CITY OF LEAGUE CITY

LOCAL MITIGATION PLAN

CITY OF LEAGUE CITY MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE

2010

City of League City Office of Emergency Management 300 West Walker Street League City TX 77573 281-554-1000

RECORD OF CHANGES

Page Entered Date Description of Change Number By Entered

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Record of Changes ...... iii

Executive Summary ...... vii Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee ...... ix References and List of Acronyms ...... xi

INTRODUCTION Authority ...... 1 Purpose and Need ...... 2 Scope ...... 2

SECTION I - CITY OVERVIEW Description of the City ...... 3 Demographics ...... 4 Geology/Geography ...... 5 Transportation ...... 9 Climate ...... 11 Summary of Existing Land Uses ...... 13 Development Trends ...... 21

SECTION 2 – PLAN REVIEW PROCESS Interim Final Rule Requirements for the Planning Process ...... 29 Overview of the Plan Update ...... 29 Involvement from Partner Agencies...... 36 Review and Incorporation of Plans, Studies, Reports, and Other Information ...... 37

SECTION 3 – RISK ASSESSMENT/HAZARD ANALYSIS Overview of Hazards ...... 39 Hazard Vulnerability ...... 40 Overview of Hazards ...... 46 Critical and Vulnerable Facilities ...... 47 Hurricanes/Tropical Storms ...... 55 Flood Events ...... 77 Repetitive and Severe Repetitive Loss Properties ...... 80 Participation in the NFIP ...... 95 Severe Thunderstorms/Hail/Lightning ...... 98 Tornado ...... 104 Extreme Heat ...... 110

SECTION 4 – MITIGATION STRATEGY Existing Mitigation Goals – 205 LMP and Status Update ...... 115 2010 Mitigation Goals – Statements ...... 118

SECTION 5 – MITIGATION ACTION ITEMS 2005 LMP Mitigation Action Items – Status Updates ...... 119 New Action Items – 2010 Plan Update...... 127

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SECTION 6 – PLAN MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES CRF Requirements for Plan Monitoring and Maintenance ...... 143 Other Local Planning Documents ...... 143 Monitoring, Evaluating, Updating and Adopting the Plan ...... 143

SECTION 7 – PLAN ADOPTION Resolution of Adoption ...... 147 FEMA Approval Letter ...... 149

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A Hazard Mitigation Survey ...... 151 Hazard Mitigation Survey Results ...... 155

ATTACHMENT B Mitigation Grant Mailer ...... 165

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

While it is impossible to prevent a hazard or disastrous event from occurring, the impact of such hazards or disastrous events can be lessened in terms of their effect on people and property. This concept is known as hazard mitigation. Hazard mitigation is defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as sustained actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards and their effects. Hazard mitigation may also be defined as a means to reduce or alleviate the loss of life, injury, and property damage resulting from natural and man-made hazards through long term strategies. These strategies include planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities. Hazard mitigation is designed to break the cycle of repeated damages and reconstruction costs associated with recurrent disasters, such as flooding and hurricanes.

FEMA, part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has targeted reducing losses from natural disasters as one of its primary goals. Hazard mitigation planning serves several purposes. It sets the stage for long-term disaster resistance through identification of actions that will, over time, reduce the exposure of people and property to hazards. Proactive mitigation planning at the local level can help reduce the cost of disaster response and recovery to property owners and governments by protecting critical community facilities, reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community impacts and disruption. The Local Mitigation Plan will be utilized in seeking recognition under the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System and provide additional credit.

Benefits of mitigation planning: • assist residents with their efforts at life safety and property protection • promote sound public policy to protect city-owned critical facilities and infrastructure • reduce short-term and long-term recovery and reconstruction costs • increase cooperation and communication within the community through the planning process

Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), 42 U.S.C. 5165, as amended by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) (P.L. 106-390), provides for states, tribes, and local governments to undertake a risk-based approach to reducing risks to natural hazards through mitigation planning. The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4000 et seq, reinforced the need and requirement for mitigation plans. FEMA implemented the various hazard mitigation planning provisions through regulations at 44 CFR Part 201. Regulations governing mitigation planning requirements are published under 44 CFR §201.6, which states that local governments must have a FEMA-approved Local Mitigation Plan (LMP) in order to apply for and receive project grants under Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), and Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) programs.

FEMA approved the initial City of League City Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan in January 2005. The original Plan was prepared by Clawson and Associates, in coordination with a Mitigation Planning Committee (MPC) composed of staff representatives from a range of city departments. The 2010 update was completed using a similar process. The structure of the 2005 Plan was amended from the original version and revised to meet the requirements of 44 CFR §201.06, Local Mitigation Plans.

Adoption by the Local Governing Body:

Requirement §201.6©(5): The local hazard mitigation plan shall include documentation that the plan has been formally adopted by the governing body of the jurisdiction requesting approval of the plan (e.g., City Council, County Commissioner, Tribal Council).

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Upon receipt of Approval Pending Adoption (APA) by FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Plan will be submitted to the City of League City’s City Council for adoption, and documentation will subsequently be forwarded to FEMA for final approval.

Copies of the 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan are available for review at the City of League City’s Office of Emergency Management located at the following address:

City of League City Office of Emergency Management 300 West Walker Street League City TX 77573

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HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE

The City of League City initiated the planning and development process of the 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan in 2002, and subsequently hired Clawson and Associates as planning consultants to assist in the preparation of the document.

A group of knowledgeable, well versed department heads, as well as local citizens were assembled to begin the process of establishing a Mitigation Planning Committee. Each initial member was familiarized with the task and became aware of the outcome expectations. Through this process the Hazard Mitigation and Planning Committee was established. A list of the original Mitigation Planning Committee members can be found on Page 5 of the 2005 City of League City Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan, and has been edited out of this Plan.

LOCAL MITIGATION PLAN (LMP) REVIEW COMMITTEE

The planning process for the review of the City of League City’s 2005 Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan follows the methodology prescribed by FEMA. It began with the formation of a Local Mitigation Plan Review Committee comprised of city staff members.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Mitigation Planning Committee

Name Department

Dena Demaret Emergency Management Coordinator Rebecca Bull Emergency Management Admin. Assistant Greg Goedecker Emergency Management Intern Kenneth Farrow Streets and Stormwater Tony Allender Land Management Rick Brezik GIS Specialist, Engineering Department Mark Stelly Building Official, CFM, Building Department Jack Murphy City Engineer, Engineering Department Wanda Martin Fire Marshal

Additional Assistance provided by: Julia Germany, Grant Specialist John Lothrop, Design Coordinator, Engineering Department Cora Crews, Consultant

The initial meeting of the Mitigation Planning Committee (MPC) was held on August 18, 2009, under the direction of the Emergency Management Coordinator. The committee agreed to rename the Hazardous Assessment and Mitigation Plan to Local Mitigation Plan (hereafter referred to as “LMP”, “Plan”, or “the Plan”). To encourage citizen participation, press releases were published on the City of League City’s website and local access City Channel 16.

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Helen’s Garden

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REFERENCES AND LIST OF ACRONYMS

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ACME Association of Municipal Consulting Engineers BFE Base Flood Elevation CAV Community Assistance Visit CDBG Community Development Block Grant (US Department of Housing and Urban Development) CEC Continuing Education Credits CFM Certified Floodplain Manager CIP Critical Infrastructure Protection CRS Community Rating System CTP Cooperating Technical Partner DHS Department of Homeland Security EAS Emergency Alert System EIS Environmental Impact Statement EMC Emergency Management Coordinator EOP Emergency Operations Plan EMS Emergency Medical Service EMWIN Emergency Manager’s Wireless Information Network EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPCRA Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act ERM Elevation Reference Marks ESF Emergency Support Functions FCC Federal Communications Commission FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FHBM Flood Hazard Boundary Map FIA Federal Insurance Administration FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map FIS Flood Insurance Study FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance GCAD Galveston County Appraisal District GCCDD Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District GIS Geographic Information System HCAD Harris County Appraisal District HCFCD Harris County Flood Control District H-GAC Houston-Galveston Area Council HGCSD Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program HOA Home Owner’s Association ISO Insurance Services Office LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee LMP Local Mitigation Plan LOMR Letter of Map Revision LWP Local Warning Point MNUSS Map Needs Update Support System MPC Mitigation Planning Committee MUD Municipal Utility District NASA National Aeronautic and Space Administration NAVD North American Vertical Datum of 1988 NAWAS National Warning System NCDC National Climatic Data Center (U.S. Dept. of Commerce NCVD National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 NED National Economic Development Alternative NFIP National Flood Insurance Program NGS National Geodetic Survey

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NHS National Hurricane Center NIMS National Incident Management System NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System NWS National Weather Service OEM Office of Emergency Management RL Repetitive Loss ROW Right-of-Way SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area SRL Severe Repetitive Loss TCEQ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality TDEM Texas Division of Emergency Management TEEX Texas Engineering Extension Service TINS Texas Department of Transportation’s Traffic Incident Notification System TLETS Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System TWAS Texas Warning System TWIA Texas Windstorm Insurance Association TxDOT Texas Department of Transportation USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers UTMB University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston WUI Wildland-Urban Interface

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REFERENCES

GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

• Getting Started: Building Support for Mitigation Planning, FEMA 386-1, September 2002 • Understanding Your Risks, Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses, FEMA 386-2, August 2001 • Developing the Mitigation Plan: Identifying Mitigation Actions and Implementation Strategies, FEMA 386-3, April 2003 • Bring the Plan to Life: Implementing the Hazard Mitigation Plan, FEMA 386-4, August 2003 • Using Benefit-Cost Review in Mitigation Planning, State and Local Mitigation Planning How-To Guide Number 5, FEMA 386-5, May 2007 • Local Emergency Management Planning Guide, (2008), (DEM-10)

RESEARCH MATERIALS

• Texas Division of Emergency Management Mitigation Handbook (2002), (DEM 21) • Texas State Data Center, Office of the State Demographer, Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio (www.txsdc.utsa.edu/tpepp) • Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce (www.bea.gov/regional/reis/drill.cfm) • Historical Climatologic Data, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, (http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwEvent~Storms) • Texas State Directory (www.txdirectory.com/online/county) • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), (www.fema.gov) • Disaster Preparedness: Concepts, Guidance, and Research, Jeannette Sutton and Kathleen Tierney, Natural Hazards Center, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado 2006

LEGAL AUTHORITIES

STATE OF TEXAS • Texas Government Code, Chapter 418, Emergency Management, Subchapter A. General Provisions • Texas Disaster Act of 1975, V.T.C.A., Government Code, Chapter 418 • Executive Order of the Governor pertaining to Emergency Management • State of Texas Emergency Management Plan • Texas Division of Emergency Management Mitigation Plan (2009) FEDERAL • Public Law 93-288, as amended by Public Law 100-707 (Stafford Act) • Public Law 100-707, as amended by Public Law 103-181 (Hazard Mitigation and Relocation Assistance Act) • Public Law 103-324 (Reigle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994) • Public Law 106-390 (Disaster Mitigation Act [DMA] of 2000) • FEMA Regulation, 44 CFR Part 201 • FEMA Regulation, 44 CFR Part 206, Subparts M and N, Hazard Mitigation Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

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INTRODUCTION

The City of League City undertook the development of the 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan as a requirement associated with eligibility for specific grant assistance programs through FEMA.

In accordance with 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 201.6(d)(3), “A local jurisdiction must review and revise its plan to reflect changes in development, progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities, and re-submit it for approval within five years in order to continue to be eligible for mitigation project grant funding.”

The 2010 Plan review and update entailed a complete re-evaluation and update of all sections of the Plan, and will reflect conditions that have changed since the completion of the 2005 Plan.

AUTHORITY

“Disasters occur when the risk area population adopts patterns of land use, building construction, and economic activity that are vulnerable to the physical impacts of extreme events in the physical environment, such as tornadoes or floods”. (Kathleen J. Tierney, et al., Facing the Unexpected: Disaster Preparedness and Response in the United States, 2001, pg. 12).

As defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), mitigation refers to any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards and their effects. Hazard mitigation planning is the process through which natural hazards that threaten the community are identified, likely impacts of those hazards are determined, mitigation goals are defined, and appropriate strategies that would lessen the impacts are determined, prioritized, and implemented.

The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), is the latest legislation that reinforces the importance of mitigation planning and emphasizes planning for disasters before they occur. As such, DMA 2000 establishes a pre-disaster hazard mitigation program and new requirements for the national post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Section 322 of DMA 2000 specifically addresses mitigation planning at the state and local levels. Section 322 identifies new requirements that allow HMGP funds to be used for planning activities, and increases the amount of HMGP funds available to states that have developed a comprehensive, enhanced mitigation plan prior to a disaster.

States, tribes, and communities must have an approved mitigation plan in place before receiving HMGP funds. Local mitigation plans must demonstrate that their proposed mitigation actions are based on a sound planning process that accounts for the risk to and the capabilities of the individual communities. DMA 2000 is intended to facilitate cooperation between state and local authorities. It encourages and rewards local, tribal, and state pre-disaster planning and promotes sustainability as a strategy for disaster resistance.

This Plan will comply with all requirements as promulgated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and all applicable provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 104 of the DMA 2000 (P.L. 106-390), the Bunning-Bereuter- Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-264), which amended the National Flood Insurance Act (NFIA) of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001, et al). The update process also followed the FEMA guidance document titled Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance (July 1, 2008), which is the source for defining the requirements for the original and updated local mitigation plans as found in 44 CFR §201.

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The 2010 Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan entailed a review of the 2005 Plan, and ultimately resulted in a complete re-write of the initial document. Review of the 2005 City of League City Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan set in motion a process to review and update the following data:

• Census data • Demographic data • Weather events • FEMA floodplain maps • Long-range drainage plan • Thoroughfare plan • Drought contingency plan • Pipeline map development

PURPOSE AND NEED

Each year, natural disasters kill hundreds of people and injure thousands more throughout the United States. Taxpayers pay billions of dollars annually to help communities, organizations, businesses and individuals recover from disasters. These monies only partially reflect the true cost of disasters, because additional expenses to insurance companies and non-governmental organizations are not reimbursed by tax dollars. Many natural disasters are predictable, often with the same results. Many of the damages caused by these events can be alleviated or even eliminated.

FEMA, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has targeted reducing losses from natural disasters as one of its primary goals. Hazard mitigation planning and subsequent implementation of projects, measures, and policies developed through hazard analysis and mitigation plans are the primary mechanisms for achieving these goals. Success in reducing disaster damages is the result of mitigation projects implemented subsequent to mitigation planning.

DMA 2000 requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans in order to maintain their eligibility for certain federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation funding programs. Compliance with these requirements will maintain a participating jurisdiction’s continued eligibility for certain FEMA hazard mitigation grant programs. Communities at risk from natural disasters cannot afford to jeopardize this funding. Additionally, proactive mitigation planning at the local level can help reduce the cost of disaster response and recovery to property owners and governments, by protecting critical community facilities, reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community impacts and disruption.

