Game-Changing Flood Solutions: Uniting Communities for Total Protection

A CivilXR case study

Introduction

Floodplain management (FPM) challenges are deeply intertwined with broader social and economic issues, including poverty and housing instability. Addressing these multifaceted challenges necessitates a whole-community approach that integrates diverse solutions to foster resilience and equity. This article delves into successful real-world projects that exemplify holistic strategies for tackling FPM challenges. Key solutions highlighted include enhancements in flood control infrastructure, the provision of affordable and safe housing, innovative financing for capital improvements, the protection of natural systems, and the promotion of community resilience. By examining projects such as the Harris County Flood Control District’s Project Brays in Texas and the Souris River Basin Project in North Dakota, we can better understand how strategic flood mitigation efforts not only reduce risks but also contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, particularly in underserved communities vulnerable to flooding.

Flood Control Infrastructure Improvements in Underserved Areas

On May 26, 2022, Harris County Flood Control District marked the completion of Project Brays, a $480-million flood mitigation effort in the Brays Bayou Watershed. Spanning 40 years, this extensive project included 21 miles of channel modifications, construction of four stormwater detention basins over 800 acres, reconstruction of 32 bridges, and the creation of hike and bike trails. These measures have reduced flood risk for over 15,000 structures, lowered flood depths by an average of 2 feet, and benefited the 775,000 people living in the watershed 58% of whom have low-to-moderate incomes. The detention basins alone have the capacity to hold more than 3.5 billion gallons of stormwater, equivalent to a foot of rain falling over 17 square miles. The success of Project Brays relied on an unprecedented level of collaboration among federal, state, county, and city officials, showcasing a model of effective partnership and strategic funding. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officials from various government levels emphasized the importance of cooperative efforts in achieving such a large-scale project. The project timeline highlights significant milestones from the early 1980s to its completion in 2022, demonstrating a sustained commitment to enhancing community resilience and protecting against future flooding events. Project Brays not only serves as a testament to the power of collaboration but also as a critical advancement in flood risk management for the Houston area.

Similarly, in New Orleans, The Gentilly Resilience District aims to create New Orleans’ first flood-resilient neighborhood through green infrastructure, improving the city’s aging drainage system. This initiative includes converting neutral grounds into waterways, developing a wetland nature preserve near Dillard University, and enhancing parks and drainage in surrounding neighborhoods. Supported by a $141 million grant from HUD, the district has faced delays due to the pandemic, a cybersecurity attack, and environmental clearance requirements. The project has been seven years in the making since receiving federal funding in 2016 to address flood risks following Hurricane Isaac. The 25-acre Mirabeau Water Garden, the district s first project, will hold up to 10 million gallons of rainwater through natural features such as ponds, wetlands, and vegetation to reduce street flooding in the Fillmore neighborhood. In addition to flood mitigation, the garden will serve as a public space for education and recreation, with walking trails and green areas.

Housing and Floodplain Management

The Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Action Plan for Disaster Recovery outlines the allocation of $33 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for disaster recovery. Key initiatives include housing repair, rental assistance, new construction, down payment help, and buyout programs to address housing needs from the 2010 flood. The plan also funds infrastructure improvements like riverfront development, parks, and code enforcement. Long-term planning efforts focus on flood mitigation, including home buyouts near high-risk areas like Sevenmile Creek and Mill Creek, supported by local, state, and federal funding. Nashville’s increasing flood risks, due to climate change and urban development, have led to expanded mitigation projects aimed at preventing future flood damage while prioritizing resilience in infrastructure development. Another example is the Northside Regeneration Project in St. Louis, Missouri. While the project initially aimed to revitalize blighted areas in north St. Louis with promises of affordable housing, commercial spaces, and improved infrastructure, it has been marred by significant setbacks. The City of St. Louis terminated its agreement with the project’s developer, Northside Regeneration, due to unmet commitments, financial concerns, and misuse of tax credits. There is no clear evidence that the project successfully transformed flood-prone areas or relocated residents to safer zones, nor did it achieve its goals of substantial redevelopment. Instead, the project has faced criticism for neglect and lack of progress.

Financing Capital Improvements

The East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) project in Manhattan is funded through a combination of a $338 million federal grant and additional funds from the City of New York. The total project cost is $1.45 billion. The project was developed following the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and aims to create a 2.4-mile flood protection system integrated with local infrastructure and waterfront spaces. It is a collaborative effort between federal, state, and city agencies, along with local community involvement. The Ohio Creek Watershed Project in Norfolk, Virginia, received $112 million in federal funding through HUD s National Disaster Resiliency Competition as well to address flooding and improve public spaces. This innovative financing strategy includes leveraging federal funds to enhance resilience in predominantly African American neighborhoods. The project features a Resilience Park, with flood berms, restored wetlands, and community spaces, while promoting economic revitalization and connectivity. It is part of a broader $120 million grant for Virginia s long-term resiliency strategy, combining infrastructure improvements with community and economic development. Collaborative efforts between state, local entities, and the Department of Housing and Community Development drive the initiative.

