. Approximately 200 North End properties remain in the new flood plain that is proposed by FEMA. The City of Dubuque is committed to completion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project by 2013. With this storm water management project in place, the City will ask FEMA to remove these properties from the flood plain. In addition, there are additional properties located along Peru Road and along the North Fork of the Catfish Creek that are still within a Zone A flood plain established by FEMA as part of their preliminary DFIRM. FEMA had previously indicated they would revise all the panels associated with the DFIRM to incorporate the City's two -foot contours. These two -foot contours are many times more accurate than the approximately 30 -foot contours FEMA's consultant used in preparing the initial DFIRM for the City of Dubuque. The City is hopeful that when FEMA utilizes the City's two -foot contours, many of these properties along Peru Road and the North Fork of the Catfish Creek also will be eliminated. The City of Dubuque is in a much better position now than throughout the nearly 18 months when work was being done on the FEMA flood maps. This is because the Mayor and City Council's unwillingness to accept the results FEMA proposed and the willingness to invest money obtaining more accurate data from a private engineering firm. This was coupled with the hard work of Senator Tom Harkin, Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann, Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens, Assistant City Attorney Tim O'Brien, City Engineer Gus Psihoyos, Associate Planner Kyle Kritz and Civil Engineer Deron Muehring. MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Michael C. Van Milligen Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager SUBJECT: FEMA Flood Plain Map Update DATE: December 21, 2010 Dubuque latirld All-America City 11111 r 2007 INTRODUCTION This memorandum provides an update on the City of Dubuque's Technical Appeal of FEMA's Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) for our community. BACKGROUND The Preliminary DFIRM proposed by FEMA in July 2009 placed over 1,700 structures mainly on the North End in a Zone A flood plain. The City currently has approximately 70 structures in designated flood plains. City staff found inaccuracies in the areas newly designated as Zone A flood plains. The City's issue with the preliminary DFIRM is the new areas designated in being in Zone A are done so with an approximate study rather than a detailed study. In Zone A, base flood elevations are not determined so that a property owner must first hire an engineer to determine the elevation in order to determine how high an addition or a new structure must be raised. They are very difficult for City staff to use for regulation of flood plain development. DISCUSSION On December 17, 2010, FEMA indicated that they have accepted the flood map revised by the City of Dubuque through our consultant, CDM, to determine which North End areas are within the 100 -year flood plain. FEMA's decision to use the City's map will save nearly 1,600 Dubuque households from being required to pay for flood insurance at the high risk rate. The new maps reflect more accurate information about the flow of storm water and resolve conflicting data related to base flood elevations. Approximately 200 North End properties remain in the new flood plain that is proposed by FEMA. The City of Dubuque is committed to completion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project by 2013. With this storm water management project in place, the City will ask FEMA to remove these properties from the flood plain. FEMA Flood Plain Map Update Page 2 In addition, there are additional properties located along Peru Road and along the North Fork of the Catfish Creek that are still within a Zone A flood plain established by FEMA as part of their preliminary DFIRM. FEMA had previously indicated they would revise all the panels associated with the DFIRM to incorporate the City's two -foot contours. These two -foot contours are many times more accurate than the approximately 30 -foot contours FEMA's consultant used in preparing the initial DFIRM for the city of Dubuque. Planning Services staff is hopeful that when FEMA utilizes the City's two -foot contours, many of these properties along Peru Road and the North Fork of the Caffish Creek also will be eliminated. On December 10, 2010, the City received a notice from FEMA Region VII staff regarding FEMA's Scientific Resolution Panel and a January 15, 2011 deadline to file a protest of proposed flood plain delineations. City staff is reviewing this notice and conferring with Congressional staff on how to proceed. For example, the City may want to file a protest for the newly designated Zone A along the North Fork of Caffish Creek because this flood plain is delineated with an approximate study instead of a detailed study. CONCLUSION The City of Dubuque is in a much better position now than we have been throughout the nearly 18 months we've been working on revisions to the FEMA flood maps. Planning Services staff will send out letters to all affected property owners, both those who have been removed from the FEMA flood maps and those that remain. We also have contacted FEMA Region VII staff to assist with flood insurance information at future meetings Planning Services staff will schedule for impacted property owners. City staff will continue to work with FEMA to the best of our ability to insure that the City of Dubuque has the most accurate flood maps possible. Attached to this memorandum are: the December 17, 2010 media release regarding FEMA's recent decision, an outline of the City's request to change FEMA's Preliminary DFIRM, copy of a memorandum dated November 24, 2010 regarding the City's Technical Appeal, a December 7, 2010 FEMA notice of the Scientific Resolution Panel, and the FEMA DFIRM timeline that outlines City staffs ongoing meetings and exchange of information with FEMA and Congressional staff. This information is provided as requested to update you and the City Council. Enclosures cc: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Tim O'Brien, Assistant City Attorney Kyle Kritz, Associate Planner Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer THE CITY OF Dubuque CONTACT: DUB T�-'+ ; Laura Carstens, Planning Services U ,�+ 1 I f Manager, City of Dubuque, 563- 589 -4210 Masterpiece on the Mississippi 1 NEWS Dec. 17, 2010 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2007 RELEASE FEMA Accepts Dubuque Flood Map Revisions Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and Dubuque Mayor Roy D. Buol today applauded a decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to accept flood maps revised by the City of Dubuque to determine which North End areas lie within the 100 year flood plain. The new maps reflect more accurate information about the flow of storm water and resolve conflicting data related to base flood elevations. FEMA's decision to use the new maps will save nearly 1,600 Dubuque households from being required to pay for flood insurance at the high risk rates. "I want to thank FEMA for taking a very careful look at