Addressing Your Community's Flood Problems
Every community needs adequate floodplain management strategies to protect both people and property from the dangers associated with inappropriate flood plain development.
The attached guide is written for local government officials, but it is a good resource for citizens and stakeholders as well. It provides a thorough review of how floodplains work and their importance as a part of a community’s green infrastructure network. In addition to identifying the ecology of a floodplain and its significance for the community, this document underscores the advantages of locating structures outside of a floodplain and reserving these areas as part of a community’s green infrastructure
It examines the pros and cons of developing comprehensive flood management programs and emphasizes the value of floodplains for natural drainage, water quality, groundwater supply, natural habitat, recreational opportunities, education and scientific research. The guide addresses management strategies for flood prone areas by presenting several case studies analyzing best management practices. Because many communities have inherited development within floodplains from past generations, it also includes a section on emergency response actions to flooding and mitigation plans, such as removing structures that have been damaged as a result of inundation and transitioning those areas to open space.
