Agenda Item 4b: Statewide River Rehabilitation and Floodplain Management Proposal

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Out of these three terms, staff chose the term "Rehabilitation ". We understand that a complete stream system includes its channel, its floodplain and any adjacent wetland, as well as the watershed beyond the floodplain and the wetlands. A multi- objective approach should be considered in the formulation of a program. It should address the issues of the protection of life and property as well as the issues of the protection and enhancement of our floodplain resources. Flood mitigation measures and flood loss reduction should be related to water utilization, water quality, recreation and environmental concerns. The existing State floodplain management programs cannot fully address or fund the increased demands which are being placed on the State's floodplain areas. (See Exhibits A, B, and C) Our existing programs and funds do not provide the management tools which are needed to enhance and restore the State's floodplain areas to a more natural and safe condition. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM The purpose of the proposed program is to provide a comprehensive approach and a source of funds for local governments and special districts to better manage and address multi- objective river issues. These issues include floodplain man agement, loss of channel conveyance and degradation, and loss of wildlife and fish habitat areas. The new program would provide the State an opportunity to address recent changes in federal water resource programs. - Those new and proposed changes would promote greater use of partnerships . For example, the Corps of Engineers' Water Resource Act of 1996 requires that the local and State governments have active floodplain management and flood mitigation programs. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (MRCS) is proposing a "community -led" role in their 1997 farm bill under which the NRCS will perform the planning assistance and the non - federal interest will implement the plan or construct the project. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is proposing a number of cost - sharing programs for flood hazard mitigation. To better address these proposed federal changes and new demands on the State's floodplains, the proposed program objectives are: • to address the current statewide level of unmet floodplain management needs; • to develop a comprehensive approach to enhance and better manage flood- related activities within the state's stream corridors; • to evaluate a wide range of alternatives for the lessening of flood risks and their economic impacts, with a focus on stream channel rehabilitation and maintenance; • to provide a multi- objective management program which will address: - floodplain management issues - flood hazard mitigation measures 2