BOARD01082

• Board Meeting Date: 11/16/2004
• Description: CF Section - Non-Reimbursable Investments - CWCB Floodplain Technical Services Fund
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

STATE OF COLORADO

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Colorado Water Conservation Board

Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street Room 721
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.cwcb.state.co.us

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MEMORANDUM

Bill Owens
Governor

TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:

Colorado Water Conservation Board - Finance Committee
Larry Lang, Chief - Flood Protection Program
November 4,2004
Agenda Item IS.i. Non-Reimbursable Investments
CWCB Floodplain Technical Services Fund

Russell George
Executive Director

Rod Kuharich
eWeB Director

Dan McAuliffe
Deputy Director

Introduction
Floodplain studies and projects in Colorado serve several vital purposes including flood loss reduction, wise
floodplain management, increased NFIP participation, and increased accuracy of flood hazard identification. The
CWCB has a long-standing history of recognized participation in a variety of studies and projects that provide
beneficial outcomes to communities and the citizens alike. The CWCB has been an active partner in the
floodplain arena and is prepared to continue with such activities in the future. Limited budgets have curtailed full
participation in high priority and much needed efforts in the state. CWCB Flood Section Staff would also like to
have the means to increase the likelihood of new Construction Fund loan applications for flood projects. Staff is
now requesting a non-reimbursable investment of $175,000 for this Program.

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Discussion
The purpose of the requested funds is to provide engineering technical services, especially flood hydrology, surface
water hydraulics, feasibility studies, and project planning/design. This work may work in harmony with Map
Modernization digital map production as well as with NFIP floodplain management and NFlP participation by
Colorado communities. The technical services fund would provide much needed engineering support for activities
that are not currently being funded by FEMA or other agencies. This fund would also stongly support feasibility
study development for flood projects that could lead to loans from the CWCB Construction Fund. FEMA and the
CWCB Flood Section have requirements for feasibility studies in addition to the requirements outlined in the
"Guidelines for Financial Assistance through the CWCB Construction Loan Program."

Funds from this project would be used statewide in areas of high priority. Priorities will generally be correlated
with Colorado's Business Case Plan. However, attention will also be given to areas where small dollar allocations
will result in solutions oflarge problems. Generally, money will be spent either in NFIP participating communities,
or those considering participation.

Staff Request
The staff of the Flood Protection Section is requesting approval by the Board for a non-reimbursable
investment from the CWCB Construction Fund in the amount of $175,000 in order to provide much needed
technical services to assist CWCB and Colorado interests with high priority study, planning, engineering, and
pre-construction efforts. The CWCB anticipates a reasonable degree of financial and in-kind participation by
local governments, project sponsors, and project beneficiaries. The CWCB funds, if authorized by the Board
and the General Assembly, would be available to support Map Modernization activities, boost NFIP
participation, and increase the likelihood of CWCB loan applications for future flood projects in the state.

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Flood Protection. Water Supply Planning and Finance. Stream and Lake Protection
Water Supply Protection. Conservation and Drought Planning