SCOPE

The focus of the 2010 LMP update is to mitigate those hazards which were classified as “moderate” or “highly likely” in occurrence and risk as determined through the detailed risk assessment conducted in the 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan. Hazards which were classified as “unlikely” of occurring or with “limited” risk will continue to be monitored and evaluated during future updates of the LMP, but may not be fully addressed until they are determined to be of high or moderate risk. This enables the city to prioritize mitigation actions based on those hazards understood to present the greatest risk to lives and property.

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SECTION I CITY OVERVIEW

DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY

League City is located at 29°29’59”N 95°05’23”W. This is twenty-three miles (23) southeast of Houston, and the same distance northwest of Galveston. The city is situated on the south shore of Clear Lake and directly on Interstate Highway 45 (Gulf Freeway). It is located primarily in Galveston County; however, a small portion of the city lies north of Clear Creek in southeast Harris County, and is zoned for residential and commercial uses.

League City’s origin dates back to the early 1800s. Father Miguel Muldoon was sent to Texas by Mexico to set up missions and try to civilize the Indians. He was given land in payment for his services but decided to return to Mexico. Father Muldoon sold the land to a Galveston entrepreneur. The Butler family arrived from Louisiana with several other families, bringing Longhorn cattle and equipment to set up a ranch. Mr. Butler also planted the giant oaks that are seen along Main Street. League City was originally named Clear Creek, but was changed to League City in 1896, after J.C. League, who gave parcels of land for churches and a school. Although the area was first settled in 1854, League City was formally incorporated as a Texas Home Rule City in 1962.

Figure 1 Vicinity Maps

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DEMOGRAPHICS

Encompassing 52.4 square miles, League City is a rapidly growing city. It has experienced a population growth rate of sixty-six percent (66%) since the 2000 census, with a present day population estimated at 71,530. Utilizing the current population projections, population density is estimated to be 1,365 persons per square mile, as compared to a population density of 886.9 persons per square mile utilizing the Census 2000 figures. Demographic calculations and estimates show that 65.65% of the population is White, 15.86% Hispanic Origin, 5.38% Black, 4.00% Asian, and 9.11% All Other. The highest concentration of population falls into the 25-49 year old range, with a median age of 34.82. Average home price is estimated at $204,623. Approximately eighty percent (80%) of the homes within the city are owner occupied, with twenty percent (20%) renter occupied.

Employers in nearby communities are the dominate source of income for the city’s residents. Residents work at the nearby Johnson Space Center, City of Houston, UTMB in Galveston, and the petrochemical industries in Texas City. Major sectors of the area’s economic base include aerospace (NASA), petrochemicals, health care, upscale commercial, boating and visitor attractions. Although it lies within the Houston metropolitan area, League City distinguishes itself within the region demographically. Household income levels and educational profiles are well above the average for the Houston area.

Table 1 Population Estimates

Population Households Housing Units

2025 Projection 155,000*

2014 Projection 82,653

71,530** 2009 Estimate 78,890*** 24,493 63,801****

2006 Estimate 65,351

2000 Census 45,444 16,189 17,280

1990 Census 30,247 10,618

Growth 2008-2014 18.35%

Growth 2000-2009 50.74%

Growth 1990-2000 50.24%

* Comprehensive Plan ~ 2025, Wallace, Roberts & Todd, LLC (03/2004) ** The City of League City Economic Development Corporation (03/05/2010) *** Estimates by city staff based upon the number of utility accounts (02/28/2009) **** Estimate is derived by using the following equation (based upon 2000 Census data) [ Number of households x 2.78 (persons per household) x 0.937 (occupancy rate)]

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Table 2 Estimated Household Income

2008 Estimated Family Households by Household Income

2008 Estimated Average Family Household Income $100,926 2008 Estimated Median Family Household Income $89,490 (Source: League City Chamber of Commerce)

GEOLOGY/ GEOGRAPHY

League City is located in southeastern Texas in an area described in the Physiographic Map of Texas as the Gulf Coastal Plain. Elevations range from 0 feet to just over 30 feet above sea level throughout the city. Most of the city is located in an area that ranges in elevation from 12 to 25 feet.

Underpinning the land surface are consolidated clays, clay shale and poorly cemented sands extending from the erosion of the Rocky Mountains. These sediments consist of a series of sands and clays deposited on decaying matter that over time were transformed into oil and natural gas. Each porous layer was compressed over time and forced upward. As it pushed upward, the salt dragged surrounding sediments into dome shapes, often trapping oil and gas that seeped from the surrounding porous sands.

DICKINSON BAYOU WATERSHED

Figure 2 Dickinson Bayou Watershed Location Map

Source: Dickinson Bayou Watershed Partnership

The Dickinson Bayou Watershed, a natural basin of land, collects water and drains it into tributary streams, then into Dickinson Bayou, the mainstream of the watershed. It is located in the San Jacinto-Brazos Coastal Basin; southeast of Houston and west of Galveston Bay. The watershed covers a total of approximately 63,830 acres and encompasses about 100 square miles in Galveston and Brazoria Counties. The maximum width of the watershed is about seven (7) miles. Water falling

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within the watershed usually makes its way into Dickinson Bayou. Water collected by the bayou flows into Dickinson Bay, a secondary bay of Galveston Bay. About fifty-five percent (55%) of the watershed lies within the 100-year flood plain. Adjoining watersheds include Clear Creek to the north, Mustang Bayou, Halls Bayou, Highland Bayou, and Moses Bayou to the south. Two major irrigation canals cross the watershed: Gulf Coast Water Authority‘s American Canal and Galveston System.

The natural Dickinson Bayou Watershed includes the entire city of Dickinson, Algoa, and portions of Alvin, Friendswood, League City, Santa Fe, and Texas City. Within this watershed, the major concentration of development is in and around the cities of Dickinson and League City, along the IH- 45 corridor. The remainder of the area is rural and undeveloped. Commercial development is light to medium industrial, office warehouses, along with retail merchandising. Reliant CenterPoint’s H.P. Robinson generating plant, currently in emergency stand-by status, is located along SH 146, along with several commercial fishing operations. The western portion of the watershed is still predominantly agricultural. The watershed has much potential for growth, which has recently accelerated due to the rapid development of League City.

The City of League City participated in the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Prioritization of Short Range Improvements Plan and Drainage/Detention Policy Study issued in December 1996. The study was centered on the Dickinson Bayou watershed which services the northern reaches of the city and was in the area that the city planned to annex. In 1992 a team of engineers, hydrologists, planners and environmental scientists began work on the drainage plan for Dickinson Bayou. The study was coordinated with the Texas Water Development Board, Galveston County, the Cities of Dickinson, Santa Fe, Texas City, League City, and Friendswood; Galveston County Drainage Districts #1, #2, and #3; and Brazoria County Conservation District Reclamation District #3. Funding for the study was provided by the Texas Water Development Board (50%), Galveston County (25%), with the remainder divided evenly among the remaining cities. The main thrust of the policies recommended by the study was a Detention/Drainage Policy. Each entity was encouraged to develop and implement a detention policy that restricted storm water runoff from development.

The City Council of the City of League City adopted Ordinance 94-31 (April 14, 1994) to authorize entering into an inter-local agreement with the Cities of Dickinson, Friendswood, Santa Fe, Texas City, the Galveston County Drainage Districts #1, #2 and #3, Brazoria County Conservation and Reclamation District #3, and the County of Galveston regarding cooperative management of the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Study, Phase III.

The purpose of the agreement: • Reduce flooding risks by coordinating and participating in flood projection planning studies and the implementation of specific projects on a cost sharing basis. • Provide an administrative structure through the agreement to obtain cost-sharing funds from the Texas Water Development Board for flood protection planning, and establish the mechanism to obtain necessary funding and in-kind services from other parties to the agreement. • Participate in Master Planning of the Dickinson Bayou Watershed which included among the planning tasks: o Evaluate and recommend potential structural and/or non-structural solutions for flood protection, environmental enhancement, water quality, recreation, and other allied purposes in the Dickinson Bayou Watershed; o Develop up-to-date engineering scale topographic mapping, cross sections, profiles, right-of-way widths, flood elevations, flood plain delineations, and planimetrics; o Improve the hydrologic and hydraulic computer models for use by the parties, Corps of Engineers, and the engineering community in preparing and reviewing permit and/or development applications. • Provide the means for cities, counties, and special districts to negotiate Local Cooperation Agreement(s) with the Water Development Board or others for implementation of specific elements recommended in the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Regional Plan.

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• Cooperate in pursuit of common goals for the Dickinson Bayou Watershed including flood protection and abatement, drainage, greenway establishment and protection, conservation, planned development and other appropriate elements. • Participate in the management of the Dickinson Bayou Watershed by administrating this agreement between parties of this contract with the following requirements: o No impact review process; either flood control or drainage for all new development and/or flood prevention projects, with the criteria for no impact being based on established limits to adverse rises in flood elevations, o Use similar hydrological standards and hydraulic methods in the analysis of upstream and downstream water surface profiles, flood flows, and flood plain delineation, o Within the allowable time limits of each party, abide by the requests of the majority of steering committee members for any corrections, modifications, recommendations or project participation for projects being reviewed or initiated within the Dickinson Bayou Watershed.

CLEAR CREEK WATERSHED

Figure 3

Clear Creek Watershed Location Map

Source: Texas A&M University Texas Coastal Watershed Prog4ram (TCWP-Clear Creek)

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The City of League City also participates in the Clear Creek Watershed Study. The City entered in an inter-local agreement with the association of Water Board Directors, Brazoria County Conversation and Reclamation District No. 3., Brazoria County Drainage District #4, City of Friendswood, City of Houston, City of Pasadena, City of Pearland, Clear Creek Drainage District, Clear Lake Council of Cities (El Lago, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, Taylor Lake, Kemah, Clear Lake Shores, and Webster), Fort Bend County Drainage District, Galveston County, and Harris County Flood Control District.

The purpose of the agreement: • Reduce flooding risks by coordinating and participating in flood planning studies and the implementation of specific projects on a cost sharing basis. • Provide an administrative structure through this agreement to obtain cost sharing funds from the Texas Water Development Board for flood protection planning and establish the mechanism to obtain necessary funding and in-kind services from other parties to the agreement. • Participate in Master Planning of the Clear Creek Watershed which has planning tasks to evaluate and recommend potential structural and non–structural solutions for flood protection, environmental enhancement, water quality, recreation, and other allied purposes in the Clear Creek Watershed. • Develop up-to-date engineering scale topographic mapping, cross section profiles, right-of- way widths, flood elevations and flood plain delineations, and plan metrics. • Improve the hydrologic and hydraulic computer models for use by all parties to the agreement. • Have all parties participate in the management of the Clear Creek Watershed by administering this agreement between parties of the contract with the following requirements: o No impact review process; either flood control or drainage for all new development and/or flood prevention projects with the criteria for no impact based on established limits to adverse rises in flood elevations. o Use similar hydrological standards and hydraulic methods in the analysis of upstream and downstream water surface profiles, flood laws and flood plain delineation. o Within the allowable limits of each party, abide by the requests of the majority of the steering committee members for any corrections, modifications, recommendations or project participation for the projects being reviewed or initiated within the Clear Creek Watershed.

View Along Clear Creek

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A major milestone in the planning process for the USACE is the identification of the Preliminary National Economic Development Alternative (NED) for the Clear Creek Flood Damage Reduction Project. The Preliminary NED is the result of comprehensive engineering, economic, environmental analysis, and community input. Three local sponsors, Harris County Flood Control District, Galveston County and Brazoria Drainage District #4, are currently evaluating this alternative and are seeking feedback from the Clear Creek Watershed Steering Committee, Clear Creek Citizen’s Advisory Committee, and the public.

Project objectives include: • reduce riverine flood damages along Clear Creek and its tributaries • maximize net economic benefits of an identified federal flood damage reduction project • avoid adverse environmental impacts when possible (minimize and mitigate unavoidable adverse environmental impacts) • recognize and consider the existing aesthetic qualities of Clear Creek • identify recreational opportunities • preserve cultural resources (minimize and mitigate unavoidable impacts to these resources) • identify possible eco-friendly flood damage reduction solutions • identify any possible ecosystem restoration opportunities.

The USACE and the local sponsors are conducting a complete re-evaluation of potential flood risk management measures for Clear Creek and its tributaries to replace a Federal Project which began in 1986. The study encompasses the entire watershed, and not just the floodplain. It has been identified as the Clear Creek Watershed Management Plan (WMP), and is an update of the adopted 1992 Clear Creek Regional Plan.

TRANSPORTATION

Residents in the League City/Houston Bay Area have convenient access to interstate and major US highways throughout the entire Houston metropolitan area. Interstate Highway (IH) 45 passes through the center of League City, giving access to other transportation routes such as IH 10, US 59, and US 290. These highways connect to three concentric loop expressways around Houston. Loop 610 is a 38.3-mile roadway at a radius of six miles from the Houston central business district. Sam Houston Parkway (Beltway 8) is an 88-mile facility at a 12-mile radius, and State Highway 99 (Grand Parkway) is a 172- mile expressway, under construction, at a radius of 25–30 miles. The Grand Parkway’s southeast corridor includes a probable alignment with FM 646 in League City.

AIRPORTS

• Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston (IAH) IAH is the 8th largest airport in the United States for both total traffic and international passenger traffic. IAH offers non-stop service to more than 100 destinations within the United States and 70 direct and nonstop international destinations. Houston headquartered Continental Airlines schedules over 700 flights per day from its largest hub airport, IAH. • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) William P. Hobby Airport offers nonstop or direct service to more than 30 destinations throughout the U.S. Hobby Airport is the largest hub airport for Southwest Airlines. It is the 43rd busiest airport in the United States for total passengers. • Ellington Airport (EFD) A joint use civil/military airport, Ellington Airport was acquired by the City of Houston in 1984 and now supports the operations of the United States military, the Department of Homeland Security, NASA, and a variety of general aviation and non-aviation businesses. The airport is home to the annual Wings Over Houston air show and is also where many of the astronauts from Johnson Space Center receive their ongoing space training. First commissioned as a military aviation training facility in 1917, Ellington Airport today consists of three state-of-the-art active runways and provides 24-hour air traffic control services. It is also home to many tenants including the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Delta Connection Academy, US Coast Guard, and NASA.

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RAILROADS

League City is served by the Union Pacific Railroad, operating one main line through the city with daily service.

