Laserfiche WebLink
<br />1. Introduction <br /> <br />1.1 Background <br /> <br />Flood proofing is a relatively new approach to reducing flood damage. As detailed in this <br />report, it involves altering an existing building or its immediate area to prevent or minimize <br />damage during a flood. Alterations may range from minor changes to the utilities, to <br />waterproofing walls, to elevating the building above flood levels. <br /> <br />The potential for flood proofing to reduce flood losses is significant. Many people have <br />flood proofed their homes or businesses, often by using common sense or self-taught <br />approaches. In the last 10 years, Federal, State and local agencies have been researching <br />techniques, promoting flood proofing as a viable flood protection measure, and assisting <br />property owners in implementing projects. <br /> <br />Studies have shown that financing is often the greatest impediment to implementing a flood <br />proofing project. While surveys showed that many people want to flood proof, lack of funds <br />was listed as the most important reason why they did not. Further, flooded homeowners <br />who received assistance from the government were more likely to flood proof and spend <br />more money to do a more thorough job. <br /> <br />Statutory authority and limited resources keep the Federal programs from reaching many <br />people. More funding assistance is needed from agencies and other levels of government. <br /> <br />A few local governments haye financed or provided financial support for flood proofing <br />projects, Each community's program was developed differently and is administered <br />differently. However, all believe flood proofing is important enough to deserve local <br />funding. The experiences of these communities can be very helpful in guiding other flood <br />prone communities in developing their own approaches to flood proofing, and in equipping <br />Federal and State staffs who help local governments implement flood proofing programs. <br /> <br />1.2 Purpose <br /> <br />This report identifies lessons learned that can help communities interested in financing flood <br />proofing projects. It is not a recipe for developing a model program, because each <br />community must design its own approach based on local flood hazards, building conditions, <br />financial needs and resources. <br /> <br />This report provides examples and photographs of projects financed by local governments. <br />Appendix A summarizes local programs that have funded more than one flood proofing <br />project. The experiences of other communities are mentioned but are not summarized in <br />Appendix A because they have not funded any projects or they have not established an <br />ongoing program. In those instances, the local contacts are listed at the end of Appendix A. <br /> <br />-1- <br />