Finance Committee Meeting 2009

• Board Meeting Date: 9/15/2009
• Description: Finance Sub-Committee Meeting September 15, 2009
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Meeting

JUSTIFICATION FOR APPROVAL OF REQUEST
ATTACHMENT SUPPORTING S •
The CWCB Construction Fund Non-Reimbursable Investment Program is guided by CWCB
Policy#13, adopted September 25, 2000. According to a strict interpretation of this policy,
funds are not available this fiscal year for non-reimbursable investments. However, this request
for program funding is explicitly requesting an exemption from this policy.
The exemption request is based on public health and safety issues as well as valuable leveraged
federal and local dollars received by the State for projects. For the past 5 years, the CWCB has
been working with FEMA as a Cooperating Technical Partner(CTP)to provide updated flood
hazard data and maps across the state. As a CTP, the State is able to receive funding from
FEMA for activities associated with program management and technical mapping-related
activities,which are done by State contractors. The only other CTP in the State is the Urban
Drainage Flood Control District,which manages projects only within the Denver metro area.
The significant level of FEMA grant dollars into Colorado is serving as an important mechanism
to sustain roughly ten full-time professional jobs in the State. Continuation of the program and
the CWCB's ability to match federal funding could be viewed as a critical part of the economic
health as well as public safety.
CTP partners who offer significant funding matches are given top priority in allocating funds
from FEMA. The CWCB has been committed to achieving a 20 percent cost-share for the
program,with an average 10 percent cash match from the CWCB and the remainder from the
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local communities. Colorado is the leading state in Map Modernization for FEMA Region VIII.
(Region VIII consists of Colorado,Utah, Wyoming,North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana).
For every dollar the State contributes to the program, the State receives eight matching dollars
from FEMA and the local communities. (8 to 1 funding ratio)
It should be emphasized that this request is for a refresh of the ongoing program up to $500,000,
as opposed to a simple $500,000 request. In some years, the refresh amount is smaller,
indicating that a portion of the fund may go unused and be carried over to the next year. It
should be noted that the unused amount should not be viewed as unneeded funds. Rather, in any
given year, the majority of the Program funds has already been encumbered and will be paid out
as the work is completed by the Contractor. The average performance period for Map
Modernization projects is 2-3 years and therefore, may not be reflected accurately until the
project has been completed.
For these reasons, Staff is requesting an exemption to CWCB Policy#13 on the basis of public
health and safety and valuable leveraged dollars received for this request.
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