WATER TRANSPORTATION

• Port of Houston The Port of Houston is a 25 mile long complex of diversified public and private facilities located a few hours sailing time from the Gulf of Mexico. The port is ranked first in the United States in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in the U.S. in total tonnage. More than 225 million tons of cargo moved through the Port of Houston in 2007. A total of 8,053 vessel calls were recorded at the Port of Houston during 2008. The Houston Ship Channel, a 52-mile inland waterway, connects Houston with the sea lanes of the world. The ship channel empties into Galveston Bay where access is available to the ports at Bayport (Barbour’s Cut), Texas City, and Galveston. o The Turning Basin Terminal is 4 miles east of Houston’s central business district. The Turning Basin Terminal efficiently handles close to 2,000 ships and barges annually. o Wharf 32 is one of the world’s premier heavy-lift cargo facilities. o Bayport Terminal-Barbour’s Cut Container Terminal is the largest container terminal on the Gulf Coast. The Port of Houston handles 69.9% of the containerized cargo market in the Gulf Coast, and 95.5% of the containers move through Texas seaports. o Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal is a state-of-the-art facility, and at total build-out will substantially increase the port’s container handling capacity. The Bayport Cruise Terminal will provide three berths for modern cruise vessels. • Port of Galveston The Port of Galveston is the oldest commercial enterprise in the State of Texas, the oldest port in the State of Texas, and the oldest port in the Gulf of Mexico west of New Orleans. The Port owns and operates for hire, public wharves, transit sheds, open and covered storage facilities, warehouses, and freight handling facilities. The Port provides direct access to the open Gulf of Mexico. • Port of Texas City The county’s transportation network is geared toward the Ports of Texas City and Galveston with numerous railroad and truck lines operating in these port areas. The Port of Texas City is the eighth largest port in the U.S. and the third largest in Texas with water borne tonnage exceeding 78 million net tons.

HEALTH CARE & MEDICAL FACILITIES

Facilities serving the immediate League City area include the following: • Clear Lake Regional Medical Center Clear Lake Regional Medical Center is a 595-bed tertiary regional referral center offering comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical, and specialty services. More than 40 medical specialties and associated services are represented at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center including open-heart surgery, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and a comprehensive cardiovascular center. • CHRISTUS St. John Hospital CHRISTUS St. John, located on the shores of Clear Lake, across from the Johnson Space Center, offers surrounding communities the latest technology in medical care. With 170 acute care beds, more than 400 physicians on their medical staff and almost 700 associates, CHRISTUS St. John Hospital provides a broad spectrum of adult and pediatric medical, surgical, and obstetrical care, as well as numerous ambulatory services. • Triumph Healthcare Triumph Healthcare is one of the largest and leading providers of long-term acute care in the nation. Triumph specializes in providing long-term acute care services to medically complex patients for whom the short-term acute care hospital is no longer the most appropriate or cost- effective setting.

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• UTMB Hospital Specialty Care Center Opening in 2010, the specialty care center will be an outpatient specialty care and ambulatory surgical center, with an estimated clinical staff of 50 - 100 practitioners. Services will include: outpatient surgery, advanced imaging services, pediatric and adult clinics, and pediatric urgent care. • Devereux Hospital and Neurobehavioral Institute Devereux Texas Treatment Network is part of a nationwide network of treatment facilities, specializing in treating children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, developmental, psychiatric, and/or chemical dependency disorders. The campus is located in League City. • Texas Oncology – Clear Lake Deke Slayton Cancer Center Texas Oncology-Clear Lake Deke Slayton Cancer Center was named after Mr. Deke Slayton, known by many as the "father figure for the original seven astronauts." Mr. Slayton was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 1992 and succumbed to his illness in 1993. Due to Mrs. Bobbie Slayton's interest in quality cancer care, she was approached by Texas Oncology in 2000 and agreed to allow the cancer center to bear Mr. Slayton's name. • Clear Lake Regional Medical Center – The Heart & Vascular Hospital Clear Lake Regional Medical Center has received Cycle II accreditation with PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) by the Society for Chest Pain Centers. It is the only hospital in the Southeast Houston area to achieve that distinction.

CLIMATE

Located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, League City enjoys a mild year-round climate. The annual average temperature is 69oF. In the winter, the coldest temperatures occur during January and February with the temperatures averaging 55oF. During the winter, the area averages less than 20 days with temperatures of 32oF or below. The growing season averages 300 days per year with the normal frost-free period extending from February 14 to December 11. League City averages 58% of possible sunshine annually, ranging from 45% in January to 70% in July.

Figure 4 Temperature Ranges

(Source: National Weather Service)

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Rainfall for the area averages 47.84 inches per year. Precipitation of 0.01 inches or more occurs, on the average, 105.2 days per year. Fog limiting visibility to one-quarter mile or less occurs only 26.9 days per year. The area has had 14 measurable snowfalls since 1939. The annual average relative humidity is: midnight 86%, 6 a.m. 90%, noon 60%, and 6 p.m. 65%.

Figure 5 Precipitation

(Source: National Weather Service)

Perkins Station Old League City

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SUMMARY OF EXISTING LAND USES

Various types of existing land uses are found throughout League City and are categorized by uses that can be grouped into nine broad categories: Residential, Quasi-Public/Governmental, Industrial, Commercial/Office, Entertainment/Lodging, Parks/Open Space, Water Uses/Waterways, Agriculture/Vacant, and Other.

Table 3 Existing Land Use - 2003

Existing Land Use Acres % of Gross Land Area Single Family 4,217 12.91% Condominiums 25 0.08% Multi Family 201 0.62% Mobile Homes 135 0.41% Commercial 1,073 3.29% Industrial 113 0.34% Government 196 0.60% Schools 414 1.27% Public Park 875 2.68% Tax Exempt 234 0.72% Utilities 1,000 3.06% Private Golf 784 2.40% Private Open Space 173 0.53% Agricultural 13,736 42.06% Vacant 6,904 21.14% Water (excluding Clear Lake/Creek) 5 0.01% Right of Way – Existing 2,619 8.02% TOTAL Gross Land Area (1) 32,659 Acres Clear Creek/Clear Lake Area 1,065 Acres TOTAL LEAGUE CITY AREA 33,724 Acres NOTE 1: Net land area (excluding ROW, Clear Creek and Clear Lake) is 30,040 acres (Source: League City, HCAD and GCAD)

RESIDENTIAL Residential land use accounts for 4,578 acres or 14% of the total land area in the city, and is primarily devoted to single-family residential uses. Residential uses are found in nearly all areas of the city. A wide variety of housing types and affordability can be found throughout the city making it possible to provide for a diverse population both in age and income. Housing types include single- family homes, duplexes, multiple-family apartment, townhomes, condominiums and mobile homes.

COMMERCIAL/OFFICE Retail and service commercial uses in League City follow the same basic pattern as most cities. That is, they are located primarily along arterial corridors.

• Commercial Shopping areas within League City and the Bay Area include: o Bay Colony Town Center – League City o League City Towne Center – League City o Victory Lakes Town Center – League City o Baybrook Mall – City of Houston o Mall of the Mainland – City of Texas City o A total of 1,231 commercial facilities are located within the city.

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• Office o ANICO Office Building o University of Texas Medical Branch Specialty Office Complex

ENTERTAINMENT/LODGING

• Lodging o South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center (240 rooms) o Super 8 Motel (43 rooms) o Hampton Inn (108 rooms) o Candlewood Suites (90 rooms)

• Entertainment highlights located in League City and the Bay Area o Kemah Boardwalk and Waterfront – City of Kemah o Butler Longhorn Museum – League City o Armand Bayou Nature Center – City of Houston o Galveston Island o Gulf Greyhound Race Park – City of LaMarque

• Golf Courses o Beacon Lakes (public) o Magnolia Creek Golf Links (public) o South Shore Harbour (private)

INDUSTRIAL 113 acres of the city’s gross acreage is currently zoned and/or designated as industrial (.34%), primarily along the Union Pacific Rail line. At present, there are no industrial sites located within the city limits.

QUASI-PUBLIC/GOVERNMENTAL Quasi-public and governmental uses include a wide range of uses: governmental office buildings, fire and police stations, health care facilities, utility buildings and substations, community centers, assembly areas and libraries and schools, among others. Their locations are found throughout the city in order to effectively serve the public. Quasi-public and governmental uses account for approximately 1,610 acres (5%).

• Government o City Hall Complex . City Hall . Helen Hall Library . Municipal Court . Johnny Arolfo Civic Center (11,343 square foot facility) . League City Recreation Center (3,534 square foot facility) . Police Department . Public Safety Annex o Amegy Building (leased space for several city departments) o Animal Shelter o Parks Building o Butler Longhorn Museum o West Bay Common School Children’s Museum o Emergency Medical Services . East Side EMS Station . West Side EMS Station o Volunteer Fire Department . Fire Station #1 . Fire Station #2

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. Fire Station #3 . Fire Station #4 . Fire Station #5 . Fire Drill Field and Training Building o Public Works Complex . Line Repair . Public Works . Fuel Shed . Vehicle Maintenance o Water Production o Wastewater Offices and Treatment Plant o Galveston County Annex o Galveston County Office of Emergency Management (includes National Weather Service, Galveston County 9-1-1 District, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)

• Parks/Open Space League City has an abundance of parks and recreational facilities. There are more than twenty one (21) homeowner parks located in subdivisions throughout the community. Currently the city has 347.29 acres of developed parkland, along with 261.37 acres of undeveloped parkland. There are also 432.58 acres of Galveston County parkland within the city, bringing total park land to 1,041.24 acres. o Big League Dreams Sports Park o Challenger 7 Park o Helen’s Garden o League Park o Walter Hall Park o Chester L. Davis Sportsplex o City Pool o Countryside Park o Bayridge Park o Rustic Oaks Park o Newport Park o Heritage Park o The Dr. Ned and Fay Dudney Clear Creek Nature Center o Boat Ramp o Dick Benoit League City Prairie Preserve

• Community Centers o Perry Family YMCA

• Public Schools o Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) . CCISD encompasses 103 square miles, 13 municipalities, and 2 counties. . CCISD is the 29th largest school district (out of 1,031) in the State of Texas. . Current school enrollment within CCISD is 37,500. . Facilities:  26 elementary schools  10 within the city limits of League City  9 intermediate schools Clear Springs High School  5 within the city limits of League City  6 high schools  3 within the city limits of League City

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o Dickinson Independent School District (DISD) . A portion of school aged students who reside within the corporate boundaries of League City attend schools located within DISD boundaries

• Medical Facilities o UTMB Hospital Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes Opening 2010, the specialty care center will be an outpatient specialty care and ambulatory surgical center, with an estimated clinical staff of 50 - 100 practitioners. Services will include: outpatient surgery, advanced imaging services, pediatric and adult clinics, and pediatric urgent care. o There are more than 50 doctor’s offices and clinics in League City.

UTMB Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes • Religious Centers o There are more than 30 religious centers in League City

WATER USES/WATERWAYS

The city’s gross land acreage of 32,659 includes 1,065 acres of waterways. • Clear Lake • Clear Creek o With a total of four marinas, League City’s location on Clear Lake provides easy access to many boating activities. The area is a haven for boating enthusiasts with over 7,000 recreational boats (the third-largest concentration in the country). • Bayous o Benson’s Bayou o Gum Bayou o Jarbou Bayou o Magnolia Bayou o Robinson Bayou • Drainage Ditches o Borden’s Gully o Cedar Gully o Clear Creek Heights o Highland Terrace o Interurban o Landing Ditch o Magnolia Creek o Newport Ditch o Robinson Gully

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AGRICULTURE/VACANT LANDS

Acreage denoted as agricultural and vacant lands throughout the city totals approximately 20,640 acres or sixty-three percent (63%). As depicted on the Current Land Use Map, Figure 6, those areas denoted as vacant are currently being used for agricultural purposes. As shown on the Future Land Use Map, Figure 7, the current vacant/agricultural land use areas within the city are designated as single family, along with areas identified as mixed use (residential, commercial, office) areas.

Entrance to Walter Hall Park

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Figure 6 Current Land Use Map November 2009

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DEVELOPMENT TRENDS

As noted earlier, the predominant use of land within the city is agricultural (63%), with residential and commercial comprising a little over seventeen percent (17%). Strong residential growth in the form of neighborhoods and multi-cluster housing may occur throughout the community if current predictions are accurate. Residential growth is anticipated to be steady. The city does anticipate significant development pressure and a corresponding change in land use.

Located in the rapidly expanding southeast segment of the Houston metropolitan region and Harris County and in the Houston-Galveston I-45 Corridor, League City lies in the path of rapid growth. As the land has been absorbed and the cities north of Clear Lake are virtually built out, League City is the next area where large tracts of land are still available for development. This vacant and agricultural land makes up 63% of the land area within the city limits and is located, to a large extent, in the segment of the city west of Interstate 45.

LEAGUE CITY BUILDING PERMIT STATISTICS

Table 4 Building Permit Statistics

NUMBER OF NUMBER OF YEAR RESIDENTIAL VALUE COMMERCIAL VALUE PERMITS PERMITS

1997 465 $57,232,776 21 $14,414,869

1998 604 $83,440,737 22 $45,425,545

1999 727 $100,916,512 23 $31,376,656

2000 812 $106,284,384 34 $51,814,292

2001 1214 $159,814,076 26 $29,370,250

2002 1352 $238,362,126 18 $14,137,848

2003 1456 $217,110,980 30 $20,922,190

2004 1427 $236,092,416 39 $82,391,607

2005 1666 $225,268,358 69 $61,541,607

2006 1508 $266,426,720 47 $36,033,628

2007 1480 $256,555,787 79 $78,638,198

2008 837 $145,805,839 65 $205,922,966

2009 762 $129,583,660 24 $32,338,540

(Source: City of League City Building Department)

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Figure 7 Future Land Use Map

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Table 5 Current Housing Growth Potential

Residential Residential Single Multi- Total Family Family Approved Plans* 6,520 4,462 10,982

* Plans have been submitted and approved by the Land Management Department for development.

Possible reasons for the current housing boom and related growth may be attributed to: • The Clear Lake area and other adjacent areas to the north are almost built-out; • League City is receiving inevitable pressure for expansion taking place on the SE side of the Houston metro area; • League City is ranked #65 among ‘100 Best Places in the US to Live’ – 2006; • Proximity to Galveston Island; • Exemplary status rating for schools within the CCISD.

Historic Home in Old League City

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PROPERTY VALUATION

As stated earlier, approximately eighty percent (80%) of the homes within the city are owner occupied, with twenty percent (20%) renter occupied.

The Galveston County Appraisal District is the agency tasked with property value assessments and tax collections for properties within the corporate boundaries of League City. Assessment roll grand total of homesite properties within League City for 2009 is approximately $6.1 billion dollars. Of that total, $434.7 million worth of property is classified as ‘exempt’, resulting in a total of approximately $5.7 billion assessed valuation.