the quality data that the City of Dubuque provided," Senator Harkin said. "This decision has important consequences for many residents who will be spared paying extremely high fees to insure their property. This is welcome news for Dubuque, and I congratulate the City for pressing for these important changes." In 2009, City of Dubuque staff found inaccuracies in the preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) FEMA had prepared for Dubuque, particularly in areas newly designated as Special Flood Hazard Areas. FEMA formed an independent scientific body to review and resolve conflicting data related to base flood elevations. Today, FEMA has said it will accept the City of Dubuque's data points, improving the accuracy of the maps for future planning. The result is that only 200 private properties will be added to Dubuque's North End flood plain rather than the approximately 1,800 properties that would have been added under the initially proposed FEMA maps. (MORE) FEMA Accepts Flood Map Revisions (Page 2 of 2) "Dubuque owes a special thanks to Tom Harkin who has aggressively worked with FEMA over the past months towards this favorable result," said Mayor Buol. "It means that nearly 1,600 households in Dubuque will not face the higher insurance costs of being in the flood plain, and it will help many businesses in the area as well." Homes with mortgages newly placed in the flood plain would be required to buy insurance with a typical added annual cost of about $400 to $1,500 per home. The maps will become effective next September. For those newly designated as being in the flood plain, purchasing flood insurance before the maps become effective will entitle them to the current, lower rate for two years. Accurately mapping the flood plain is important to existing businesses and homeowners as well as those considering constructing new buildings in the flood plain. Development costs are significantly higher in flood plains. There is some good news for the remaining 200 North End properties that will be in the new flood plain. The City of Dubuque is committed to completion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project by 2013. With this stormwater management project in place, the City will ask FEMA to remove these properties from the flood plain. All Dubuque property owners in the affected area will receive a letter from the City of Dubuque Planning Services Department notifying them whether or not their property is in the 100 -year flood plain. A map and list of addresses is also available on the City website at www. cityofdubuque .orq /FEMAfloodplain. # ## PIN # ADDRESS 1013357007 541 KAUFMANN AVE 1013357006 545 KAUFMANN AVE 1013357005 549 KAUFMANN AVE 1013357002 551 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480013 554 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480012 600 KAUFMANN AVE 1014478005 611 KAUFMANN AVE 1014478010 615 KAUFMANN AVE 1014478001 619 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480010 620 KAUFMANN AVE 1014477012 649 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480008 650 KAUFMANN AVE 1014477011 659 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480007 660 KAUFMANN AVE 1014477010 679 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480006 680 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480005 694 KAUFMANN AVE 1014477009 695 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480004 700 KAUFMANN AVE 1014477008 701 KAUFMANN AVE 1014477007 707 KAUFMANN AVE 1014477006 715 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480002 730 KAUFMANN AVE 1014480001 740 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452022 745 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453021 760 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452021 775 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452020 785 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453019 792 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453043 796 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452010 805 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453016 808 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452009 815 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452028 819 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453014 820 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452007 827 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453013 828 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452006 829 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452005 831 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453046 836 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453009 854 KAUFMANN AVE PIN # ADDRESS 1013459001 2368 JACKSON 1013384018 2371 JACKSON 1013379031 2401 JACKSON 1014478009 610 KANE ST 1024134007 102 KAUFMANN AVE 1024134006 120 KAUFMANN AVE 1024132004 230 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102029 425 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102028 433 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102027 441 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102026 447 KAUFMANN AVE 1024104006 450 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102025 453 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102038 461 KAUFMANN AVE 1024104005 470 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102022 475 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102021 479 KAUFMANN AVE 1024104004 480 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102020 483 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102019 485 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102005 491 KAUFMANN AVE 1024104023 492 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102004 493 KAUFMANN AVE 1024104001 496 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102003 499 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102002 505 KAUFMANN AVE 1024102001 509 KAUFMANN AVE 1013359002 513 KAUFMANN AVE 1024101002 514 KAUFMANN AVE 1013359001 515 KAUFMANN AVE 1024101001 516 KAUFMANN AVE 1023228002 518 KAUFMANN AVE 1013357011 519 KAUFMANN AVE 1023228001 520 KAUFMANN AVE 1013357010 523 KAUFMANN AVE 1014481011 524 KAUFMANN AVE 1013357009 525 KAUFMANN AVE 1014481010 526 KAUFMANN AVE 1014481009 530 KAUFMANN AVE 1013357008 533 KAUFMANN AVE 1014481008 540 KAUFMANN AVE PIN # ADDRESS 1013451017 24TH & ELM 1015401001 3051 CARTER RD 1015329015 CARTER RD 1024135005 2155 CENTRAL AVE 1024207001 2180 CENTRAL AVE 1024135001 2195 CENTRAL AVE 1024129037 2225 CENTRAL AVE 1013383001 2360 CENTRAL AVE 1119301004 EAST 12TH ST 1024208001 100 EAST 22ND ST 1024210016 312 EAST 22ND ST 1024204014 321 EAST 22ND ST 1024211001 400 EAST 22ND ST 1024206006 500 EAST 22ND ST 1024205004 503 EAST 22ND ST 1024205001 505 EAST 22ND ST 1013378028 31 EAST 24TH ST 1013460003 316 EAST 24TH ST 1013460004 320 EAST 24TH ST 1013455001 324 EAST 24TH ST 1013413011 407 EAST 25TH ST 1013452001 410 EAST 25TH ST 1024211002 2160 ELM 1024210017 2169 ELM 1024204006 2227 ELM 1013460027 2249 ELM 1013460026 2251 ELM 1013460025 2263 ELM 1013455003 2350 ELM 1013452012 2440 ELM 1013452011 2444 ELM 1013452010 2446 ELM 1013452007 2460 ELM 1013452006 2468 ELM 1013452005 2480 ELM 1013452004 