Flood Map Modernization
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently in the process of revising the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for all of Washtenaw County. The final maps and model will be provided to the City in digital format for use within the City's Geographic Information System (GIS). FEMA released draft maps on July 27, 2007, and held a formal public review process that ended in September of 2008. FEMA issued the Letter of Final Determination on October 3, 2011. The City will have to adopt the new maps by ordinance before they go into effect on April 3, 2012. The revised maps will change the flood elevations and boundaries in some areas. In the meantime the City's FIRM dated January 2, 1992 remains the effective FIRM.
Floodplain Ordinance
The City of Ann Arbor Flood Mitigation Plan, approved March 2007, recommends development of a comprehensive Floodplain Ordinance to accomplish numerous recommendations from the Plan. The City Planning Commission (CPC) passed a resolution on May 1, 2007 directing staff to draft a floodplain management ordinance for consideration by a CPC committee. City staff and the CPC committee have gone through several drafts and are currently working with the City Attorneys Office to finalize a draft before starting the public review process.
Flood Mitigation Grants
The City applied for and has been approved for two FEMA Flood Mitigation Grants. The projects will involve removal of several structures within the Allen Creek floodway:
215 and 219 West Kingsley St.
Project Steps:
Purchase both lots
Demolish the structure at 219 West Kingsley St.
Deed restrict the property as open space.
Maximum Project Budget: $288,000 (City share: $72,000)
Project update: FEMA issued a Grant Agreement to begin work on this project Sept. 7, 2010. Ann Arbor City Council approved acceptance of Grant funds on Nov. 15, 2010. Property purchase negotiations are underway. Demolition of this structure is expected to take place in early 2012. The City will deed restrict the property as open space.
Independent from the FEMA grant the City plans to install a rain garden at the site to increase stormwater infiltration and reduce flooding in the area. The City has selected the team of Conservation Design Forum and PlantWise for rain garden design, construction and maintenace services. Rain garden installation will follow building demolition.
721 North Main St.
Project Steps:
Remove large Vehicle Storage and Salt Storage Buildings
Deed Restrict Floodway
Project cost estimate: $116,000 (City share $29,000)
Project update: Staff are currently waiting for FEMA to issue the final paperwork to begin work on removing these structures.
Last Updated October 31, 2011