Table 6 Assessed Property Valuation

Property Value Totals Homesite $962,982,033 Non-Homesite $484,915,091 Ag-Market $79,398,591 $1,527,295,715 Improvements Homesite $3,471,404,737 Non-Homesite $829,127,202 $4,300,531,939 Other Perkins Station Old League City Personal $306,926,776 Minerals $73,610 $307,000,386 GRAND TOTAL VALUATION $6,134,828,040 Exemptions $347,795,160 $8,609,528 $78,298,335 $434,703,023 VALUATION LESS EXEMPTIONS $5,700,125,017 Source: Galveston County Appraisal District

Table 7 Value of Housing

Value Percent (%) Less than $60,000 3.71 $61,000 - $100,000 8.14 $101,000-$149,000 33.97 $150,000-$200,000 18.74 $201,000-$299,000 25.34 $300,000-$499,000 7.77 Over $500,000 2.32

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TABLE 8 Age of Housing Stock

Number Year Built of Units % of Total Built 2000-2010 12,514 44% Built 1990-2000 5,990 21%

Built 1980-1989 5,393 19% Built 1970-1979 2,652 9% Built 1960-1969 1,264 4%

Built 1950-1959 480 1.6% Built 1940-1949 194 .7% Built 1939 or earlier 195 .7%

All Years 28,682 100 %

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000, Summary File 3 (SF3) sample data [Table HCT 6] and City of League City Building Department

Perkins Station

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SECTION 2 PLAN REVIEW PROCESS

INTERIM FINAL RULE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PLANNING PROCESS

IFR §201.6(c)(1): [The Plan shall document] the planning process used to develop the Plan, including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process, and how the public was involved. IFR §201.6(b): In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of natural disasters, the planning process shall include: 1. An opportunity for the public to comment on the Plan during the drafting stage and prior to Plan approval; 2. An opportunity for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia and other private and non-profit interests to be involved in the planning process; and 3. Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information.

OVERVIEW OF THE PLAN UPDATE

An important step in the lengthy process of improving resistance to hazards is the development of a hazard mitigation plan. The City of League City 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan was prepared in accordance with the guidelines provided by FEMA, advice from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The purpose of the LMP update is to meet FEMA’s requirements to provide updated hazard mitigation plans every five (5) years.

This plan was developed to assist local officials meet the following four objectives: • Protect life and property by reducing the potential for damages and economic losses resulting from natural disasters • Qualify for pre- and post-disaster grant funding • Increase recovery and redevelopment efforts following disaster events • Comply with state and federal legislative requirements for local hazard mitigation plans

This Plan addresses natural hazards only. Although members of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee recognize that FEMA is promoting communities to integrate human-caused hazards into the mitigation planning process, the scope of this effort did not address human-caused hazards for two reasons: • Many of the planning activities for the mitigation of human-caused hazards are usually and/or have been developed by different organizations, and • DMA 2000 requires extensive public information and input which is in direct conflict with the confidentiality necessary in planning for the fight against chemical, biological, and radiological terrorism.

A summary of potential hazards along with disaster history helps to characterize future hazards. Taking into account the magnitude of past events, number of people and property affected and severity of damage, tropical storms, hurricanes and flood hazards are the most significant natural hazard to affect the city. It is also recognized that many of the existing buildings and housing structures were built prior to the creation of the National Floodplain mapping system.

Although many of the natural disasters that affect the city are the same as those identified in the 2005 Plan, an update is necessary to take into account all modified or revised data from the past five (5) years, including evolving demographics and mitigation strategies.

A group of knowledgeable and well versed department heads was assembled to begin the process of establishing a Mitigation Planning Committee. Each initial member was familiarized with the task and became aware of the outcome expectations. A list of the original MPC members can be found on Page 5

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of the Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan-2005, and has been edited out of this updated version of the Plan.

MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE (MPC)

The planning process for the review and update of the 2010 Local Mitigation Plan follows the methodology prescribed by FEMA. It began with the formation of a local MPC comprised of the following city staff members:

Mitigation Plan Update Mitigation Planning Committee (MPC)

Name Title & Department Dena Demaret Emergency Management Coordinator Rebecca Bull Emergency Management Admin. Assistant Greg Goedecker Emergency Management Intern Kenneth Farrow Streets and Stormwater Tony Allender Land Management Rick Brezik GIS Specialist, Engineering Department Mark Stelly Building Official, CFM, Building Department Jack Murphy City Engineer, Engineering Department Wanda Martin Fire Marshal

KICKOFF WORKSHOP – AUGUST 18, 2009

The initial meeting of the MPC was held on August 18, 2009, under the direction of the Emergency Management Coordinator. This meeting was an opportunity to familiarize and educate the participating members with the description and purpose of the LMP. The committee agreed to rename the Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan to Local Mitigation Plan (hereafter referred to as “the Plan” or “LMP”.)

The hazard agents addressed in the 2005 Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan were reviewed by the Planning Review Committee. Emphasis is placed on the hazard agents listed in Table 9, Section 3-Risk Assessment/Hazard Analysis due to their historical occurrence and high potential of occurring in the future. Historical data retrieved includes narratives for all events that have occurred in the city. Historical data, as shown in graphs for each hazard agent, was not included in the 2005 Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan for these hazard agents: tornadoes, severe thunderstorm/hail/lightning events, hazardous material incidents, but has been included in the 2010 LMP. In the Plan update, flood events dominate the mitigation plan due to the frequency of occurrence, whether preceding or following a tropical storm and/or hurricane, or occurring during the spring season when the entire State of Texas experiences severe weather. Documentation regarding subsidence shows that it has been minimized or largely halted due to the city’s conversion from groundwater to surface water for its water source. This has been detailed in reports by the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District. Further information and additional reports can be found at the District’s website: www.hgsubsidence.org.

Each hazard agent was updated to include nationally recognized intensity charts (i.e., Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale defining categories of hurricanes) and damage rating categories (i.e., TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale in Relation to Typical Damage and Hail Size Codes).

Hazard Identification/Risk Assessment The FEMA “Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Crosswalk” (FEMA Region VI, March 2004) was presented to MPC members and afforded the opportunity for members to discuss risk assessment. When determining how the dollar value of each hazard would be determined, Land Management agreed to provide research on the topic. Maps developed by the United Sates Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) would be utilized to determine storm surge flood depths from tropical storms or hurricanes.

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Annex P-Hazard Mitigation The Emergency Management Coordinator explained to the MPC that it was imperative to coordinate any updates and/or revisions made to Annex P (Hazard Mitigation) of the Emergency Operations Plan with the LMP.

Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Discussion was held regarding the benefits of cross-referencing the LMP with the CIP to ensure when updates were made to one, the other would also be updated to reflect those changes.

Public Involvement To encourage citizen participation, the MPC agreed that a Hazard Mitigation Survey would be made available during the drafting stage, and the draft Plan would be posted on the city’s website to solicit comments. Press releases would be available on the City of League City’s website and local access City Channel 16.

MPC MEETING – OCTOBER 14, 2009

Criteria for Ranking Action Items And Cost-Benefit Review Action items (projects) were ranked as high, medium, or low by the MPC. MPC members considered benefits that would result from the mitigation actions versus the cost of those projects. Detailed cost-benefit analyses for the action items were beyond the scope of this plan. However, economic evaluation was one factor that helped the MPC select one mitigation action from competing actions. The remaining projects’ viability, feasibility, cost, and sources of funding were discussed before the MPC voted on their rank. For more detail regarding the cost-benefit review, please refer to Section 5, Mitigation Action Items: New Action Items – 2010 Plan Update.

Maps Maps were prepared and presented by the GIS Department which identified the following: • Critical Facilities o city facilities o lift stations o assisted living facilities o schools o daycare centers • Flood-Prone Areas o flood zones and floodplains • Hurricane Ike Damage • 2009 Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) and Repetitive Loss (RL) Properties • Current and Future Land Uses • Zoning

Mitigation Survey MPC members were presented with a copy of the mitigation survey along with a list of critical and vulnerable city facilities for review. Members were requested to review the documents and suggest changes. The MPC members were also asked to complete the survey and return to the OEM when completed.

MPC MEETING – NOVEMBER, 2009

Review and Update of Mitigation Goals From the 2005 Plan • The 2005 goals were emailed to MPC members prior to the meeting. • Each member was asked to provide the current status of these goals. • The goal updates were discussed during this meeting and eventually incorporated into this Plan.

Creation of Goals for Plan Update • The Emergency Management Coordinator presented the group with several mitigation goals and objectives in order to spur discussion. City of League City Local Mitigation Plan 31

• The MPC narrowed the list to the goals most appropriate for the city and are consistent with goals in other city plans.

MPC MEETING – FEBRUARY 16, 2010

Mitigation Strategies • The MPC discussed mitigation strategies and activities that have been completed in the past, as well as those that are currently underway. • Several informal meetings between Engineering staff members and planners took place to fully develop the strategies.

Repetitive Loss Mitigation • Mitigating Repetitive Loss/Severe Repetitive Loss properties is a top priority for both the Building Department (which is responsible for floodplain administration) and the Office of Emergency Management. • The city’s Floodplain Administrator and Grant Specialist offered to draft the RL (Repetitive Loss) section of this Plan.

Initial plan review • MPC members presented comments and changes they had for the completed draft sections.

MPC MEETING – MARCH 23, 2010

Final Plan Review • MPC members presented comments and changes they had for the draft Local Mitigation Plan.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Public involvement in the development of the LMP update was sought in two ways during the planning process.

Hazard Mitigation Survey The City of League City solicited input from citizens and stakeholders through the use of a Hazard Mitigation Survey. This survey allowed citizens to rank hazards, discuss mitigation actions they have taken to protect their homes and provide suggestions on steps the city could take to reduce the risk of future hazard damages in their neighborhoods.

Copies of the Hazard Mitigation Survey were made available for citizens at City Hall and the Helen Hall Library, as well as available on the city’s website. A total of 62 responses to the survey were submitted, which provided valuable input in the development of the Plan update. A summary of the survey findings is provided in Attachment A. Paper copies of all surveys retrieved from the city’s website are on file at the League City Office of Emergency Management.

Draft Plan Review The final draft of the LMP (with sensitive information removed) was placed on the city’s website for the public to review. A comment form was provided to solicit feedback from citizens.

Press Releases The public participation opportunities above were advertised in a number of ways, including the following: • On the City of League City’s website (www.leaguecity.com) • Through an article on the Houston Chronicle website: (www.ultimateclearlake.com) • On the City of League City’s TV Channel 16

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Figure 8 Announcement of Hazard Mitigation Survey Screen Capture – City of League City Website

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Figure 9 Hazard Mitigation Survey – Page 1 Screen Capture – City of League City Website

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Figure 10 Article Regarding Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Screen Capture – Ultimate Clear Lake Website

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Figure 11 Draft Plan and Comment Form Screen Capture – City of League City Website

INVOLVEMENT FROM PARTNER AGENCIES

The update/review of the 2010 Plan included a process to coordinate with other agencies. An E-mail was sent to all “Partner Agencies” to enlist their participation in the review process, and to solicit comments. The E-mail instructed each “Partner Agency” on how to access the Plan on the City of League City’s website, as the document size exceeded the allowable size to be included as an E-mail attachment. The following agencies were invited to participate, review and submit any comments on the Plan:

• Harris County Office of Emergency Management • Galveston County Office of Emergency Management • Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District • Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) • City of Friendswood • City of Webster • City of Dickinson • City of Kemah

Of note, no comments were received from “Partner Agencies” regarding the city’s LMP.

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REVIEW AND INCORPORATION OF PLANS, STUDIES, REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Other planning documents can be used as a valuable resource for integrating information related to hazard mitigation planning process. As part of the 2010 LMP update, other plans, studies, and reports that are applicable to the hazards discussed in the Plan were reviewed and incorporated where applicable.

The following plans were referenced during the planning process: • City of League City, Comprehensive Plan ~ 2025 (March 2004) • Drought Contingency Plan (Adopted by Ordinance 2002-26, April 23, 2002 • Ordinance 2009-13, amending Chapter 22, Code of Ordinances, Buildings and Building Regulations • Emergency Operations Plan, February 19, 2008 • 3-Year Strategic Plan for League City, Texas, 2009 (CDBG) • In addition, any changes or updates to: o Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) o Flood Insurance Study • Dickinson Bayou Watershed Regional Plan • Clear Creek Watershed Management Plan

Information in the 2010 LMP will be referenced and incorporated into the following plans that are currently in development: • City of League City Comprehensive Plan, Update (to be completed in 2010) • Master Drainage Plan, Update (to be completed in 2010)

Information in the 2010 LMP will be referenced and incorporated into the following plans that are to be developed: • Floodplain Management Plan (to be completed by the Building Department) to be coordinated with the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Regional Plan and the Clear Creek Watershed Management Plan • Disaster Recovery Plan (to be completed by the Office of Emergency Management)

The MPC, through one or more members, will be actively involved in the planning process for the above- mentioned plans and any new plans to be written. The MPC member(s) will attend planning meetings and ensure that plans are consistent with the information contained in the LMP. The MPC member(s) will also record information from these meetings that shall be incorporated into or changed in the LMP. As the City of League City maintains and updates several plans, this will be a year-round process that will likely involve more than one MPC member.

The previous Mitigation Plan was not incorporated into any local planning mechanisms that the MPC is aware of. However, many of the goals, strategies, and actions from the previous plan have been accomplished by various city departments. Please see Section 4, Mitigation Strategy and Section 5, Mitigation Action Items, for the current status of the previous plan’s items.

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SECTION 3 RISK ASSESSMENT/HAZARD ANALYSIS

OVERVIEW OF HAZARDS

The City of League City is exposed to many hazards, all of which have the potential to disrupt the community, cause casualties, and damage or destroy property. The city recognizes that the community will continue to be exposed and subject to the impact of hazards as described in this document, as well as hazards that may develop in the future. The potential exists for a major disaster to occur at any time and any place. In many cases dissemination of warning to the public and implementation of increased readiness measures may be possible, yet some emergency situations occur with little or no warning.

The city has established an emergency management system. The Mayor serves as the Emergency Management Director, as prescribed by state law, and has appointed an Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC). Together, they care for the day to day activities of emergency management. The EMC has a staff assistant that manages the affairs of the department on a daily basis.

The city also is under the umbrella of Galveston County Emergency Management. This alliance, along with the vast majority of cities in Galveston County, provides depth of coverage and additional resources should the city fall victim to a disaster. The city is also linked to the District Disaster Committee located in Houston. The EMC can call on this group for additional assistance or resources as needed.

The process of a hazard assessment is two-fold: • First - a hazards assessment is developed. It is a component of the mitigation process and consists of maps, databases, charts, atlases, and other supporting documentation. This analysis provides a risk-based quantitative method to prioritize mitigation and preparedness needs for the jurisdiction as a whole. This analysis should be reviewed and updated frequently. • Second - a mitigation action plan is developed. The mitigation action plan outlines mitigation goals, identifies a risk reduction strategy for each of the significant hazards that threaten the area, and discusses the on-going risk reduction activities undertaken within the jurisdiction. The mitigation action plan further details what is to be done, how much it will cost, who will be responsible for the action, how it will be funded, and provides an implementation schedule.

Finally, the prioritization of the hazards led to a mitigation plan. The mitigation plan should accomplish the following: • define mitigation goals • identify current risk reduction efforts • identify risk reduction strategy for each of the significant hazards that threaten the city • identify future risk reduction efforts • identify cost • provide a source of funding options to implement the action items, and • identify those responsible for the entire process.

The 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Action Plan separated the City of League City into 13 sectors. Hazards were then profiled and analyzed for each of those sectors. However, most hazards have an equal chance of occurring city-wide. Therefore, this update will consider that the location of occurrence to be city-wide for all hazards except those with identifiable boundaries, such as flood.

