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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I \'1-4 Floodplain Preservation The overall floodpl ain management strategy for lower Cl ear Creek is best de- scribed as "Floodplain Preservation with Limited Structural Improvements at Roadway and Railway Crossings". Floodplain Preservation refers to using floodpl ain zoning, with no significant changes in existing road and channel structures, to control further flood dilTlage potential. Flood dilTlage l'oIJuld still occur in existing developed areas of the floodpl ain (and outside the 100-year floodpl ain for floods of greater magnitude). This alternative asslJlles enforcement of the ex i st i ng fl oodpl ai nord i nances in areas that are now undeveloped. Gingery Associates (Reference 14), and a Phase A Master Drainage Plan has bf'f'n compl eted by Wright-McLaughl in Engineers (Reference 42). In 1980 and 1981, the Urban Drainage and Flood Control Di strict pub 1 i shed and di stributed an informational flood hazard brochure to those properties located in the rf'- gulatory floodplain of lower Clear Creek. Continuation of such a notifica- tion progriITI in the future is recommended. This flood hazard information should be accompanied by a public awareness program which will help educate affected citizens to the range of actions which can be taken to minimi ze the effects of flooding. Educational efforts in local schools may also be an effective flood hazard mitigation tool. Necessary elements for effective management include flood hazard information and education; floodplain regulation; flood insurance; forecasting and warning systems; floodproofing; floodpl ain acquisition; structural removal and relocation; and parks, recreation and open space use of flood hazard 1 ands. Floodplain Regulation Due to the expense of concrete, rock, grass-lined channel modifications, and property acquisition, several areas within the lower Clear Creek floodplain were found to be uneconomical to protect. The benefit/cost analysis in the Phase A report determined that improvement costs far exceeded expected dilTlages. Residential, commercial, industrial structures, and many vacant parcels within these unprotected areas remain subject to flooding. Since the late 1960's, there has been a growing trend to provide floodplain management through del ineation and regul ation as opposed to the confinement of flood waters through channel ization. - Conceptually, this has led to the realization that instf'ad of attempting to keep flood waters away from people, it may be more effective to keep peopl e and developnent away from flood hazard areas. The natural preservation and proper regul ation of the floodplain decreases the likelihood a community will suffer from dilTlaging flood fl ows. Elements of the Floodplain Preservation alternative are discussed below. The primary strategy for the effective flood dilTlage control within the 100-year floodplain on lower Clear Creek is through floodplain regulation and zoning, as well as through building codes and subdivision regulations. Flood Hazard Information and Education Education of the affected property owners and the general publ ic as to the extent of the flood hazard is a vital aspect of any flood dilTlage reduction effort. Flood hazard maps for lower Clear Creek have been prepared by The need remains to regul ate the residual fl oodpl ain after the Lower Cl ear Creek Major Drainageway PI an is implemented. There is al so a need to regul ate the ex i sti ng fl oodpl ain until after the improvements recommended in this plan are constructed, and the new floodplain delineations are officially adopted by the jurisdictions.