2482 ELM 1013452003 2484 ELM 1013461016 ELM 1013412004 ELM 1014479019 610 GREENFIELD 1013357001 615 GREENFIELD PROPERTIES IN FLOOD PLAIN PIN # ADDRESS 1014451022 855 KAUFMANN AVE 1024134008 90 KAUFMANN AVE 1024101004 KAUFMANN AVE 1024101005 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453012 KAUFMANN AVE 1014481006 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453015 KAUFMANN AVE 1014453020 KAUFMANN AVE 1014481007 KAUFMANN AVE 1014452011 600 KURT CT 1014452019 605 KURT CT 1014153001 3090 NORTH GRANDVIEW AVE 1024132005 2155 NORTH MAIN STREET 1013461017 2241 PRINCE 1013461015 2243 PRINCE 1013461013 2251 PRINCE 1013461012 2259 PRINCE 1013461011 2263 PRINCE 1013461010 2265 PRINCE 1013461009 2269 PRINCE 1013461008 2271 PRINCE 1013461007 2273 PRINCE 1013461006 2305 PRINCE 1013461005 2307 PRINCE 1013461004 2311 PRINCE 1013461003 2315 PRINCE 1013456001 2320 PRINCE 1024102036 408 VALERIA 1024102035 410 VALERIA 1024102014 418 VALERIA 1024102013 420 VALERIA 1024102012 430 VALERIA 1024102011 438 VALERIA 1024102010 442 VALERIA 1024102009 446 VALERIA 1024102008 450 VALERIA 1024204002 2234 WASHINGTON 1024204001 2238 WASHINGTON 1013460028 2240 WASHINGTON 1013460029 2274 WASHINGTON 1013460018 2290 WASHINGTON PIN # ADDRESS 1013460017 2300 WASHINGTON 1013460016 2312 WASHINGTON 1013460014 2314 WASHINGTON 1013460013 2316 WASHINGTON 1013460012 2318 WASHINGTON 1013460011 2320 WASHINGTON 1013460008 2334 WASHINGTON 1013460007 2346 WASHINGTON 1013459016 2349 WASHINGTON 1013460006 2352 WASHINGTON 1013460005 2356 WASHINGTON 1013460002 2362 WASHINGTON 1013460001 2364 WASHINGTON 1013459015 2369 WASHINGTON 1013459014 2373 WASHINGTON 1013451016 2404 WASHINGTON 1013451015 2410 WASHINGTON 1013451014 2420 WASHINGTON 1013451013 2422 WASHINGTON 1013451012 2424 WASHINGTON 1013451011 2426 WASHINGTON 1013451010 2434 WASHINGTON 1013451009 2442 WASHINGTON 1013451008 2446 WASHINGTON 1013451007 2450 WASHINGTON 1013451006 2454 WASHINGTON 1013451004 2476 WASHINGTON 1013451003 2482 WASHINGTON 1013451001 2496 WASHINGTON 1013336024 2500 WASHINGTON 1013335041 2501 WASHINGTON 1013336023 2506 WASHINGTON 1013336022 2510 WASHINGTON 1013336021 2514 WASHINGTON 1013336020 2518 WASHINGTON 1013336019 2522 WASHINGTON 1013336018 2526 WASHINGTON 1013336017 2530 WASHINGTON 1013336016 2538 WASHINGTON 1013336015 2542 WASHINGTON 1013336014 2544 WASHINGTON PIN # ADDRESS 1013336013 2548 WASHINGTON 1013336012 2552 WASHINGTON 1013336011 2556 WASHINGTON 1013336010 2560 WASHINGTON 1013336009 2562 WASHINGTON 1013326011 2707 WASHINGTON 1013326010 2711 WASHINGTON 1013451005 WASHINGTON 1013451002 WASHINGTON 1014176002 1110 WEST 32ND ST 1014176014 1200 WEST 32ND ST 1014176013 1210 WEST 32ND ST 1014152002 1600 WEST 32ND ST 1015252002 2444 WEST 32ND ST 1014226014 55 WEST32NDST 1013379013 2404 WHITE 1013379012 2406 WHITE 1014180001 2980 WILDWOOD DR 1014177001 2985 WILDWOOD DR 1014480011 1013380001 1119155008 1119152005 1015277002 1013461001 1013461002 1024204009 1014201017 1015376016 1024135004 1014480009 1014226007 1014155001 1014155002 1024211011 1014152001 1000800040 PROPERTIES IN FLOOD PLAIN t RNOTON DR SPI2lND *C..EY`RT OIE K'"C 4 ' °' 11'1 rlfi "I' , f RQSIN HOOD DR x p 71 W 32ND - <y . ARBOR 1111S '64 N " ,00 ,0 ) 1 ' 7 w v S RENAISSANCE DR FAIRWAY DR co os OLYMPIC HEIGHTS y h 1- J= o y h m ho F Y' y ea` : ' °RSs Q -0' ,4 .. SEWARD .Q 4 � y . IH I N yy = 4 BERNICE AVE BLANCHE AVE O to RIDGEWAY AVE m C- S HOGREFE ST R.•°4 oaSZ ELBOW ST QAYI$ST . . EDr it $T 'Lo 5j .5 DYJEIAS 4 ro'. NAM ST z eP� h. 4D1AG0 "NN-ST LIBERTY AVE PADRE PIO DR 0 0 EAGLE ST � Mtn 51 NAPIER ST tkt ALMOND SS' p 4 % , q - r,. W LOCUST ST .. - - N J� .< B'� r. F � .. T A AcA i 4 t6j Op S T. '(N Sj� .Fri -.„.,-c.,..,., ' . y ,..,� l4 °(14°° , t \--' ,� D X 16: t . ' . . : t, wtP�E _ oo� Nd � e " � x t p SFA ° r ,.:64''5°,4,0°4:g‘ 5 y N P , 5 �.. p � eS s 'c. 1- { v ° c� ��ES� r ux n ` 44410'.` t' p ti‘ 2. ' H s ' A NS .} S & ,s • N N r S r ev • �N st :dtk ' INN .. g6� F- COURTLAND ST ti 1 W yy MCKINLEY ST N BARRY ST ¢ m - JANSEN ST R0 �� Z < y y 1 y n ,9yr MFR Crgt Sr FEMA Request to change preliminary DFIRM (Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map) INTRODUCTION The City of Dubuque is requesting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remove new flood areas from the preliminary DFIRM (Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map) proposed by FEMA in 2009. FEMA's preliminary DFIRM placed over 1,700 structures, mainly on the North End, in a floodplain. The City currently has approximately 70 structures in designated flood plains. Adoption of the proposed DFIRM would place a heavy financial burden on approximately 1,400 low to moderate income households resulting in neighborhood disinvestment and decline. The City's issue with the preliminary DFIRM is the new areas were designated as being in a Zone A with an approximate study rather than a detailed study. In Zone A, base flood elevations aren't determined, so the property owner first must hire an engineer to determine the elevation to determine how high an addition or a new structure must be raised. They are very difficult for City staff to use for floodplain management. TECHNICAL APPEAL This report provides an update on the City of Dubuque's technical appeal of FEMA's preliminary DFIRM for our community, as of December 14, 2010. On August 25, 2010, the City submitted preliminary findings for the Bee Branch watershed from our engineering consultant, CDM, to FEMA as a technical appeal of the preliminary DFIRM. On November 23, 2010, the City of Dubuque submitted the findings from CDM's more detailed analysis of the Bee Branch Creek watershed as additional documentation of our technical appeal of the preliminary DFIRM. The City of Dubuque requested that FEMA conduct a detailed study or use the detailed study from CDM for revising the Bee Branch Creek and North Fork of Caffish Creek watersheds. In November, 2010 FEMA staff in the Region VII Kansas City office and FEMA's engineering consultant began evaluating CDM's data. Are we happy with the CDM map? Yes, because it is so much better than what FEMA has proposed. The CDM map below dramatically reduces the number of impacted properties from 1,652 to 349 in the Bee Branch watershed in the North End. (CDM is still analyzing the North Fork of Caffish Creek where sewer and drainageway improvements were made in 2010. There are about 48 impacted structures in this watershed.) The CDM map reflects street flooding due to storm sewer capacity problems that the community historically has experienced along Kaufmann Avenue and in the North End. Do we foresee any reason why FEMA will not accept CDM's map? CDM has followed FEMA guidelines for a detailed floodplain study. FEMA previously accepted and revised the preliminary DFIRM using City GIS data of the approximate floodplain limits that includes the benefits of the Carter Road and W. 32nd Street Detention basins in the Bee Branch watershed. This sets a precedent for the use of the detailed study by CDM, we think. Are we satisfied if FEMA accepts CDM's floodplain boundaries but does not put elevations on the map, and perhaps requires a map revision? Yes. While City staff would prefer to have the base flood elevations shown on the DFIRM, we can use the elevation data in the CDM detailed study. Having the data available will allow City Engineering staff to better manage storm water and program capital improvements. It also will allow Planning Service staff to work with property owners to meet with floodplain requirements. While City staff would prefer that FEMA incorporate CDM's mapping product in the DFIRM, we are prepared to file the map revision if necessary because CDM has prepared the detailed study to meet FEMA guidelines for a map revision. CONCLUSION The City of Dubuque is in a much better position now than we have been throughout the nearly 18 months we have been working on revisions to the FEMA flood maps. We commend Richard Bender of Senator Harkin's DC Office for his tremendous help and support. We would not be in this position without him. We are grateful that FEMA is considering use of the detailed study by CDM. We are cautiously optimistic that FEMA will revise the DFIRM to reflect CDM's boundaries without a map revision. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Laura Carstens, Community Flood Plain Administrator at 563.589.4210 or Icarsten(c�cityofdubuque.org. BACKGROUND On July 15, 2009, the City of Dubuque received the preliminary DFIRM and the FIS (Flood Insurance Study) Report as part of FEMA's Flood Map Modernization Program. The program is designed to update on a nationwide basis the flood insurance rate maps of member communities and counties in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The City of Dubuque was the first community in Iowa to join the NFIP on April 2, 1971. The City's current flood insurance rate map is from 1989. The City has regulated floodplain development since 1990. The City of Dubuque has been very conscientious in its application of the NFIP requirements. The City has never approved a variance from the NFIP requirements. The City has not allowed a single new residential structure to be built in any flood hazard area. The only new structures built in flood hazard areas have been commercial structures elevated and /or flood proofed in compliance with the NFIP requirements. General Impact on Properties The most significant impact of having a property in a flood plain is that new construction, new additions and even the existing structures may have to be elevated or flood proofed as part of any substantial improvement to a property. In Zone A, base flood elevations (BFEs) haven't been determined, so the property owner first must hire an engineer to determine the BFEs in order to determine how high an addition or a new structure must be elevated. Flood insurance will be required by a commercial lender if the property owner refinances an existing structure or buys a structure in a flood plain. Flood insurance for properties in a flood plain is higher than flood insurance for properties outside a flood plain. For example, flood insurance for a single family home with a value of $75,000 and contents valued at $30,000 would cost about $260 annually outside a flood area. This insurance rises to about $844 annually for the same home in a designated flood area — and this assumes a $2,000 deductible for both home and contents! Concerns with New North End Flood Zones We are concerned with all of the new Zone A areas on the DFIRM. We are particularly concerned about the new Zone A in the North End. The North End includes some of the city's oldest housing (dating from the late 1800's). and long- standing businesses and industries. These neighborhoods have a higher percentage of low to moderate households and racial and ethnic minorities than the city as a whole. The City has focused reinvestment efforts in these neighborhoods, and installed upstream storm water management facilities to alleviate problems with the storm water system. Delineation of these neighborhoods as a Zone A flood hazard area will reverse the progress we've made. The Zone A designation will result in neighborhood disinvestment and blighting conditions. Inadequate Study The large Zone A for the North End reflects the City's Drainage Basin Master Plan findings on flooding related to the Bee Branch storm sewer. The City's Drainage Basin Master Plan was intended to address storm sewer conveyance problems — not flooding associated with a creek or river. These types of urban storm water problems are common throughout the U.S. The history of localized street flooding and basement flooding experienced in the North End does not rise to the level of being designated as a regulatory flood plain. The City's Drainage Basin Master Plan is a planning study; it did not detail precisely which structures would be impacted. It identifies a generalized area that appears to be at risk from storm sewer backups or overflows. We believe that FEMA is identifying a storm sewer problem rather than a flooding issue connected with a flood plain along a stream or river. City staff provided FEMA with data and information on planned drainage basin improvements like the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project as well as storm water improvements such as the Carter Road dam and 32 Street detention areas that address existing storm water issues. City staff held a conference call with FEMA staff and their engineering consultants on October 22, 2009. FEMA staff acknowledged they did not use a standard model for the new Zone A areas. They discussed that FEMA was using new modeling, and it was not done to an engineering standard that would enable BFEs to be published. FEMA has limited funding to do an engineering study that would determine BFEs. Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer SUBJECT: City of Dubuque Technical Appeal of FEMA Preliminary DFIRM DATE: November 24, 2010 Dubuque bArg 1 2007 INTRODUCTION This memorandum provides an update on the City of Dubuque's technical appeal of FEMA's preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) for our community, as requested. BACKGROUND The preliminary DFIRM proposed by FEMA in July 2009 placed over 1,700 structures, mainly on the North End, in a Zone A flood plain. The City currently has approximately 70 structures in designated flood plains. City staff found inaccuracies in the areas newly designated as Special Flood Hazard Zone A. The City's issue with the preliminary DFIRM is the new areas designated as being in a Zone A with an approximate study rather than a detailed study. In Zone A, base flood elevations haven't been determined, so the property owner first must hire an engineer to determine the elevation in order to determine how high an addition or a new structure must be raised. They are very difficult for City staff to use for regulation of floodplain development. DISCUSSION On August 25, 2010, the City submitted preliminary findings for the Bee Branch watershed from our engineering consultant, CDM, to FEMA as a technical appeal of the preliminary DFIRM. On November 15, 2010, Richard Bender, Senior Legislative Assistant, Senator Harkin's DC Office, held a meeting with FEMA officials from the Washington D.C, and Region VII Kansas City offices about the City's issues with the DFIRM. We provided Mr. Bender with talking points, a timeline, and a short list of City issues /questions. City of Dubuque Technical Appeal of FEMA Preliminary DFIRM page 2 After the meeting, Mr. Bender reported that FEMA officials said that they will -- if the data looks good -- use the CDM maps for the outer boundary of the flood plain; however, they do not intend to use it to place base flood elevations on the map. He also reported that FEMA officials said that a map revision still could be needed. On November 23, 2010, the City of Dubuque submitted the enclosed findings from CDM's more detailed analysis of the Bee Branch Creek watershed as additional documentation of our technical appeal of the preliminary DFIRM. The City of Dubuque has requested that FEMA conduct a detailed study or use the detailed study from CDM for revising the Bee Branch Creek and North Fork of Catfish Creek watersheds on the DFIRM for Dubuque. On November 24, 2010, we had a conference call with Mr. Bender to review the results of his November 15 meeting and the enclosed technical appeal information. Mr. Bender has scheduled another meeting on November 30, 2010 at which time staff in FEMA's Region VII Kansas City office should have had a chance to look at CDM's data. Mr. Bender posed a series of questions for us; our responses follow below. Are we happy with the CDM map? Yes, because it is so much better than what FEMA has proposed. The enclosed CDM map dramatically reduces the number of impacted properties in the North End. The CDM map reflects street flooding due to storm sewer capacity problems that the community historically has experienced along Kaufmann Avenue and in the North End. Two major flood areas shown on the CDM map are the 32 Street and 16 Street detention basins, as expected and designed. What is the new number of impacted properties? The CDM study significantly reduces the number of impacted structures from 1,652 to 349 in the Bee Branch watershed in the North End. (CDM is still analyzing the North Fork of Catfish Creek where sewer and drainageway improvements were made in 2010. There are about 48 impacted structures in this watershed.) Do we foresee any reason why FEMA will not accept CDM's map? CDM has followed FEMA guidelines for a detailed floodplain study. FEMA previously accepted and revised the preliminary DFIRM using City GIS data of the approximate floodplain limits that includes the benefits of the Carter Road and W. 32nd Street Detention basins in the Bee Branch watershed. This sets a precedent for the use of the detailed study by CDM, we think. Are we satisfied if FEMA accepts CDM's floodplain boundaries but does not put elevations on the map, and perhaps requires a map revision? Yes. While City staff would prefer to have the base flood elevations shown on the DFIRM, we can use the elevation data in the CDM detailed study. Having the data available will allow City Engineering staff to better manage storm water and program City of Dubuque Technical Appeal of FEMA Preliminary DFIRM page 3 capital improvements. It also will allow Planning Service staff to work with property owners to meet with floodplain requirements. While City staff would prefer that FEMA incorporate CDM's mapping product in the DFIRM, we are prepared to file the map revision if necessary because CDM has prepared the detailed study to meet FEMA guidelines for a map revision. CONCLUSION The City of Dubuque is in a much better position now than we have been throughout the nearly 18 months we have been working on revisions to the FEMA flood maps. We commend Richard Bender of Senator Harkin's DC Office for his tremendous help and support. We would not be in this position without him. We are grateful that FEMA is considering use of the detailed study by CDM. We are cautiously optimistic that FEMA will revise the DFIRM to reflect CDM's boundaries without a map revision. This information is provided as requested to update you and the City Council. Enclosures cc: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Tim O'Brien, Assistant City Attorney Kyle Kritz, Associate Planner DEC 072010 The Honorable Roy D. Buol Mayor, City of Dubuque City Hall 50 West 13 Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 -4864 Dear Mayor Buol: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA Region VII 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 300 Kansas City, Missouri 64114 -3372 FEMA This notification is in regard to your letter dated August 25, 2010, regarding the Preliminary copies of the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa. Your community submitted technical data in support of a protest of incorrect floodplain boundaries in the vicinity of the Julien Dubuque Monument. You also referenced an area of concern that is currently being restudied for the City's north end, Bee Branch and segments of North Fork of Catfish Creek which was resolved in a letter addressed to the office of United States Senator Tom Harkin, dated October 7, 2010. Additionally, you provided study data to FEMA on November 23, 2010, for consideration to revise the Zone A SFHA in the Bee Branch area. Your request was acknowledged as a protest to the Preliminary FIS and FIRM. Only submittals that satisfy the requirements of Title 44, Chapter I, Part 67, Code of Federal Regulations are considered appeals. Since your submittal did not meet this criteria, it is considered a protest. As of November 1, 2010, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reinforcing its commitment to using the best available and most reliable data for the purpose of accurately depicting flood hazards on flood maps by introducing a newly added resource called the Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP). SRPs are independent panels of experts in hydrology, hydraulics, and other pertinent sciences established to review conflicting scientific and technical data and provide recommendations for resolution. The SRP process is not intended to be the first step in the resolution of appeals and protests. Use of the SRP may only be exercised after FEMA and local communities have been engaged in a collaborative consultation process for at least 60 days from the expiration of the 90 -day regulatory appeal period without a mutually acceptable resolution. The enclosed SRP Fact Sheet contains additional information on the SRP process. On October 7, 2010 FEMA issued a resolution letter for your protest. Because your community submitted a protest and has not been issued a Letter of Final Determination (LFD), your community will have until January 15, 2011, to request an SRP be convened to review protest, if you should so choose. To be eligible for an SRP, a protest must include supporting information or data to substantiate that the flood elevations proposed by FEMA are scientifically or technically incorrect and/or technical or scientific data that tend to negate or contradict the information upon which the proposed flood elevations or floodplain delineations are based. www.fema.gov 0 [11 m 0 To request an SRP, please complete the enclosed SRP Request Form and submit it to your regional FEMA Project Engineer by January 15, 2011. If you do not request an SRP by January 15, 2011, FEMA will move forward with the mapping process. For more information about the SRP please review the enclosed documents. You may also find useful information and resources at www.floodSRP.org. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Rick Nusz, FEMA Project Engineer by telephone at (816) 283 -7907 rick.nusz@dhs.gov or the project manager for FEMA's mapping contractor, Amanda Banks, AECOM at (816) 502 -9420, extension 4964. Attachment: SRP Request Form SRP Fact Sheet Sincerely, (Zo VJAA c , L cc: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager, City of Dubuque Michael Van Milligen, City Manager, City of Dubuque Bill Cappuccio, State NFIP Coordinator Rick Nusz, FEMA Region VII The Honorable Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator The Honorable Charles Grassley, U.S. Senator The Honorable Bruce Braley, U.S. House of Representatives Bob Bissell Mitigation Division Director FEMA, Region VII www.fema.gov bcc: Amanda Banks, AECOM William Zung, Regional Support Center FEDD File www.fema.gov Scientific Resolution Panel Request Form Date: Name of Community CEO or authorized representative: Does the data submitted constitute an appeal (as defined below) or a protest ? Name of Community: FEMA This form is to be completed by the community's CEO or the authorized representative of the community for which the appeal or protest is being filed. The CEO will consolidate all unresolved appeals and protests by private persons and submit them on their behalf The CEO will also forward to FEMA copies of appeals and protests not endorsed by the community and certj that no further appeals or protests will be brought to FEMA for the community. County and State of Community: Mailing Street Address: City: State: Zip: Phone Number (Work): Phone Number (Cell): Email Address: US. Department of Homeland Security 500 C Street, SW Washington, DC 20472 Page 2 If it is an appeal, pursuant to 44 CFR Section 67.6 (b) does the submitted data satisfy the data requirements and demonstrate that FEMA's proposed base flood elevations are: (1) technically incorrect due to a mathematical or measurement error or changed physical conditions? (2) technically incorrect due to error in application of hydrologic, hydraulic or other methods or use of inferior data in applying such methods? (3) scientifically incorrect? If an oral presentation to the SRP is necessary to support this appeal or protest, please justify here. Community Commitment and Certification The community certifies that: 1. The data provided for SRP review was entirely submitted to FEMA during the 90 -day appeal period? Y N 2. No additional data may be submitted for this or any other appeal or protest for SRP consideration? Y N 3. There may be no submission of any other appeals and protests not consolidated with this submission? Y N Location of Contested Flood Elevations 4. Identify the specific river reaches or coastal transects challenged by the data. Page 3 5. Please identify areas of expertise the community believes are pertinent for representation on the SRP. 6. Description of Information to be Submitted by the Community Indicating that the Elevations Proposed by FEMA are Scientifically or Technically Incorrect Please include on a separate page labeled "Attachment A: Summary of Appeal or Protest Information" a summary of the specific technical issues, errors in FEMA's data, or different technical processes submitted to contest the flood elevations proposed by FEMA. 7. Acceptance by Community of Terms and Conditions for the Initiation of an SRP To initiate the SRP process, the community's CEO or authorized representative must accept the following terms and conditions on behalf of the community and individuals whose appeals or protests are consolidated with this submission. a) The community understands that the FEMA Administrator is not required to accept the recommendation of the SRP, and that upon the Administrator's final determination that no further consideration will be given to the community's appeals or protests. For a regulatory appeal, the parties will maintain their right to appeal to the appropriate Federal District Court. b) The community has read the FEMA prepared Guidance Memorandum and agrees to work with the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) in the timely completion of the SRP review, including timely selection of panel members and participation in additional review procedures if requested. c) The community agrees that no contact will be made with the Panel members except as expressly requested by NIBS before, during or after the SRP review is undertaken. d) The community agrees that they have read and signed the "Community Submittal Agreement." Signature of Community CEO or Authorized Representive Fact Sheet No cmb,et 1.2010 Scientific Resolution Panels FEMA's new Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) process reinforces FEMA's commitment to work with communities to ensure the flood hazard data depicted on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) is built collaboratively using the best science available. Flood hazards are constantly changing, and as such, FEMA regularly updates FIRMs through several methods to reflect those changes. When changes to the FIRMs are met with conflicting technical and scientific data, an independent third party review of the information may be needed to ensure the FIRMs are updated correctly. The Scientific Resolution Panel will serve as the independent third party. Who can request an SRP? A community, Tribe or political entity that has the authority to adopt and enforce floodplain ordinances for the area under its jurisdiction can request FEMA use the SRP when conflicting data are presented. Chief Executive Officers or authorized community representatives must make or endorse the SRP request if they did not develop or propose the conflicting technical data. When can communities request an SRP? A community can request an SRP if it has: • Not received a Letter of Final Determination (LFD); • Submitted an appeal or protest during the 90 -day appeal period with scientific or technical data resulting in different flood hazards than those proposed by FEMA; • Allowed at least 60 days of community consultation with FEMA (but no more than 120 days) Additionally, a community that has received a FEMA- issued resolution letter and has not exercised the SRP process will have 30 days from the issuance of the letter to request an SRP. Communities that have submitted appeals or protests, but as of November 1, 2010 have not received an LFD, will have until January 15, 2011, to request an SRP. Independent Panel Sponsor The SRP process is managed by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), a non - profit organization independent from FEMA. NIBS will act as the Panel Sponsor, coordinating the SRPs, ensuring that proper regulations and procedures are employed and maintaining a cadre of experts from which Panel members are selected. Panel Member Selection For each appeal or protest, an SRP (or Panel) of three or five members will be convened. Panel members are technical experts in surface water hydrology, hydraulics, coastal engineering, and other engineering and scientific fields that relate to the creation of Flood Hazard Maps and Flood Insurance Studies throughout