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HAZARD VULNERABILITY

The focus of the 2010 update of the LMP is to profile and mitigate those hazards which were classified as “occasional” or “highly likely” in occurrence and risk as determined through the detailed risk assessment conducted in the 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan.

Hazards which may occur in the area, but were not deemed significant enough to profile in this plan will continue to be monitored and evaluated during future updates of the LMP, but may not be fully addressed until they are determined to be “occasional” or “highly likely.” Utilizing the Table on Page 9 of the 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan, the following hazard agents will be discussed during this update:

• Hurricane/Tropical Storm • Flood Events • Thunderstorm/Hail/Lightning • Tornadoes • Extreme Heat

Each hazard agent was updated to include nationally recognized intensity charts (i.e., Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale defining categories of hurricanes) and damage rating categories (i.e., TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale in Relation to Typical Damage and Hail Size Codes), Beaufort Wind Scale, etc.

Table 9 Hazard Agents

Probability Number of Events Hazard Agent Rate 1950-2010 2005-2010 “Every # Days” Highly Likely to Occur Hurricane: 3 Hurricane: 3 Hurricane/Tropical Storm 436 Tropical Storm: 8 Tropical Storm: 1 Occasional Flood Events 66 13 113 Thunderstorms with: High Wind 132 178 140 Hail 12 306 Lightning 12 3 523 Tornados 44 0 220 Extreme Heat 7 1 850 Minimal or No Impact NOT FULLY PROFILED IN THIS PLAN 19.6 years Drought 3 0 (7,154 days) Severe Winter Weather 2 0 Insignificant (Snow/Ice Storms) Urban-Wildland Fires 0 0 N/A

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HIGHLY LIKELY TO OCCUR

Hurricane/Tropical Storm • Hurricanes, tropical storms, and typhoons, collectively known as tropical cyclones, are among the most devastating naturally occurring hazards in the United States, especially along the Gulf of Mexico. • Hurricanes do not have to strike the coast of Texas to have an impact.

OCCASIONAL

Flood Events • Floods have been and continue to be the most frequent, destructive, and costly natural hazard facing the State of Texas. • Ninety-one percent (91%) of recorded damages is the result of flooding.

Thunderstorms/Hail/Lightning • Severe weather incidents including thunderstorms, hail, lightning, and high winds are frequent events within the community. • Thunderstorms kill more people in the United States than any other phenomenon.

Tornadoes • Tornadoes occur annually and most frequently in the northern two-thirds (2/3) of the state as a result of cool frontal systems; however, tornadoes in the Upper Texas Coastal region are a cascading hazard from tropical storms or hurricanes.

Extreme Heat • Extreme heat is characterized by a combination of very high temperatures and exceptionally humid conditions. • There is not a standard designation of an extreme heat day. It is a complex number assigned by local NWS regions based on heat index, time of year, and area of the country.

For the purposes of the 2010 review and update of the City of League City’s LMP, the following hazard agents will not be profiled as the city’s geographic location precludes these types of disasters, along with the lack of sufficient historical accounts of incidents. The State of Texas Mitigation Plan, October 2007, also indicates that the following hazard agents do not pose a threat, or potential threat, to the city. The following hazard agents will be monitored closely during the next five years, and if a sufficient number of events occur and/or these events present dangerous scenarios, they will be profiled in greater detail in the 2015 Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan update.

The following data is included for informational purposes only, and shall provide documentation that an extensive profile is not warranted during this review process.

MINIMAL OR NO IMPACT

Drought • Drought is defined as the consequence of a natural reduction in the amount of precipitation expected over an extended period of time, usually a season or more in length. • The worst year for drought within the State of Texas was 2000 when the entire state was declared; however, after the 2007 summer floods, most of the state was declared drought free for the first time since 1997. • Historically, damage costs as a result of drought conditions are calculated with regard to crops. During the September 2000 drought shown in Figure 13, none of the $102.3 million in crop damage occurred in League City (that figure represents a 23-county area in the Houston- Galveston region).

Extent • Although forty-two percent (42%) of the city’s current land use is designated as agricultural, this land is not used for cash crops or large amounts of livestock, and are therefore not significantly

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impacted by drought conditions. Many parcels of this “agricultural” land were working farms many years ago, but are no longer operational. According to the City of League City’s Planning Department, the land designated agricultural is used for the following purposes: large estate residential properties, pasture/grazing land for a small number of livestock (mainly for personal and tax exemption uses), farm land for personal use, and vacant land that is to be developed (approximately 500 acres are owned by development companies). • Two (2) drought condition events have been recorded for Galveston County (and surrounding 22 counties) for the period of 2000-2010, resulting in no property or crop damage in League City. • There is no distinct geographic boundary to drought; therefore, it can occur unilaterally throughout the city. League City expects minimal impact.

Probability/Vulnerability • Warning time for drought is long, as drought events take place over extended periods of time. • No finding of substantial data with respect to impact on the built environment (drought impacts are mostly expressed in crop/livestock losses), low frequency of occurrence (3 events within 50 years); and low probability of occurrence, drought conditions are deemed to be a low risk hazard and does not pose a significant threat to the community. Therefore, drought is not fully profiled for the purposes of this Plan. The hazard will be continuously monitored and evaluated in future reviews and revision of this Plan.

Figure 13 Query Results for Drought

(Source: NOAA/NCDC)

Severe Winter Weather (Snow/Ice Storms)

Although rare along the Texas Gulf Coast, winter weather does occasionally occur. Severe winter storms can include blizzards, freezing rain, sleet, or dangerous combinations of temperatures and wind. The State of Texas, Mitigation Plan, October 2007, states the Texas Panhandle and North Central Texas, around Dallas and Texarkana, are the most vulnerable areas to severe winter storms. Generally, winter storm season in Texas runs from late November to mid-March. • Severe winter storms consist of extreme cold and heavy concentrations of snowfall or ice. • The most identifiable winter storm in League City is cold temperatures. • Snow accumulations are minimal. • NCDC documentation indicates only two (2) recordable events since 1950: • Christmas Eve 2004 (December 24th) with recorded snowfall of 1”

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o Counties affected included Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Matagorda and Wharton Counties o Snowfall totals ranged from 1-12 inches across the region. Approximately 4 inches fell on Galveston Island. o No property damage or deaths were recorded in League City. • January 12, 1997: freezing rain and sleet in South East Texas o This event affected 23 counties, including Galveston County. o Trees, power lines and roadways were all affected by freezing rain and sleet. Glazed roadways posed hazardous driving conditions. o Property damages reported in the greater 23-county area totaled $1,085,519. No damage or deaths were reported in League City. Most of the damage and loss of life occurred in the Northern and Western-most counties. Because League City is located so close to the coast, it is less susceptible to freezing rain and temperatures.

Extent • Winter storms vary in location, intensity, and duration but are considered a rare occurrence in Galveston County and the upper Texas Gulf Coast. • It can safely be assumed that the entire City of League City is uniformly and equally exposed to winter storm events. • No recorded documentation could be discovered regarding assessment of structural damages as the result of severe winter weather; therefore, property damage attributed to a winter storm hazard has been considered negligible for purposes of this Plan.

Probability/Vulnerability • Average time between events = 1,452 days (4 years) • Probability of occurrence is insignificant; therefore the hazard will not be fully assessed for the purposes of this Plan. • In the rare event of a winter storm, League City may potentially receive up to two inches (2”) of snow, and experience freezing temperatures not to exceed 24 consecutive hours, resulting in little to no discernable property damage. • Therefore, severe winter weather is not fully profiled for the purposes of this Plan. The hazard will be continuously monitored and evaluated in future reviews and revision of this Plan.

Figure 14 NCDC Record of Events Snow/Ice Storms

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Wildland-Urban Fires

• The wildland–urban interface (WUI) is defined as the area where houses meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland vegetation. • Federal Register, Volume 66, No. 3, January 4, 2001 (66 FR 751) states “the urban wildland interface community exists where humans and their development meet or intermix with wildland fuel”. • The City of League City is not included on the Wildland-Urban Community List per 66 FR 751. • According to the Texas Forest Service, 95.9% of the State of Texas is classified as “Non- WUI”. • No designated wooded and/or forested areas currently exist within League City. Wooded vegetation is limited to landscaping on residential and commercial property, and roadway right-of-ways. Therefore, no portion of League City is vulnerable to the affects of WUI.

Extent • NCDC records show no record of wild fires and/or forest fires within Harris County or Galveston County for the period of January 1, 1950 through October 31, 2009. (Refer to Figure 15) • Estimated annual dollar value of damages to existing or future buildings is zero (negligible) as a result of wildland-urban fires. • Of the 254 counties within Texas, only fourteen (14) counties are classified as WUI counties (5.51%) and are required to develop “Community Wildfire Protection Plans” in accordance with Title I of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003. Galveston County is not classified as a WUI county.

Probability • The potential for future wildland-urban fires occurring within the City of League City are extremely negligible or non-existent. Therefore, this hazard is not fully profiled for the purposes of this Plan.

Figure 15 NCDC Query Results Wild & Forest Fires

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OVERVIEW OF HAZARDS The City of League City has identified facilities critical to the fulfillment of city services as well as facilities that are vulnerable to the impact of disaster. The critical and vulnerable facilities are listed with their approximate flood zone identified: • High Risk Area o Zone A 100-year or Base Floodplain • High Risk – Coastal Areas o Zone V Coastal areas subject to velocity hazard (wave action) • Moderate to Low Risk Areas o Zone B & X (shaded) Usually between limits of 100 & 500-year floodplains o Zone C & X (unshaded) Minimal flood hazard – above 500-year floodplain

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CRITICAL AND VULNERABLE FACILITIES

The City of League City has identified facilities which are critical in providing essential services to residents and commercial businesses, as well as those facilities which house essential personnel and documents.

A detailed table of designated critical/vulnerable facilities can be found at Table 10-Crtical and Vulnerable Facilities and a map illustrating the location of the city’s critical facilities is located in Figure 18.

The following facilities are designated as critical facilities with their relation to flood zones, delivering essential services, housing essential city documents and personnel: • all city buildings (City Hall and annexes, police, fire and EMS services) • water/wastewater facilities • lift stations • pump house, ground water tanks, sewer treatment plant, waste water pump stations, etc. • utilities • medical and assisted living facilities • schools and daycare centers • transportation systems • water tanks • communications systems • hazardous material facilities • historical and cultural facilities

Restored Antique Fire Truck Currently housed at Fire Station #1 Used primarily for parades and display purposes

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HURRICANES/TROPICAL STORMS

Hurricanes and tropical storms combine size and intensity to become one of Earth’s greatest and most powerful weather events. In addition to hurricanes and tropical storms, damage may be caused by tornadoes that are created from the storms. The Texas Gulf Coast is not immune to damages from such storms. Hurricane season spans a six-month period from June 1 to November 30. Hurricane frequency is highest during August, September and October.

The figure below illustrates the hurricane risk area for the State of Texas.

Figure 17 Hurricane Risk Areas

(Source: State of Texas Mitigation Plan, 2007)

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The following tropical storm and hurricane events have produced severe flooding and structural damage along the Texas Gulf Coast:

. September 16-20, 1854 . September 16-20, 1963 – Hurricane Cindy . June 1-5, 1871 . August 5-8, 1964 – Tropical Storm Abby . June 8-10, 1871 . August 2-5, 1970 – Hurricane Celia . September 8-18, 1875 . September 12-17, 1970 – Tropical Storm Felice . August 19-24, 1879 . September 1-7, 1973 – Tropical Storm Delia . June 21-25, 1880 . July 25, 1979 – Tropical Storm Claudette . June 13-15, 1886 . August 30-September 2, 1979 – Tropical Storm Elena . June 16-18, 1888 . August 3-10, 1980 – Hurricane Allen . July 4-6, 1888 . September 1-7, 1980 – Tropical Storm Danielle . July 3-8, 1891 . August 15-18, 1983 – Hurricane Alicia . October 2-7, 1895 . June 23-28, 1986 – Hurricane Bonnie . September 10-13, 1897 . June 24-July 1, 1989 – Tropical Storm Allison . September 20-28, 1898 . July 30-August 3, 1989 – Hurricane Chantal . September 7-10, 1900 . October 12-16, 1989 – Hurricane Jerry . July 21, 1909 . July 28-August 2, 1995 – Tropical Storm Dean . August 16-17, 1915 . September 1998 – Tropical Storm Frances . September 14, 1919 . June 5-10, 2001 – Tropical Storm Allison . August 12-15, 1932 . September 24, 2005 – Hurricane Rita . July 21-27, 1933 . July 3, 2008 – Hurricane Dolly . August 26-September 1, 1934 . August 5, 2008 – Tropical Storm Edouard . October 11-17, 1938 . September 13, 2008 – Hurricane Ike . September 19-25, 1940 . August 21, 1998 – Tropical Storm Charley . September 11-16, 1941 . September 7-13, 1998 – Tropical Storm Frances . September 16-25, 1941 . June 5-10, 2001 – Tropical Storm Allison . August 30, 1942 . September 5, 2002 – Tropical Storm Fay . July 25-29, 1943 . July 14, 2003 – Hurricane Claudette . August 24-29, 1945 . August 30, 2003 – Tropical Storm Grace . August 18-27, 1947 . September 23, 2005 – Hurricane Rita . September 27-October 6, 1949 . September 12, 2007 – Hurricane Humberto . July 27, 1957 – Hurricane Audrey . August 5, 2008 – Tropical Storm Edouard . July 24-25, 1959 – Hurricane Debra . September 13, 2008 – Huricane Ike . September 11, 1961 – Hurricane Carla . (Portions of the list were provided by Hurricane Consulting, Inc., Friendswood TX)

HURRICANES

Hurricanes are tropical cyclones in which winds reach constant speeds of 74 miles per hour or more and blow in a large Tropical Storm spiral around a relatively calm center. Edouard Hurricanes are essentially giant shown from the whirlwinds in which air moves in a large, International Space tightening spiral around a center of Station

extreme low pressure. Near the center, August 5, 2008 hurricane winds may gust to more than 200 miles per hour.

While hurricane winds do much damage, the storm surge and torrential rains accompanying hurricane landfall are responsible for most deaths. Historically, drowning has been the greatest cause of hurricane deaths. The storm surge raises

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wave heights and increases tides. Torrential rain causes both flash flooding and sustained flooding in the area.

TROPICAL STORMS

Tropical storms are weather events similar to hurricanes but sustained winds in these storms are between thirty-nine (39) and seventy-three (73) miles per hour. Tropical storms can affect an area by dropping large amounts of rain over a sustained period of time. Again flash flooding and sustained flooding are the most deadly aspects of tropical storms. The city lies near a coastal area with a thirty-seven percent (37%) chance of a hurricane, extreme hurricane or tropical storm occurring in any given year.

