Title:
NEW ITEM: Buyout and RetroFIT Grant Flood Recovery Program
Summary
ACTION:
1. Approve the concept of a voluntary Buyout & RetroFIT Grant Flood Recovery Program for floodplain structures that sustained damage during flooding along the Catawba River on June 9 & 10, 2019;
2. Adopt the Resolution for a voluntary Buyout & RetroFIT Grant Flood Recovery Program; and
3. Appropriate $3,500,000 from Storm Water Capital Reserve Fund Balance and authorize staff to implement the voluntary Buyout & RetroFIT Grant Flood Recovery Program
Staff Contact: Tim Trautman, LUESA - Storm Water Services
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Days prior to June 9 and 10, 2019, the Catawba River basin received up to 11 inches of rain. Floodwater on Mountain Island Lake (MIL) nearly equaled the mapped ‘100-year’ floodplain, while river levels directly downstream of the MIL dam reached nearly the ‘50-year’ flood level. About 100 homes/dwellings were impacted by floodwaters, and approximately 40 of those had flooding within the finished living space. Mitigating during the recovery process is the most effective way to reduce future flood damage.
In three major flooding events (July 2003, September 2008, and September 2011), the Board previously authorized Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services (MCSWS) to utilize “Rainy Day” funding from Storm Water’s available fund balance to implement “Quick Buy” programs. The concept was to voluntarily acquire floodprone homes before substantial repairs began. The Quick Buy program has proven effective in not only reducing future flood losses, but also providing the property owners an option to consider during the recovery.
In August 2015, the Board approved the retroFIT grant program to aid floodplain property owners in making their dwellings more resilient to flood damage. Up to $250,000/year has been available. Currently, the “Rainy Day” fund has $3.5M allocated to flood mitigation projects. This action would provide up to $3.5M in dedicated funding for voluntary buyouts of flood damaged homes and retroFIT grants to assist owners in elevating their homes and utilities during the recovery process. Based upon damage assessments and initial feedback from residents, staff developed guidelines for a voluntary buyout and retroFIT grant flood recovery program as described in the attached Resolution. Approximately 10-20 homes could be considered for voluntary buyout, and 8 to 14 homeowners could qualify for a retroFIT grant to elevate their home as part of the repair process.
MCSWS expects the program will run 6-12 months. Offers of Sale for properties could be presented to the Board as early as the September 4th Board meeting. Eligible retroFIT grants could be submitted to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory Committee (SWAC) for approval as early as their July 18th meeting. Consistent with NCGS 153A-274.1 and the RetroFIT Program Policy document adopted by the Board in August 2015, the SWAC has the authority to review and approve retroFIT grant applications.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
FY20 appropriation of Storm Water Capital Reserve Fund (8910) balance of $3.5 million