BOARD02615

• Board Meeting Date: 11/19/2003
• Description: CF Section - En-Bloc Non-Reimbursable Investment Recommendations - CWCB Colorado Floodplain Map Modernization
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

STATE OF COLORADO

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

MEMORANDUM

Bill Owens
Governor

TO:
FROM:

Colorado Water Conservation Board
Larry Lang, Chief - Flood Protection Program
Tom Browning, PE, Flood Protection Program
November 6,2003
November 20-21, 2003 CWCB Meeting
Agenda Item 9d
Non-Reimbursable Investments - Colorado Floodplain Map Modernization Program

Greg E. Walcher
Executive Director

Rod Kuharich
CWCB Director

DATE:
RE:

Dan McAuliffe
Deputy Director

Introduction
In early 2003, Congress approved a substantial funding package ($150 million) to provide updated floodplain
mapping nationwide. This level of funding represents a five fold increase in amounts seen during previous
funding cycles, and has presented an outstanding opportunity for Colorado and other states to make a concerted
effort to update and revise aging floodplain maps. In preparation for increased floodplain mapping efforts and to
provide a source of non-federal matching dollars for the cost-share program, the CWCB approved and the
General Assembly authorized a non-reimbursable investment of $500,000 in the 2003 Construction Fund Bill.
Staff is now requesting to "refresh" that fund based on expenditures/obligations that are known at this time.

Discussion
Within a one-month timeframe beginning in August 2003, Colorado has received over $1 million in federal grant
dollars for floodplain mapping activities that are obligated in federal FY 2003. There is a moderate chance of
additional FY 03 grants prior to October I", and an excellent chance of additional funding (possibly $1 million or
more) in early 2004. The existing Map Mod Program funds authorized in the 2003 Construction Fund Bill have
provided the required non-federal matching dollars (80/20 or 75/25 cost share program depending on which
program the federal funds are granted from) in conjunction with local hard and soft match contributions. The
State funds have also been instrumental in keeping Colorado as a lead state within FEMA Region 8 and will
continue to benefit a variety of Colorado communities in the months and years to come. Without the State
matching dollars, Colorado could miss out on millions of dollars in federal grants.

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 $215 ,000. The request is to provide
matching dollars in order to take advantage ofthe federal funds available from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) for updated and modernized floodplain mapping in Colorado. The CWCB
funds, if authorized by the Board and the General Assembly, would be available for all phases ofthe
technical needs for providing new digital floodplain maps to multiple counties and communities in the state.
Matching requirements (cash and/or in-kind services) will also be required from the local governments
receiving assistance from the Map Modernization Program.

Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board request that the General assembly authorize $215,000 from the
Construction Fund to be appropriated to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for the Colorado
Floodplain Map Modernization Program.

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