Hurricane Ike, September 9, 2008 As seen from the International Space Station THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE

The Saffir-Simpson Scale categorizes hurricane intensity based upon maximum sustained winds, barometric pressure, and storm surge potential, which are combined to estimate potential damage. Categories 3, 4, and 5 are classified as “major” hurricanes, and while hurricanes within this range comprise only 20 percent (20%) of total tropical cyclone landfalls, they account for over 70 percent (70%) of the damage in the United States. Table 11, Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale describes the damage that could be expected for each hurricane category. However, it should be noted that all hurricanes are unique and the extent of damages following a storm are difficult to predict prior to landfall. For example, Hurricane Ike (September 2008) had hurricane force winds in the Category 2 range indicating a moderate level of damage, but Hurricane Ike also had the highest IKE (Integrated Kinetic Energy) of an Atlantic storm in history. Integrated Kinetic Energy is a measure of storm surge destructive potential. Though the IKE is more complex, in many ways it is more accurate. (Hurricane Research Division, NOAA) Another interesting fact regarding Hurricane Ike is that it exhibited an unusually large wind field. This caused a projected storm surge of a Category 4 height though the wind speeds were that of a Category 2. Hurricane and tropical storm force winds also extended approximately 395-450 miles outward from the center of the eye.

SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE

Beginning May 15, 2010, the National Hurricane Center will implement changes in some of its text and graphic products. One of the new products to become operational is the Saffir- Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Earlier versions of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale incorporated central pressure and storm surge as components of the various categories. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale will maintain the same wind speed ranges as the original Saffir-Simpson Scale, but will no longer reflect specific storm surge and flooding effects associated with those winds ranges. To avoid confusion, only peak wind speeds will be utilized in the revised version of the scale. It should also be noted that this scale provides examples of the type of damage and impact in the United States associated with winds of the indicated intensity.

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The historical examples provided for each category correspond with an observed or estimated maximum winds speed from the hurricane experienced at the location indicated (and do not necessarily correspond with the peak intensity reached by the system in its lifetime).

This scale does not address the potential for other hurricane-related impacts such as storm surge, rainfall-induced flooding, and tornadoes. Wind damage descriptions in the scale are general and are dependent upon the local building codes in effect, how well, and how long they have been in effect. The current building stock which currently exists along the coast, as well as in League City, may not have been constructed using the newer adopted building codes. Hurricane wind damage is also dependent upon other factors, such as duration of high winds, change of wind direction, and the age of the existing structures.

Table 11 Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Maximum Sustained Category Wind Speed (MPH)

1 74—95 2 96—110 3 111—130 4 131—155 5 155+

Table 12 Hurricane Wind Damage Classification

Category Damage Level Description

People, livestock, and pets struck by flying or falling debris could be injured or killed. Older (mainly pre-1994 construction) mobile homes could be destroyed, especially if they are not anchored properly as they tend to shift or roll off their foundations. Newer mobile homes that are anchored properly can sustain damage involving the removal of shingle or metal roof WIND SPEED coverings, and loss of vinyl siding, as well as damage to carports, sunrooms, or lanais. Some poorly constructed frame homes can experience major damage, involving loss of the roof 74-95 mph covering and damage to gable ends as well as the removal of porch coverings and awnings. Unprotected windows may break if struck by flying debris. Masonry chimneys can be toppled. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof shingles, vinyl siding, soffit panels, ** and gutters. Failure of aluminum, screened-in, swimming pool enclosures can occur. Some 1 apartment building and shopping center roof coverings could be partially removed. Industrial Very dangerous buildings can lose roofing and siding especially from windward corners, rakes, and eaves. winds will Failures to overhead doors and unprotected windows will be common. Windows in high-rise produce some buildings can be broken by flying debris. Falling and broken glass will pose a significant damage danger even after the storm. There will be occasional damage to commercial signage, fences, and canopies. Large branches of trees will snap and shallow rooted trees can be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in power outages that could last a few to several days. Hurricane Dolly (2008) is an example of a hurricane that brought Category 1 winds and impacts to South Padre Island, Texas.

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Category Damage Level Description

There is a substantial risk of injury or death to people, livestock, and pets due to flying and falling debris. Older (mainly pre-1994 construction) mobile homes have a very high chance of being destroyed and the flying debris generated can shred nearby mobile homes. Newer WIND SPEED mobile homes can also be destroyed. Poorly constructed frame homes have a high chance of having their roof structures removed especially if they are not anchored properly. 96-110 mph Unprotected windows will have a high probability of being broken by flying debris. Well- constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Failure of aluminum, screened-in, swimming pool enclosures will be common. There will be a substantial ** percentage of roof and siding damage to apartment buildings and industrial buildings. 2 Unreinforced masonry walls can collapse. Windows in high-rise buildings can be broken by Extremely flying debris. Falling and broken glass will pose a significant danger even after the storm. dangerous winds Commercial signage, fences, and canopies will be damaged and often destroyed. Many will cause shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total extensive damage power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. Potable water could become scarce as filtration systems begin to fail. Hurricane Frances (2004) is an example of a hurricane that brought Category 2 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Port St. Lucie, Florida with Category 1 conditions experienced elsewhere in the city.

There is a high risk of injury or death to people, livestock, and pets due to flying and falling debris. Nearly all older (pre-1994) mobile homes will be destroyed. Most newer mobile homes will sustain severe damage with potential for complete roof failure and wall collapse. Poorly WIND SPEED constructed frame homes can be destroyed by the removal of the roof and exterior walls. Unprotected windows will be broken by flying debris. Well-built frame homes can experience 111-130 mph major damage involving the removal of roof decking and gable ends. There will be a high percentage of roof covering and siding damage to apartment buildings and industrial buildings. Isolated structural damage to wood or steel framing can occur. Complete failure of ** older metal buildings is possible, and older unreinforced masonry buildings can collapse. 3 Numerous windows will be blown out of high-rise buildings resulting in falling glass, which will Devastating pose a threat for days to weeks after the storm. Most commercial signage, fences, and damage canopies will be destroyed. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous will occur roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to a few weeks after the storm passes. Hurricane Ivan (2004) is an example of a hurricane that brought Category 3 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Gulf Shores, Alabama with Category 2 conditions experienced elsewhere in this city.

There is a very high risk of injury or death to people, livestock, and pets due to flying and falling debris. Nearly all older (pre-1994) mobile homes will be destroyed. A high percentage of newer mobile homes also will be destroyed. Poorly constructed homes can sustain complete collapse of all walls as well as the loss of the roof structure. Well-built homes also WIND SPEED can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Extensive damage to roof coverings, windows, and doors will occur. Large amounts of windborne debris will be lofted into the air. Windborne debris damage will break most 131-155 mph unprotected windows and penetrate some protected windows. There will be a high percentage of structural damage to the top floors of apartment buildings. Steel frames in ** older industrial buildings can collapse. There will be a high percentage of collapse to older 4 unreinforced masonry buildings. Most windows will be blown out of high-rise buildings resulting in falling glass, which will pose a threat for days to weeks after the storm. Nearly all Catastrophic commercial signage, fences, and canopies will be destroyed. Most trees will be snapped or damage uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. will occur Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Long-term water shortages will increase human suffering. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Hurricane Charley (2004) is an example of a hurricane that brought Category 4 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Punta Gorda, Florida with Category 3 conditions experienced elsewhere in the city.

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Category Damage Level Description

People, livestock, and pets are at very high risk of injury or death from flying or falling debris, even if indoors in mobile homes or framed homes. Almost complete destruction of all mobile homes will occur, regardless of age or construction. A high percentage of frame homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Extensive damage to roof covers, WIND SPEED windows, and doors will occur. Large amounts of windborne debris will be lofted into the air. Windborne debris damage will occur to nearly all unprotected windows and many protected Sustained winds windows. Significant damage to wood roof commercial buildings will occur due to loss of roof greater than 155 sheathing. Complete collapse of many older metal buildings can occur. Most unreinforced masonry walls will fail which can lead to the collapse of the buildings. A high percentage of mph 5 industrial buildings and low-rise apartment buildings will be destroyed. Nearly all windows will be blown out of high-rise buildings resulting in falling glass, which will pose a threat for days ** to weeks after the storm. Nearly all commercial signage, fences, and canopies will be destroyed. Nearly all trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly Catastrophic months. Long-term water shortages will increase human suffering. Most of the area will be damage will occur uninhabitable for weeks or months. Hurricane Andrew (1992) is an example of a hurricane that brought Category 5 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Cutler Ridge, Florida with Category 4 conditions experienced elsewhere in south Miami-Dade County.

Source: National Hurricane Center

STORM SURGE SCALES AND STORM SURGE FORECASTING

Storm surge was not specifically addressed in the City of League City 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan; however, it has been included in this update due to the unique impact the city experienced with the storm surge associated with Hurricane Ike, 2008. Prior to the 2009 hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center predicted storm surge levels based on the hurricane wind speed category. A storm surge is a large dome of water often 50 to 100 miles wide and rising from 4 to 5 feet upwards to 20 feet. The NHC’s probabilistic storm surge product, which provides the likelihood of storm surge values from 2 through 25 feet, became operational in 2009. The NWS’s Meteorological Development Laboratory is providing experimental, probabilistic storm surge exceedance products for 2010. In addition, coastal Weather Field Offices will provide experimental Tropical Cyclone Impacts Graphics in 2010; these include a qualitative graphic on the expected storm surge impacts. Finally, the NWS is exploring the possibility of issuing explicit Storm Surge Warnings, and such warnings could be implemented in the next couple of years. In all of these efforts, the NWS is working to provide specific and quantitative information to support decision-making at the local level. The storm surge arrives ahead of the storm’s actual landfall and the more intense the hurricane is, the sooner the surge arrives. Water rise can be very rapid, posing a serious threat to those who have not yet evacuated flood-prone areas. The surge is always highest in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane. As the storm approaches shore, the greatest storm surge forms to the north of the hurricane eye. The surge of high water topped by waves driven by hurricane force winds can be devastating to coastal regions, causing severe beach erosion and property damage. Storm surge heights and associated waves are dependent upon the shape of the continental shelf (narrow or wide) and the depth of the ocean bottom (bathymetry). A narrow shelf, or one that drops steeply from the shoreline and subsequently produces deep water close to the shoreline, tends to produce a lower surge but higher and more powerful storm waves. It is important to note that projected storm surge heights are affected by the hurricane size (extent of hurricane force winds), local bathymetry (depth of near-shore waters), topography, the hurricane’s forward speed and angle to the coast prior to and at landfall. With the City of League City’s proximity to Clear Creek, Galveston Bay, and the Texas Gulf Coast, the city faces the risk of flooding as a result of storm surge accompanying a hurricane. The city lies within two watersheds, Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou, which will also increase chances for storm surge flooding affecting the community. (See Figures 18, 19 and 20)

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UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS STORM SURGE MAPS Storm surge projections utilized for the review of the city’s LMP were completed prior to the incorporation of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale for the 2010 hurricane season. Therefore, for the purposes of this Plan, hurricane storm surge maps utilized are those provided by USACE. It is evident from these maps that a storm surge of 9-12 feet (Category 3) would inundate roughly 25% of the city. A surge of 13-18 feet (Category 4) would inundate more than 50% of the city. Finally, a surge of greater than 18 feet (Category 5) would cause flooding over more than 90% of the city. The remaining 10% of the city properties not affected by a Category 5 storm surge lies within the western most portion of the city, bordering Brazoria County. (Reference Figure 19-Hurricane Surge Map-West League City, those portions of League City detailed in white – south of FM 518, east of Bay Area Boulevard, and north of League City Parkway). While these figures may represent the “worst case scenario,” it is obvious that League City could sustain catastrophic damage from hurricane storm surge.

Figure 18 Hurricane Surge Map – Galveston County

Source: United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

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Figure 19 Hurricane Surge Map – West League City

Source: United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

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Figure 20 Hurricane Surge Map – East League City

Source: United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

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Figure 21 Hurricane Surge Modeling Based Upon Location of Landfall

• September 23, 2005 – Hurricane Rita (DR-1606) o The eye of Hurricane Rita moved ashore in southwest Louisiana between Sabine Pass and Johnson’s Bayou in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, a Category 3 storm at landfall. o The fear of Hurricane Katrina-like impacts prompted many inland residents to evacuate even though they were not at risk from storm surge flooding. o Official estimates were over 2.5 million people evacuated the Houston/Galveston area. o There were at least 34 indirect fatalities before, during and after Hurricane Rita and were the result of heat and transporting the elderly. o Total damage across Galveston County was around $15 million. o No tornadoes were reported, and rainfall was minimal in Galveston County. o No reports of damage were documented in League City.

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• September 12, 2007 – Hurricane Humberto o Hurricane Humberto is notable for its exceptional rapid intensification off the Texas coast from a tropical depression into a hurricane within nineteen (19) hours. o At landfall, Hurricane Humberto was a Category 1 storm. o Maximum rainfall totals ranged from two inches (2”) to over fourteen inches (14”) mainly along and east of a line from Freeport to the Hitchcock/Texas City area to around Winnie. o There were no injuries or deaths from Humberto in the Houston-Galveston area. o No reports of damage were documented in League City.

• August 5, 2008 – Tropical Storm Edouard o Tropical Storm Edouard moved ashore between High Island and Sabine Pass. o Damages included minor storm tide flooding along portions of Bolivar Peninsula. o Storm tide damage was limited to the Gilchrist area on Bolivar Peninsula. o No reports of damage were documented in League City.

• September 13, 2008 – Hurricane Ike (DR-1791) o Hurricane Ike made landfall on Galveston Island as a strong Category 2 hurricane, but carried storm surge more consistent with a Category 4 or 5 storm. o Hurricane winds caused damage throughout the city. Storm surge flooded numerous homes and businesses, primarily along Clear Creek. o According to FEMA’s 2008 Hurricane Ike Impact Report, estimated losses in League City include at least: . 648 residential units substantially damaged or destroyed . $5.5 million in commercial damage . $5.4 million in damage to infrastructure and facilities . 2,500 employees out of work

No definitive record exists of all losses, public and private, due to disasters for the City of League City. For the United States as a whole, estimates of the total public and private costs of natural disasters range from $2 billion to over $6 billion per year. Most of those costs can only be estimated. In most declared major disasters, the federal government reimburses seventy-five percent (75%) of the costs of cleanup and recovery, with the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of the expenses covered by state and affected local jurisdictions. Costs, which do not include costs incurred by other federal agencies or by state and local agencies, include those associated with: • Public assistance for debris removal, emergency services, roads and bridges, flood control facilities, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, and parks and recreational facilities. • Assistance paid out for individual and family grants, emergency food and shelter, and other assistance to individuals. • Funds set aside to support hazard mitigation grants.

The City of League City received Public Assistance (PA) funds for Hurricane Ike. Project Worksheets written for Categories A and B were reimbursed at 100% by FEMA. All other Categories of work had a 90/10% cost share. The city’s total estimated out of pocket expense for FEMA-eligible work is $51,902.77. Project worksheets are detailed in Table 13, Hurricane Ike Project Worksheets by Category, along with the category description and total expenditures incurred by the city following Hurricane Ike, September 2008.

