Action 1.
Flood Control District Meeting1
Board of Supervisors
- Meeting Date:
- 08/01/2011
- Title:
- Emergency Watershed Program agreement with Natural Resources Conservaton Service (NRCS) to mitigate flooding on watersheds affected by the 2011 Fires
- Submitted By:
- Karen Riggs, Community Development
- Department:
- Community Development
- Division:
- Floodplain
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
2
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Karen Riggs
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
County Engineer
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Docket Number (If applicable):
Agenda Item Text:
Approve authorization for the Flood Control District to enter into an agreement(s) with the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as required for the implementation of Emergency Watershed Program Project(s) in the vicinity of the 2011 Fires.
Background:
The Horseshoe 2 Fire started on May 8, 2011 and subsequently burned over 223,000 acres in the Chiricahua Mountains. Twenty seven watersheds sustained varying degrees and coverage of burn from the fire. As of this date no substantial flood damage to residences or businesses has been reported.
The NRCS has assisted the County in assessing the damage and in determining locations and practices that are allowed under the Emergency Watershed Project (EWP). These practices would provide some level of protection to private property in the path of future anticipated flooding due to the increased flows due to the burn. It has been calculated by the BAER team that increases in flow in the 5 year, 30 minute storm can be up to 20 times the pre-burn amounts in these canyons.
The NRCS and County have met with affected residents. Staff is in the process of obtaining waivers from the various property owners (forms have been approved by counsel). Staff has also prepared the preliminary scope of work and cost estimate for each location.
The EWP is a 75% Federal cost share. County as the sponsor would be responsible for 25% of the project cost. This match can be in-kind. The funding available for the federal match is under the exigency portion of the EWP and requires that after the agreement is signed by NRCS, there are 10 days in which the measures must be installed.
The preliminary cost estimate is approximately $178,000. The budget will be finalized prior to the Board meeting. The 75% contribution would pay for materials needed (concrete barriers, sandbags and sand) and possibly for some labor and equipment. The County’s share would be mostly in-kind in the form of labor and equipment. County also proposes to utilize a prison wildland fire crew to assist with installation of the measures. The cost of that labor and equipment would be born by the Flood Control District.
We anticipate that there may be another funding request for other watersheds on the Monument fire. NRCS assessment to date indicates a few locations that would qualify and benefit from the program.
The NRCS has assisted the County in assessing the damage and in determining locations and practices that are allowed under the Emergency Watershed Project (EWP). These practices would provide some level of protection to private property in the path of future anticipated flooding due to the increased flows due to the burn. It has been calculated by the BAER team that increases in flow in the 5 year, 30 minute storm can be up to 20 times the pre-burn amounts in these canyons.
The NRCS and County have met with affected residents. Staff is in the process of obtaining waivers from the various property owners (forms have been approved by counsel). Staff has also prepared the preliminary scope of work and cost estimate for each location.
The EWP is a 75% Federal cost share. County as the sponsor would be responsible for 25% of the project cost. This match can be in-kind. The funding available for the federal match is under the exigency portion of the EWP and requires that after the agreement is signed by NRCS, there are 10 days in which the measures must be installed.
The preliminary cost estimate is approximately $178,000. The budget will be finalized prior to the Board meeting. The 75% contribution would pay for materials needed (concrete barriers, sandbags and sand) and possibly for some labor and equipment. The County’s share would be mostly in-kind in the form of labor and equipment. County also proposes to utilize a prison wildland fire crew to assist with installation of the measures. The cost of that labor and equipment would be born by the Flood Control District.
We anticipate that there may be another funding request for other watersheds on the Monument fire. NRCS assessment to date indicates a few locations that would qualify and benefit from the program.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
The County Flood Control District would enter into the formal agreement with the NRCS to allow the project to move forward.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
The opportunity to partner with NRCS to mitigate and prevent some of the anticipated flood damage resulting from the Horseshoe 2 Fire will not be taken.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Please return all numbered and recorded items to Karen Riggs at H&F.
Fiscal Impact
- Fiscal Year:
- 2011/2012
- One-time Fixed Costs? ($$$):
- Ongoing Costs? ($$$):
- County Match Required? ($$$):
- A-87 Overhead Amt? (Co. Cost Allocation $$$):
- Source of Funding?:
- Flood Control District
Fiscal Impact & Funding Sources (if known):
The estimated cost of the County's share is approximately $44,500. Adequate funds are available in 10/11 FCD budget. This would be an emergency project not currently in the Annual Work Plan.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.