FLOOD01659

• County: Statewide
• Title: Floodplain Management Handbook
• Date: 9/1/1981
• Prepared By: Flood Loss Reduction Associates
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Floodplain Report/Masterplan

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depending on circumstances. For
example, programs for fully developed
areas are likely to stress the reduc-
tion of flood losses while those for
undeveloped and developing floodplains
are more likely to emphasize prevention
of development incompatable with the
risk.

The type and extent of develop-
ment and even flood characteristics
normally vary from one part of a flood-
plain to another. The objec ti ves which
are most important may therefore differ
among various parts of the community
depending on existing and potential
development, frequency and severity of
flooding, and potential value as a
natural area.

Identifying Problems
and Needs

The problems and needs related to
a specific floodplain area can be
identified by collecting and analyzing
pertinent information. The results of
the investigation provide the basis for
refining objectives and evaluating
potential solutions. The investigation
of problems and needs should focus on
determining:

. The nature and extent of problems as
well as needs related to the:

a. Flood hazards and natural
values within the floodplain.

b. Community land use and facili-
ties, local economy, water
supply and quality, social
conditions, and recreation.

. The steps
hazards and
,,'hich are
federal law.

for dealing with these
values, including those
required by state and

. The sources of assistance
available for developing
plain management program.

which are
the flood-

Collecting Information

The most important information on
flooding relates to its sources and
causes; area and depth of inundation;
and characteristics such as frequency,
speed of onset and duration. The needed
information is often available from
federal agencies with responsibilities
related to flood control or floodplain
management. The general types of infor-
mation available from each agency are
described in Appendix C, Sources of
Assistance. Information on flooding is
also available from state agencies
concerned with water resources, com-
prehensive planning, and emergency
services. Specific state agencies
having relevant types of information
can be identified through the state
agency listed in Appendix C, Sources of
Assistance. Local planning districts
and consulting engineering firms may
also be sources of useful information.

The general types and magnitudes
of flood losses are usually well known.
Well-documented descriptions can
occasionally be found in requests for
disaster assistance, post-flood reports
made by emergency services agencies and
newspaper accounts. A general flood
history is adequate for the beginning
stages of planning.

Usually, information on flood-
plain land use must be collected
locally. A general knowledge of the
area is sufficient at the outset of
planning and can usually be obtained
from maps, land use plans and/or a trip
through the area. The important kinds
of information to be obtained are the
extent and types of existing develop-
ment, the condition of structures,
proposals and potential for future
development, and the differences, if
any, between the various parts of the
area.

The nature and extent of the
communi ty economy can be understood by
gathering information such as property
tax base and rates, property values,
budgets, rates of expansion, property
transactions, and building costs.