the United States. "FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards." Federal Emergency Management Agency Based on the technical specifications of the appeal or protest, NIBS will develop a list of potential panel members with relevant expertise from its cadre of experts. NIBS will ensure that there is no conflict of interest amongst the panel members. NIBS will confirm that members do not reside in the state from which the appeal or protest is taken and have no personal or professional interest in its findings of the appeal or protest. NIBS will provide the list of eligible panel members to the community and FEMA. The community selects the majority (in the case of a five- member Panel, the community selects three), and FEMA selects the minority (in the case of a five- member Panel, FEMA selects two). The Process To request an SRP, the Chief Executive Officer of a community or authorized representative completes an SRP Request Form and submits it to FEMA during the time periods outlined above. Once FEMA confirms the appeal or protest is eligible for an SRP, FEMA will forward the SRP Request form to NIBS to initiate the Panel selection process and develop a list of potential members. Once the Panel is convened, Panel members will be provided with a summary of the issue, FEMA's data, and the data the community submitted during the 90 -day appeal period. Panel member will review the data and, on a point -by -point basis, deliberate and make a decision based on the scientific and technical challenges of the appeal or protest. If the community feels it is necessary to make an oral presentation in support of its appeal or protest, it must include a justification on the SRP Request Form. Resolution The Panel will render a written recommendation to FEMA, based on the scientific and technical data submitted by the community and FEMA, The recommendation may either deny the community's data or incorporate it in part or in whole into the FIRM. For an appeal or protest to be incorporated, the community's data must satisfy the NFIP standards for flood hazard mapping. The Panel will present a written report with its decision and rationale to FEMA and the community no later than 150 days after being convened. The SRP's decision will become the recommendation provided to the FEMA Administrator. Once a final determination has been made, FEMA will issue a resolution letter. If changes to the maps are made, FEMA will incorporate the changes into revised preliminary FIRMs and Flood Insurance Studies. These changes will be made available to the community with a resolution letter for review prior to the issuance of an LFD. Once a determination is made and a resolution letter is issued, the community will not be able to re- submit an appeal or protest of the proposed flood elevations nor request an SRP again. "FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards." Federal Emergency Management Agency For a regulatory appeal, if the community is not satisfied with the recommendation of the Panel or the determination of the FEMA Administrator, it may appeal to the appropriate United States District Court. FEMA Flood Mapping Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) Timeline 2" News publication of proposed BFE's Resolution Letter issued 9 0- day AppeaIPeriad Community Consultation Community submit; ientiftc.'uechmca! data 'Community can submit an SRP Request to FEMA at a minimum of 60 days and no more than 120 days after the start of the community consultation phase OR within 30 days after receiving the Resolution Letter Community subrn its SRP request' FEMA forwards eligible SRP request to NIBS for Panel selection process Community & FEMA select Panel Mapping Process continues Short •Ilet Panel members SRP (Panel) Process FEMA reviews SRP recommendation (max t50 days) Panel presents written recommendation For Additional Information For more information on appeals, see the FEMA document: Appeals, Revisions, and Amendments to National Flood Insurance Program Maps: A Guide for Community Officials. Part 67 of the NFIP regulations, which pertains to appeals, is available on the "Forms and Publications" section of FEMA's Flood Hazard Mapping website at www.fema.gov /fhm. Other Important Links: www.floodSRP.org www.fema.gov /plan /prevent/fhm/st hot.shtm #2 Risk MAP: www.fema.gov /plan /prevent/fhm /rm main.shtm Flood Hazard Mapping: www.floodmaps.fema.gov Flood Insurance: www.floodsmart.gov Resolution Letter issued Mapping Process "FEMA's mission is 10 support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and Improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards." City Of Dubuque FEMA DFIRM Timeline July 13, 2009 FEMA provides updated Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and 17 of 21 panels for the preliminary DFIRM to City of Dubuque. City staff initiates review. August 4, 2009 Letter to Roger Benson, FEMA Region VII, regarding initial concerns with approximate zones shown on preliminary DFIRM. August 14, 2009 FEMA representatives cancel public meeting for Thursday, August 20, 2009 regarding preliminary DFIRM and flood insurance due to Dubuque's issues and concerns. September 9, 2009 Letter to Rick Nusz, Hydraulic Engineer, FEMA Region VII. Letter included copies of 120 comment forms received to date from property owners within the areas of new approximate zones. Information regarding mistakes on submitted preliminary DFIRM including the Julien Dubuque Monument within a flood plain, depiction of approximately 8 feet of water at the intersection of Kaufmann Avenue and Hempstead Street, and providing the City's current two -foot contours in a digital format. September 22, 2009 Letter to Rick Nusz, Hydraulic Engineer, FEMA Region VII, that transmitted a GIS shape file prepared by HDR, the City's consultant for the Drainage Basin Master Plan, that reflects the existence of the Carter Road detention basin completed in 2004 and the West 32 Street detention basin completed in the spring of 2009 that would have a positive impact on storm water flow through the Bee Branch storm sewer on the City's north side. October 22, 2009 Receipt of letter from Amanda Wilson of Project Manager AECOM acknowledging receipt of letters dated September 9 and 22, 2009 regarding issues with updated FIS report and preliminary DFIRM for the community. October 22, 2009 Conference call with FEMA officials (Rick Nusz) and Engineering consultants from AECOM (Stephanie Porter, Kyle Riley and Amanda Wilson) reviewing City concerns with accuracy of preliminary DFIRM. November 17, 2009 Letter to Rick Nusz, Hydraulic Engineer, FEMA Region VII, providing more detailed comments on inaccuracies of the preliminary DFIRM flood boundary methodology used City of Dubuque FEMA DFIRM Timeline Page 2 by FEMA consultants and impacts to property owners within the newly- designated approximate zones shown on the submitted preliminary DFIRM. December 21, 2009 Letter to Rick Nusz, Hydraulic Engineer, FEMA Region VII, providing information on Dubuque Industrial Center West flood plain analysis provided by IIW Engineers & Surveyors. January 4, 2010 City of Dubuque receives four revised DFIRM panels from FEMA. Principal change is in on the North End