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Table 13 Hurricane Ike Project Worksheet Costs by Category

Sum of Project Category Type of Work Worksheets by Category A Debris Removal $4,799,170.41 B Emergency Protective Measures $821,781.76 C Roads and Bridges $98,826.77 D Water Control Facilities $0 E Buildings, Contents and Equipment $231,399.69 F Utilities $128,029.48 G Parks, Recreational and Other $60,771.79 TOTAL $6,139,979.90

The City of League City attempted to obtain information regarding the number and amount of wind insurance claims for the city from the Texas Windstorm Association (TWIA). However, these statistics were only available for Galveston County and could not be delineated specifically by city. Hurricane Ike TWIA claims for Galveston County are shown in the table below.

Table 14 Galveston County Hurricane Ike-Related TWIA Insurance Claims

Number of Reported Average Policy Claims Loss Claim 48,334 $904,136,381 $18,706

Though not scientific, it could be assumed that because League City encompasses approximately 13% of Galveston County’s 399 square miles, then 13% of the TWIA claims are from League City residents and businesses. The estimated TWIA claims for League City, based on the assumption above, include 6,285 claims totaling $117,567,210.

Hurricane Ike - Damage Photos

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PROBABILITY OF FUTURE EVENTS

To determine the probability of future hurricane or tropical storm events, historical data from the NCDC was utilized. There are 11 hurricane events listed for Galveston County, not including Hurricane Ike. With the inclusion of Hurricane Ike, there were 12 hurricane events from 1995 to 2008. The number of days between each of the events was determined and those figures were added together. The sum was then divided by 11 (the number of deltas) to determine the average length of time between events, which is every 436 days. Table 15 below illustrates the methodology used to determine the probability of the occurrence of future events.

Table 15 Probability of Future Occurrences of Hurricanes

Time Number Average Days Date of Event Between of Data Between Events Events Sets (4794/11) 7/30/1995

8/21/1998 1118 1 9/7/1998 17 1 6/5/2001 1002 1 9/5/2002 457 1 7/14/2003 312 1 8/30/2003 47 1 9/1/2003 2 1 9/23/2005 753 1 9/12/2007 719 1 8/5/2008 328 1 9/13/2008 39 1 Sum 4,794 11 435.81

Hurricane Ike

Damage Photo

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VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

Due to the close proximity to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the entire city is vulnerable to the effects of a hurricane and/or spawned tornadoes. Damage severity is relevant to the location of landfall and the subsequent path of the hurricane immediately thereafter.

All residents and structures within the city are vulnerable to damages associated with hurricane and tropical storm events. As shown previously, over fifty (50) tropical storm and/or hurricane events have occurred within Galveston County since 1854. However, only eleven (11) hurricanes/tropical storms have been recorded by the NCDC for Galveston County since 1950. Most notably, only two named hurricanes/tropical storms (Hurricanes Rita and Ike) have affected League City within the past five (5) years.

Table 10, Critical and Vulnerable Facilities, details the city’s vulnerable and critical facilities affected by Hurricanes and/or Tropical Storms, as well as the additional hazard agents identified within this Plan. The city’s vulnerability can be summarized as follows:

City of League City City Facilities $36,768,050 Infrastructure $17,755,625 Water/Wastewater Facilities & Lift Stations Utilities $1,974,210 Hazardous material Facilities $1,656,380 Galveston County Facilities $1,840,960 Utility Systems: Water Storage $6,522,750 Historical/Cultural Facilities $6,084,683 Communications Systems N/A (TV, radio, data systems, telephone at all facilities) $72,602,658 Medical & Assisted Living Facilities (Population at risk: 862) $28,462,980 Day Care Facilities (Population at risk: 3,268) $3,364,834 Schools (Population at risk: 18,251) $221,030,478 $325,460,950 At Risk Population* .097% of total population (2000 Census)** 445 Number of households 222 Estimated Population: Number of households x 2.78 x 0.937 578 Estimated property valuation (average value/property) $32,597 $7,236,440 Mobile Homes 177 Estimated population at risk (177x2.78x0.937) 461 GCAD Market Value $7,218,000 Residential Property*** Single Family 24,469 Units $6,134,828,040 Condos 576 Units $36,544,192 Multi-Family 55 Units $217,879,220 Commercial 1,224 Units $520,904,902 Industrial 7 Units $1,293,020 * For purposes of this Plan, “At Risk Population” is defined as low income. ** Based upon 2000 Census *** Based upon Galveston County Appraisal District (GCAD) Market Value w/out exemptions

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Storm surge has the potential to impact upwards of 90% of the city’s footprint, which could cause enormous financial losses. As stated earlier, a storm surge of 9-12 feet (Category 3) would inundate and damage roughly 25% of the city’s structures. A surge of 13-18 feet (Category 4) could damage 50% of the city’s improved property. a surge of greater than 18 feet (Category 5) would cause flooding over more than 90% of the city. The remaining 10% of the city properties not affected by a Category 5 storm surge lies within the western most portion of the city, bordering Brazoria County– south of FM 518, east of Bay Area Boulevard, and north of League City Parkway. While these figures may represent the “worst case scenario,” it is obvious that League City could sustain catastrophic damage from hurricane storm surge. The City of League City is unable to determine damage estimates for storm surge and hurricane wind at this time, but hopes to utilize HAZUS-MH or the Texas Coastal Communities Planning Atlas (developed by Texas A&M University) for this purpose during the next Plan update period.

MITIGATION STRATEGY

The Office of Emergency Management works diligently to increase preparedness and improve mitigation efforts related to hurricanes and tropical storm events. • The city participates in a variety of exercises and disaster drills both locally and regionally to help increase preparedness. o Disaster exercises and drills are a vital function of the emergency management program. o Routine emergency drills and disaster exercises allow for city officials to interact with other local jurisdictions, regional emergency service providers, as well as state and federal agencies. o Exercises assist to identify potential problems or weaknesses in emergency management activities, as well as identify strengths and strategic alliances between departments, organizations, and outside agencies. • The city conducts an annual Hurricane Preparedness Workshop for residents. • Maintains a database with all registrants with the State of Texas 211 program to assist residents with special needs obtain assistance with evacuation prior to hurricane landfall. • Utilizes the Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston and Harris County Zip-Zone Evacuation Map to assist in developing a strategic and orderly evacuation of residents prior to hurricane landfall. (See Figures 22 and 23)

The City of League City makes every effort to apply for annual and disaster-related mitigation and recovery grants. • After Hurricane Ike, the city was awarded grant funding through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the CDBG/ORCA Hurricane Ike Recovery Program. • The awarded projects, listed below, will help the city be better prepared for future hurricanes and/or tropical storms.

HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM (requires a 25% city match):

o $314,000 for generators to be placed at 7 public safety facilities. o $215,962 for protective window film to be installed on city-owned buildings.

CDBG/ORCA HURRICANE IKE RECOVERY PROGRAM

o $3.1 million for generators to be placed at eleven (11) of the city’s wastewater lift stations (Round 1 Funds). o Approximately $9 million for projects to be determined (Round 2 Funds – not yet awarded).

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Figure 22 Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston and Harris County Zip-Zone Evacuation Map

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Figure 23 Coastal Evacuation by Zip Zones

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FLOOD EVENTS

As stated in the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Hazards Analysis, floods historically are and continue to be one of the most frequent destructive and costly natural hazards. Floods are a natural and recurrent event. Floods take place every year and in all seasons. Flooding is a localized hazard that is generally the result of excessive precipitation.

Flooding events are usually broken down into three different categories: flash floods, riverine floods, and tidal floods. Given present knowledge, the size, time, and place of floods cannot be predicted more than a few hours in advance. Floods are generally the result of excessive precipitation, and can be classified in two broad categories: general and flash floods.

FLASH FLOODING

Flash floods are the product of heavy localized precipitation falling in a short time period over a given location. Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of heavy amounts of rainfall and can destroy buildings and bridges, uproot trees, and scour out new drainage channels. Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms in a local area or by heavy rains associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Flash flooding is common in urbanized areas where much of the ground is covered by impervious surfaces. Roads and buildings generate greater amounts of runoff than the typical forested land. Fixed drainage channels in urban areas may be unable to contain the runoff that is generated by relatively small, but intense, rainfall events.

GENERAL FLOODING

General flooding events are defined as precipitation over a given river basin. General flooding events are usually long-term events that may last for several days. The primary types of general flooding include riverine, coastal, and urban flooding. Riverine flooding is a function of excessive precipitation levels and water runoff volumes within the watershed. Coastal flooding is typically a result of storm surge, wind-driven waves, and heavy rainfall produced by hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters, and other large coastal storms. Urban flooding occurs when development has obstructed the natural flow of water and decreased the ability of natural groundcover to absorb and retain surface water runoff.

Riverine Flooding (inland flooding not associated with coastal flooding) Riverine flooding is a function of precipitation levels and water runoff volumes within the watershed of the stream or river. The recurrence interval of a flood is defined as the average time interval, in years expected to take place between the occurrence of a flood of a particular magnitude and an equal or larger flood. Flood magnitude increases with increasing interval.

Coastal Flooding Coastal flooding is typically a result of storm surge, wind-driven waves, and heavy rainfall. These conditions are produced by hurricanes during the summer and fall, and nor’easters and other large coastal storms during the winter and spring.

For detailed information regarding storm surge and the affect on League City, reference Storm Surge Scales and Storm Surge Forecasting under the Hurricanes/Tropical Storms section of this Plan.

Combined Riverine and Coastal Flooding Certain areas are affected by both riverine and coastal flooding. For floodplain management and flood insurance purposes, criteria used in coastal areas should be applied in areas of combined riverine and coastal flooding.

Clear Creek divides Harris and Galveston Counties. It is subject to combined probability flooding from riverine and coastal/tidal flooding. No home construction is allowed within Flood Zone A areas until the property owner completes a study to determine the BFE (base flood elevation) of

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the parcel. Based upon the results of the BFE, the parcel is then zoned appropriately and construction elevation is based upon that determination.

Urban Flooding Flooding of streets, underpasses, low lying areas, or storm drains. This type of flooding is mainly an inconvenience and is generally not life threatening.

FEMA FLOOD ZONE DESIGNATIONS

Flood zones are geographic areas that are defined according to varying levels of flood risk. These zones are depicted on the community’s FIRM or Flood Hazard Boundary Map. Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area.

Portions of League City are within the following flood zones: B and X (shaded), C and X (unshaded), A, floodway, and V (velocity zones). Flood categories are detailed in Table 16 - FEMA Flood Zone Designations with Descriptors. The flood zones within the city primarily follow along Clear Creek to the north (Galveston County/Harris County boundary), Dickinson Bayou in the southwest and south central quadrants, Galveston Bay to the east, Robinson Bayou in the north central portion, as well as Benson and Geisler Bayous in the south central portion of the city.

Table 16 FEMA Flood Zone Designations with Descriptors

Moderate to Low Risk Areas

ZONE DESCRIPTION Area of moderate flood hazard, usually the area between the limits of the 100-year and 500-year floods. B Zones are also used to B and X designate base floodplains of lesser hazards, such as areas (shaded) protected by levees from 100-year flood, or shallow flooding areas with average depths of less than one foot or drainage areas less than 1 square mile. Area of minimal flood hazard, usually depicted on FIRMs as above the 500-year flood level. Zone C may have ponding and local C and X drainage problems that don't warrant a detailed study or (unshaded) designation as base floodplain. Zone X is the area determined to be outside the 500-year flood and protected by levee from 100- year flood.

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High Risk Areas

ZONE DESCRIPTION Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding and a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Because detailed A analyses are not performed for such areas; no depths or base flood elevations are shown within these zones. The base floodplain where base flood elevations are provided. AE AE Zones are now used on new format FIRMs instead of A1-A30 Zones. These are known as numbered A Zones (e.g., A7 or A14). This is A1-30 the base floodplain where the FIRM shows a BFE (old format). Areas with a 1% annual chance of shallow flooding, usually in the form of a pond, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. AH These areas have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30- year mortgage. Base flood elevations derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected intervals within these zones. River or stream flood hazard areas, and areas with a 1% or greater chance of shallow flooding each year, usually in the form of sheet flow, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. These areas AO have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Average flood depths derived from detailed analyses are shown within these zones. Areas with a temporarily increased flood risk due to the building or restoration of a flood control system (such as a levee or a dam). Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements will apply, but AR rates will not exceed the rates for unnumbered A zones if the structure is built or restored in compliance with Zone AR floodplain management regulations. Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding that will be protected by a Federal flood control system where construction has reached A99 specified legal requirements. No depths or base flood elevations are shown within these zones.

High Risk – Coastal Areas

ZONE DESCRIPTION Coastal areas with a 1% or greater chance of flooding and an additional hazard associated with storm waves. These areas have a V 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. No base flood elevations are shown within these zones. Coastal areas with a 1% or greater chance of flooding and an additional hazard associated with storm waves. These areas have a VE, V1 - 30 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Base flood elevations derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected intervals within these zones.

Undetermined Risk Areas

ZONE DESCRIPTION Areas with possible but undetermined flood hazards. No flood hazard analysis has been conducted. Flood insurance D rates are commensurate with the uncertainty of the flood risk.

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PUBLIC AWARENESS OF HAZARDS AND RISK

The public becomes aware of local hazards in various ways. For example, public awareness of flood hazards is enhanced during the following activities: • Buying property in a floodplain triggers the federal requirement to obtain flood insurance. Federally insured and regulated mortgage lenders are required to inform the potential homeowner of the necessity of purchasing flood insurance if the building is located in a mapped flood hazard area. • Applying for permits will lead to the determination that the property or construction site is within a mapped floodplain and is subsequently subject to floodplain management requirements. • When flooding occurs, the news media frequently advises the public of travel which is hampered by flooded roads and homes which may be damaged by floodwaters. Research has shown that many flood victims tend to discount the likelihood that flooding will occur again. This tendency is attributed to a general lack of understanding of probability. Often people interpret the phrase “100-year storm” to indicated it only occurs once every 100 years, rather than such an event has a 1-in-100 chance of happening each year. • Flood warnings reach the public as regional warnings from the National Weather Service.

After the devastating floods of 1929 and 1935, the City of Houston issued a plea to Congress and secured a commitment for federal flood control assistance. In 1937, the Texas Legislature created the Harris County Flood Control District and designated the Harris County Commissioner’s Court as the governing body. Over the past sixty-four (64) years, the Harris County Flood Control District has acted as the local sponsor for numerous federal flood control projects to protect the lives and property of local citizens. The city is an active partner with the Harris County Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The partnership has resulted in numerous multi-objective projects that provide flood protection and maximize the use of public lands.