Protecting, Restoring and Preserving Natural Systems and Ecosystem Services

The Great Marsh Resiliency Planning Project focuses on protecting natural systems and restoring ecosystem services through comprehensive marsh and dune restoration efforts. By removing invasive species, restoring submerged aquatic vegetation, and repairing dunes, the project enhances the resilience of the Great Marsh. These efforts help reduce erosion, improve marsh health, and preserve biodiversity. Additionally, the project supports community adaptation planning and hydrodynamic modeling to assess and improve high-risk barriers, thus safeguarding natural ecosystems while providing communities with sustainable blueprints for future resilience. The Iowa Watershed Approach (IWA) was a comprehensive program addressing flooding and water quality in nine Iowa watersheds from 2016 to 2022. Funded by a $97 million HUD grant, the IWA focused on flood mitigation, urban infrastructure, and flood resilience. It promoted collaboration among local Watershed Management Authorities (WMAs) and stakeholders to address challenges from 2011-2013 flood events. Over 800 flood-reduction structures have been built, reducing flood risks by up to 20% in some areas, while enhancing water quality. The program actively engages 27 watershed management authorities, covering 45% of Iowa, with significant involvement from volunteer landowners who receive a 75/25 cost-share for implementing flood-mitigation solutions. Key projects included green infrastructure in Storm Lake, flood-resilient home improvements in Dubuque, and significant flood protection in Coralville. The IWA also deployed hydrologic stations, used advanced hydrologic modeling (GHOST), and developed watershed management plans for long-term resilience. The program’s success attracted interest from other states, like North Carolina and Texas, aiming to replicate Iowa s watershed management model.

Building Resilient and Sustainable Communities

The Wonderland Creek Flood Control and Regional Trail Project exemplifies the creation of resilient communities by integrating flood risk reduction, sustainable infrastructure, and aesthetic enhancements. In collaboration with the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and the City of Boulder, the project removed 450 multifamily units from the 100-year floodplain, enhancing community safety and long-term resilience. This comprehensive effort involved deepening the creek, constructing walls, and building trail underpasses, while addressing complex challenges like coordination with the BNSF railroad and obtaining easements from over 50 property owners. Beyond reducing flood risks, the project also improved pedestrian and cyclist safety with new infrastructure, while enhancing the area’s aesthetics with custom-designed concrete walls. This multi-faceted approach aligns with Boulder’s broader goals of building delightful, sustainable communities, as outlined in the city’s Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Plan, and highlights how thoughtful urban planning can harmonize safety, sustainability, and community enjoyment. Tulsa, Oklahoma, has made significant strides in building resilient and sustainable communities by implementing comprehensive flood management strategies. After severe flooding in the 1980s, Tulsa developed a robust approach that includes open space preservation, stormwater management, and higher regulatory standards. The city has also embraced FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), achieving a prestigious Class 1 rating in 2022, which provides residents with a 45% discount on flood insurance. By prioritizing public awareness and community engagement, Tulsa has successfully avoided major flood disasters for over 30 years. Its proactive measures, such as voluntary home buyouts and a master drainage plan, have not only reduced flood risks but also ensured long-term environmental sustainability. Additionally, Tulsa’s ongoing investments in a $200 million capital improvement program and alert systems reflect its commitment to future preparedness, ensuring that the city continues to thrive in both resilience and sustainability.

Supporting Communities through Enhancing Resilience to Floods

The city of Charleston in South Carolina envisions a future where it can adapt and preserve its historical assets through integrated planning that prioritizes water management, infrastructure, and sustainable development. A pivotal part of this initiative is the Dutch Dialogues, a collaborative effort with Dutch water experts to conceptualize a “Living With Water” approach. This project involves studying four distinct typologies within Charleston to develop replicable design solutions tailored to specific flood-prone areas. With the involvement of multiple partners, including the Historic Charleston Foundation and local teams, this resilience planning effort addresses the challenges posed by increasing flooding and storm exposure due to the city s geographic location. The final report offers key recommendations such as enhanced drainage systems, floodplain restoration, and effective stormwater management which have been adopted by the Charleston City Council, inspiring further initiatives. By prioritizing natural systems and community engagement, Charleston is laying a strong foundation for a resilient future in the face of climate-related challenges. The Souris River Basin Project is a vital initiative aimed at enhancing community resilience to floods in North Dakota, particularly in the wake of the devastating 2011 flood, which caused approximately $1 billion in damages and necessitated evacuations. In response to this event and the historical flood challenges faced by the region, North Dakota has developed a comprehensive flood risk management strategy designed to manage flows of about 27,400 cubic feet per second. This project builds on the existing emergency levees constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the mid-1970s, which, while still operational, require a permanent solution to provide sustained protection. The project encompasses various phases, including hydrological studies and computer modeling to assess water supply and flood control options, ensuring that the solutions implemented are both effective and sustainable. Furthermore, the initiative incorporates multi-purpose sites like Homme Lake and Lake Ashtabula, which serve not only flood risk management but also recreation and environmental stewardship, thereby supporting the broader community while mitigating the risks posed by flooding in the Souris River Basin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whole-community solutions for floodplain management and equity necessitate a comprehensive approach that harmonizes infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, innovative financing, natural system protection, and community resilience. The successful implementation of projects like Project Brays and the Souris River Basin Project highlights the effectiveness of collaborative planning and community-driven strategies in addressing flood risks while enhancing residents’ quality of life. As the impacts of climate change lead to more frequent and severe flooding events, the commitment to building resilient and sustainable infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. By ensuring equitable access to flood protection and fostering active community participation, cities can cultivate a safer, more resilient future for all residents, especially those in historically underserved areas. These insights further emphasize the importance of these collective efforts in creating a just and sustainable world.

References

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