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
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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
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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.