of Dubuque reflecting information provided by City of the HDR's data from the Drainage Basin Master Plan. No other changes based on correspondence submitted to date. January 21, 2010 Conference call with FEMA officials (Beth Freeman, Administrator, FEMA Region VII, and FEMA Region VII staff Roger Benson, Rick Nusz, Rich Leonard and Dean Oemby) and Bill Cappuccio (IDNR) regarding methods used in mapping new flood plain areas and ability to appeal approximate zones. February 2, 2010 Letter to Melissa Janssen, Chief, Risk Analysis Branch, FEMA Region VII, noting letters that were sent to FEMA Region VII that were not acknowledged as part of the revised DFIRM panels sent to the City, and also noting mistakes found on revised preliminary DFIRM panels submitted by FEMA's consultant. February 17, 2010 Conference call with FEMA official (Melissa Janssen), AECOM engineering consultant representative (Amanda Wilson) and IDNR official (Bill Cappuccio) regarding process to appeal approximate zones before end of appeal period. February 23, 2010 FEMA meeting at Fairgrounds open to the public. Mayor Buol provides FEMA representatives with major issues the City has with preliminary DFIRM and impacts on affected property owners. March 2, 2010 Letter to Rich Leonard, Chief, Flood Plain Management and Insurance Branch, Mitigation Division, FEMA Region VII, reiterating the issues presented by Mayor Roy Buol at FEMA public meeting on February 23, 2010. April 28, 2010 Letter to Rich Leonard, Chief, Flood Plain Management and Insurance Branch, Mitigation Division, FEMA Region VII. Correspondence from City staff outlining City of Dubuque FEMA DFIRM Timeline Page 3 comments and errors found on preliminary DFIRM maps provided on a panel -by -panel basis. May 13, 2010 Correspondence from FEMA advising City of Dubuque that two notices will be published in the local newspaper on May 21 and May 28 2010 advising that the community's 90 -day begins following the second publication on May 28, 2010. July 6, 2010 Letter to legislative staff for Senators Harkin and Grassley and Representative Braley outlining the City's issues and concerns with submitted preliminary DFIRM, FEMA's procedures for appealing information shown on DFIRM, and lack of response by FEMA to City's concerns. July 21, 2010 Conference call with Bill Cappuccio (IDNR) and Congressional staff regarding types of modeling used for DFIRMs and problems other Iowa communities are experiencing. July 23, 2010 FEMA announces in Washington D.C. formation of an independent scientific body to review and resolve conflicting data related to base flood elevations. At briefing, Sherry Kuntz from Senator Grassley's office reads City of Dubuque's position statement requesting an appeal process for approximate zones. July 28, 2010 Conference call with Congressional staff from Harkin, Grassley, and Braley's offices reviewing Dubuque's situation and Bill Cappuccio (IDNR) reviewing Iowa's situation. August 12, 2010 E -mail from Rick Nusz, Hydraulic Engineer, FEMA Region VII, with time frame for remaining portion of DFIRM process for the City of Dubuque: End of appeal period: August 26, 2010; Resolve appeals: October 2010; Letter of final determination: January 2011; Effective date of maps: July 2011. August 25, 2010 Technical appeal filed with Kevin C. Long, Acting Chief, Engineering Management Branch, FEMA, Washington DC, and Beth Freeman, Administrator, FEMA Region VII. November 1, 2010 Letter to Sandra Knight, FEMA, Washington DC regarding Dubuque's issues with preliminary DFIRM and extension of 90 -day appeal. November 14, 2010 City staff provided Richard Bender, Senior Legislative Assistant, Senator Harkin's DC Office, with talking points, a timeline, and a short list of City issues /questions. City of Dubuque FEMA DFIRM Timeline Page 4 November 15, 2010 Richard Bender held a meeting with FEMA officials from the Washington D.C, and Region VII Kansas City offices about the City's issues with the DFIRM. After the meeting, Mr. Bender reported to City staff that FEMA officials said that they will -- if the data looks good -- use the CDM maps for the outer boundary of the flood plain; however, they do not intend to use it to place base flood elevations on the map. He also reported that FEMA officials said that a map revision still could be needed. November 23, 2010 The City of Dubuque submitted the updated findings from CDM's more detailed analysis of the Bee Branch Creek watershed as additional documentation of our technical appeal of the preliminary DFIRM. The City of Dubuque also requested that FEMA conduct a detailed study or use the detailed study from CDM for revising the Bee Branch Creek and North Fork of Catfish Creek watersheds on the DFIRM for Dubuque. November 24, 2010 City staff had a conference call with Richard Bender to review the results of his November 15 meeting with FEMA officials and the updated technical appeal information. November 29, 2010 City staff provided Richard Bender with an update for his upcoming meeting with FEMA. November 30, 2010 Richard Bender held another meeting with FEMA officials from the Washington D.C, and Region VII Kansas City offices. December 2, 2010 AECOM, on behalf of FEMA, performed an initial review of the information submitted by the City on 11/23/2010. AECOM requested that City staff provide CDM's hydrologic and hydraulic models to fully verify the information is able to be used in the revised mapping effort. December 3, 2010 At the request of City staff, CDM provided the North End /Bee Branch flood plain model to AECOM. December 7, 2010 FEMA Region VII staff and AECOM requested additional information on CDM's flood plain model. December 9, 2010 City staff provided additional information on CDM's flood plain model to FEMA Region VII staff and AECOM. City of Dubuque FEMA DFIRM Timeline Page 5 December 10, 2010 City staff provided Richard Bender with the additional information on CDM's flood plain model sent to FEMA Region VII staff and AECOM. City staff forwarded Richard Bender a copy of a December 7, 2010 notice from FEMA Region VII staff regarding FEMA's Scientific Resolution Panel and a January 15, 2011 deadline to file a protest of proposed flood plain delineations. December 14, 2010 City staff provided Richard Bender with the information about the number of properties impacted by the FEMA flood map and the City's flood map for the North End /Bee Branch areas. December 17, 2010 Senator Tom Harkin and Mayor Roy Buol were informed of FEMA's decision to accept flood maps revised by the City of Dubuque to determine which North End /Bee Branch areas are within the 100 year flood plain. City staff assists Senator Harkin's staff with a joint media release. City staff posts the media release, new City flood plain map, and list of addresses still in the North End /Bee Branch flood plain on the City website. December 21, 2010 City staff distributes letters to property owners who are no longer in the North End /Bee Branch flood plain area. City staff contacts FEMA Region VII staff for assistance explaining flood insurance at future meetings with property owners still in flood plains in the North End /Bee Branch, Peru Road, and North Fork of Catfish Creek areas.