FLOOD07020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e e e 1998 - Colorado Rood Hazard Mitigation Plan (409) Chapter 4 - Mitigation Activities Underway and Proposed 4.1 Mitigation Opportunities While similarities exist between the concepts of hazard mitigation and floodplain management, strong differ- ences also exist among many of the strategies avail- able to carry out these concepts. Warnings and land use application, such as floodplain regulations and acquisition of Open Space, are particularly cost- effective mitigation activities especially when com- pared to other available strategies, such as relief and insurance. Effective land use, for example, can pro- vide very high net benefits and can significantly lower future catastrophic loss potentials in a given commu- nity. Other adjustments, except wamings, generally cost more and yield the possibility for repeated catas- trophic loss. Although land use decisions are often controversial, when they are carefully planned and implemented, enormous savings in life and property can be gener- ated over a relatively few years. In Colorado, flood warning systems and effective land use decisions are controlled mainly by action at the local level. There- fore, this plan emphasizes mitigation activities that will essentially support local efforts. 'LOOD STAGE ColoredoWfller ConaerrlltionBoilrd For More Information Appendix A - Lists the agencies and their addresses, telephone numbers, and summaries of their programs. Appendix B - Includes information on financial assistance programs. Appendix C - Includes information on references used in the preparation of this plan. Appendix D - Includes definitions and acronyms. Appendix E - Includes tips to minimize loss of life & property in the event of a flOOd. Appendix F - Includes Mitigation Strategies & Measures. Appendix G - Includes Mitigation Planning & Examples. File: FHMP'{;hopl>lr-4.pub Chapter 4 - 1 4.2 4.2.1 Mitigation Strategies & Actions Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team (IHMT) To reduce damages associated with future floods or other natural hazards, the federal government has adopted a comprehensive coordinated strategy to ad- dress these concerns. An Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive, dated July 10, 1980, estab- lished the basis for Regional Interagency and Intergov- ernmental Hazard Mitigation Teams. These teams are comprised of federal, state and local representatives in an effort to incorporate the background and expertise necessary to promote a comprehensive approach to hazard mitigation. The Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team (IHMT) pre- pares mitigation recommendations for implementation during the post-disaster recovery phase, and presents the recommendations to the governor in a report format. The authority for the IHMT derives from an interagency agreement entered into by 12 Federal agencies, coordinated by the Federal Emergency Man- agement Agency (FEMAl. The agreement established a common policy statement and implemented gUide- lines with respect to flood disaster planning and post disaster recovery practices. The IHMT meeting was held in Fort Collins on August 26, 1997, with partici- pants from federal, state, local, and private organiza- tions. 4.2,2 Actions Organized by Priority The following actions listed in this chapter are the State of Colorado's priorities for flood hazard mitiga- tion. These priorities came from a locallstatelfederal team process . 4.2.2 Actions Organized by Category The following issues and recommendations represent the collaborative efforts of Interagency Hazard Miti- gation Team members that are intended to help achieve the goal of reducing future flood hazards. Many of the recommendations can be implemented immediately; others must be viewed as long term measures. Recommendations are summarized below: Housing H-1 Identify long term affordable housing Watershed Management WM-1 Improve and develop accurate floodplain maps. WM-2 Promote local support for effective land use 1121118 12:H:U PM