REPETITIVE LOSS AND SEVERE REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES

League City is the largest and most northern city in Galveston County. Situated between two primary watersheds, Clear Creek and Dickinson Bayou, League City also has nearly a dozen secondary watersheds and other drainage features that crisscross its 55 square miles. These numerous watersheds affects the city’s high number (208) of Repetitive Loss (RL) properties. Of the 151 unmitigated addresses on the city’s RL list, 17%, or 25, are considered Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) properties. A summary of RL and SRL property claims is shown in Table 17, Summary of League City RL and SRL Property Claims, and a detailed breakdown of RL properties and claims can be found in Table 18, Detailed List of League City Repetitive Loss Property Claims. The majority of the RL structures within the city are single family homes. Other property types identified in Table 18 - Detailed List of League City Repetitive Loss Property Claims include three (3) condominiums, one 2-4 family structure, one “other” residential structure, and 3 non-residential structures. All of the SRL structures are single family homes. The improved property valuation for League City is $4,300,531,939. If it is assumed that a Category 3 storm surge will affect twenty percent (20%) of the structures within the city, damage estimates to all improved property within the city could reasonably amount to $860,106,388.

It is important to note that flooding has damaged property in addition to those detailed in the RL and SRL listing; however, exact records are not available since the property and losses were not covered by flood insurance. Neither FEMA nor TDEM have or maintain records that identify all flooded properties within the city.

As evidenced by the map of Repetitive Flood Loss and Severe Repetitive Flood Loss Properties identified in Figure 24, numerous RL properties are not located within designated FEMA flood zones. The city’s low flow (buried conduit) system fills at 2 inches (2”) of rainfall per hour. During tropical events and/or severe thunderstorms with heavy rains, the city’s drainage system is often overwhelmed, resulting in sporadic flooding.

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Table 17 Summary of League City RL and SRL Property Claims

Total Number of Properties 151

Number of SRL Properties 25

Number of Paid Claims 459

Average Number of Claims Per Property 3.04 Total Paid Claims (Actual) $11,080,081 Paid Claims (Present Value)* $18,066,978 Average Paid Claim (Actual) $24,140 Average Paid Claim (Present Value)* $39,362 Building Payments (Actual) $7,695,517 Present Value Building Payments $12,427,440 Average Building Payment (Actual) $16,766 Average Building Payment (Present Value)* $27,075 Contents Payments (Actual) $3,384,563 Contents Payments (Present Value)* $5,639,538 Average Contents Payment (Actual) $7,374

Average Contents Payment (Present Value)* $12,287 * Losses were brought to present value dollars using standard consumer price index inflation factors.

Source: Texas Water Development Board

Example of flooding as a result of storm surge:

Hurricane Ike September 2008

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Table 18 Detailed List of League City Repetitive Loss Property Claims (as of 5/31/09) (Highlighted Rows Indicate SRL Properties)

Number Date of First Flood Average Insured Building Type of Total Paid Loss Zone Pay Losses 1 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $9,996 $4,998 2 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $64,710 $32,355 3 YES 06/09/2001 SINGLE FMLY A06 3 $123,685 $41,228 4 YES 06/09/2001 SINGLE FMLY AE 4 $95,803 $23,951 5 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY B 2 $40,635 $20,317 6 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY B 2 $89,372 $44,686 7 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY A06 2 $155,317 $77,658 8 YES 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY C 3 $34,783 $11,594 9 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $10,822 $5,411 10 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 2 $70,195 $35,098 11 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 2 $3,555 $1,778 12 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $17,550 $8,775 13 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 3 $75,317 $25,106 14 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY A15 6 $300,210 $50,035 15 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $24,179 $12,089 16 SDF 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 6 $372,325 $62,054 17 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 3 $56,463 $18,821 18 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 3 $46,661 $15,554 19 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 5 $39,612 $7,922 20 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY A14 3 $98,314 $32,771 21 SDF 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY A14 5 $86,387 $17,277 22 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A14 3 $118,425 $39,475 23 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $13,877 $6,938 24 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $15,036 $7,518 25 NO 06/09/2001 SINGLE FMLY A14 4 $9,285 $2,321 26 NO 09/04/2003 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $160,279 $53,426 27 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $177,744 $88,872 28 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $21,998 $10,999 29 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY C 3 $14,479 $4,826 30 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $4,631 $2,315 31 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $13,984 $6,992 32 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY C 3 $12,184 $4,061 33 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $9,018 $4,509 34 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $12,703 $6,352 35 YES 09/19/1979 ASSMD CONDO C 2 $21,765 $10,882 36 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY C 3 $33,188 $11,063 37 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $56,665 $28,333

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38 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $36,352 $18,176 39 YES 04/24/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $24,953 $12,477 40 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $17,293 $8,647 41 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $24,839 $12,420 42 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $12,779 $6,389 43 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $15,268 $7,634 44 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $12,364 $6,182 45 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $43,422 $21,711 46 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY C 5 $129,831 $25,966 47 NO 06/05/1981 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $8,130 $4,065 48 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $15,995 $7,997 49 YES 06/09/2001 SINGLE FMLY B 3 $41,898 $13,966 50 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $149,320 $74,660 51 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $76,299 $38,150 52 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY C 4 $256,865 $64,216 53 NO 06/05/2001 SINGLE FMLY X 6 $200,732 $33,455 54 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY A06 5 $176,787 $35,357 55 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 4 $293,142 $73,285 56 SDF 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 5 $334,403 $66,881 57 SDF 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY A06 5 $437,478 $87,496 58 SDF 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 5 $238,168 $47,634 59 SDF 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 6 $370,160 $61,693 60 YES 06/08/2001 OTHER RESID B 2 $368,501 $184,251 61 NO 07/15/2003 SINGLE FMLY AE 7 $89,953 $12,850 62 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $10,706 $5,353 63 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $19,186 $9,593 64 NO 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 6 $42,162 $7,027 65 SDF 09/10/1998 SINGLE FMLY A14 6 $123,387 $20,565 66 YES 09/12/2008 SINGLE FMLY A14 6 $139,667 $23,278 67 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A14 2 $3,564 $1,782 68 NO 06/08/2001 2-4 FAMILY AE 2 $30,587 $15,293 69 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $16,847 $8,423 70 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY C 3 $39,520 $13,173 71 NO 06/09/2001 SINGLE FMLY C 3 $64,854 $21,618 72 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $8,753 $4,377 73 YES 06/09/2001 SINGLE FMLY C 4 $43,833 $10,958 74 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $20,657 $10,329 75 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 14 $244,427 $17,459 76 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 7 $129,290 $18,470 77 NO 05/30/1995 SINGLE FMLY AE 3 $18,200 $6,067 78 YES 09/12/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 4 $163,960 $40,990 79 NO 06/08/2001 SINGLE FMLY A14 4 $36,536 $9,134 80 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 2 $56,968 $28,484 81 YES 09/13/2008 ASSMD CONDO X 2 $178,989 $89,495

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82 NO 06/09/2001 NON RESIDNT X 3 $48,192 $16,064 83 NO 09/19/1979 ASSMD CONDO C 2 $18,482 $9,241 84 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $86,745 $28,915 85 YES 09/15/2008 SINGLE FMLY X 9 $167,052 $18,561 86 YES 06/05/2001 SINGLE FMLY C 4 $114,265 $28,566 87 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY C 3 $45,599 $15,200 88 NO 06/09/2001 SINGLE FMLY A06 3 $149,224 $49,741 89 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 5 $39,802 $7,960 90 NO 03/31/2007 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $7,294 $3,647 91 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 3 $40,816 $13,605 92 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $44,107 $22,054 93 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $116,540 $58,270 94 NO 12/04/2002 SINGLE FMLY C 4 $94,386 $23,597 95 NO 05/30/1995 NON RESIDNT X 2 $43,385 $21,692 96 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 2 $119,410 $59,705 97 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 5 $38,009 $7,602 98 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $55,549 $18,516 99 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $84,989 $28,330 100 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $133,107 $66,554 101 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $105,141 $52,570 102 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY B 2 $40,777 $20,389 103 YES 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY B 2 $17,140 $8,570 104 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY B 2 $56,883 $28,441 105 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $32,813 $16,407 106 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $29,400 $14,700 107 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $9,854 $4,927 108 YES 09/12/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 6 $66,344 $11,057 109 YES 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $8,221 $4,110 110 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $49,512 $16,504 111 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $8,737 $4,369 112 NO 10/04/1998 SINGLE FMLY X 6 $64,778 $10,796 113 NO 05/30/1995 SINGLE FMLY B 2 $5,005 $2,502 114 NO 06/25/1999 SINGLE FMLY X 9 $136,349 $15,150 115 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $44,069 $22,035 116 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY C 8 $127,404 $15,925 117 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $7,229 $3,614 118 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $29,016 $14,508 119 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $17,755 $8,878 120 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $30,223 $15,111 121 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $32,023 $10,674 122 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $11,964 $5,982 123 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $29,978 $9,993 124 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY C 3 $82,419 $27,473 125 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $46,949 $15,650

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126 YES 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $11,126 $5,563 127 YES 09/12/2008 NON RESIDNT X 3 $159,247 $53,082 128 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $11,687 $5,844 129 NO 06/26/1989 SINGLE FMLY A15 2 $8,241 $4,121 130 NO 08/18/1983 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $13,942 $6,971 131 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $42,560 $21,280 132 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $11,113 $5,556 133 YES 05/30/2006 SINGLE FMLY X 4 $39,439 $9,860 134 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $10,329 $5,165 135 YES 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $6,939 $3,469 136 NO 09/20/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $19,926 $9,963 137 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $16,757 $8,378 138 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $17,922 $8,961 139 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $19,384 $6,462 140 NO 09/19/1979 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $20,563 $10,281 141 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $5,875 $2,937 142 NO 08/01/1989 SINGLE FMLY C 2 $7,022 $3,511 143 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $43,228 $21,614 144 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY B 2 $37,150 $18,575 145 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 4 $45,808 $11,452 146 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 3 $15,981 $5,327 147 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY B 4 $28,885 $7,221 148 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 4 $12,797 $3,199 149 YES 04/18/2009 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $41,392 $20,696 150 NO 06/09/2001 SINGLE FMLY X 2 $16,134 $8,067 151 YES 09/13/2008 SINGLE FMLY AE 3 $86,265 $28,755 Source: Texas Water Development Board

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Floodplains are designated by the frequency of the flood that is large enough to cover them. For example, the 10-year floodplain will be covered by the 10-year flood and the 100-year floodplain by the 100-year flood. Flood frequencies such as the 100-year flood are determined by plotting a graph of the size of all known floods for an area and determining how often floods of a particular size occur. Another way of expressing the flood frequency is the chance of occurrence in a given year, which is the percentage of the probability of flooding each year. For example, the 100-year flood has a one percent (1%) chance of occurring in any given year. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), prepared by FEMA, show floodplain boundaries for vulnerable communities. FIRMs are used by the city to regulate new development and to control the improvement and repair of substantially damaged buildings within designated floodplains.

HISTORY OF FLOODING

The City of League City is subject to flooding caused by intense local thunderstorms of short duration, general storms extending over periods of several days, heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes and other tropical disturbances, and storm surge. The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains historical data for numerous hazards facing the United States. Based on this data, records indicate Galveston County has experienced 65 flood events (some events were entered more than once) from 1950 through November 8, 2009, and 12 events during the past five (5) years.

Table 19 FEMA Disaster Declarations 2005-2010

Disaster Date Type of Event Number FEMA-1606-DR Hurricane Rita 2005 IA-PA-HMPG Hurricane Dean 2007 EM-3277-TX PA Category B only Hurricane Gustav 2008 EM-3290-TX PA Category B only EM-3294-TX Hurricane Ike 2008 IA-PA-HMPG

Major flood events which have occurred within the City of League City are listed below. According to the NCDC database, there have been three (3) significant flood events since the 2005 Plan was approved.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 Hurricane Ike made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale based on wind speed, but due to its large size had a storm surge more typical of a Category 4 hurricane. Homes along Clear Creek sustained substantial flood damage from the surge. Many homes were inundated with several feet of water, causing several hundred thousand dollars in losses and flood claims.

APRIL 18, 2009 Heavy rainfall from thunderstorms moving across Galveston County caused road closures and widespread flooding in both the East and West sides of League City. Numerous high water rescues of stranded motorists were reported. A rain gauge at FM 528 and Clear Creek in League City recorded a 1 hour rainfall total of 6.02 inches. Initial damage assessments estimated that 300 homes, most of which were outside the 100 and 500 year floodplains, sustained flood damage from this event (although the actual number of flooded homes is likely much lower). NCDC data indicates this storm caused $4 million in property damage.

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APRIL 24, 2009 On April 24, 2009, League City experienced widespread street flooding, though no damage to homes was reported. A series of thunderstorms produced heavy rainfall and strong winds across portions of Galveston, Harris and Chambers Counties. Numerous roads throughout the area were impassable due to high water.

PROBABILITY OF FUTURE EVENTS

To determine the probability of future flood events, historical data from the NCDC was utilized. There are 65 flood events detailed for Galveston County. The number of days between each of these events was determined and those figures were added together. The sum was then divided by the number of deltas to determine the average length of time between events, which is approximately every 113 days.

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

The City of League City’s GIS department determined that League City has 4,614.42 acres of land located in the 100-year floodplain. The total acreage includes 481.68 acres of parkland, which leaves 4,132.74 acres of developed (or potentially developed) land in the 100-year floodplain. While properties within the 100-year floodplain are more likely to experience flooding, all of League City is prone to flash flooding. Rainfall associated with severe thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes can cause widespread street ponding and occasionally causes flooding of structures outside the floodplain. The city’s current low flow (buried conduit) system fills at 2 inches (2”) of rainfall per hour. If rainfall exceeds 2” per hour, water will begin to pond in the streets. Heavy rainfall events, such as Tropical Storm Allison and the severe thunderstorm on April 18, 2009, easily overwhelmed the system and caused tremendous flooding throughout the city.

Flooding can cause damage to vehicles, homes, businesses and infrastructure, and is also a public safety concern. Automobile accidents typically increase during heavy rainfall events, and high-water rescues are often necessary. Runoff caused by flooding can be an environmental hazard as well. Unlike sewage, which goes to treatment plants, runoff containing pollutants like trash, cigarette butts, motor oil, and fertilizers flows untreated through the storm drain system and empties directly into local waterways. Runoff carrying debris and sediments can clog the drainage system, necessitating additional unbudgeted cleanouts.

Helen’s Garden

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EXISTING BUILDINGS IN FLOODPLAIN (ZONE A)

Number of Improvements Property Type Land Value Total Value Properties Value Real Residential Single 1014 $52,762,603 $170,194,754 $222,957,357 Family Real Residential Mobile 14 $844,830 $502,670 $1,347,500 Homes Real Residential Condos 1 $15,880 $108,120 $124,000 Exempt Residential Single 3 $806,030 $435,330 $1,241,360 Family Real Residential 3 $22,140 $117,440 $139,580 Multifamily Real Commercial 4 $2,174,130 $12,015,960 $14,190,090 Multifamily Real Acreage Ranch Land 15 $1,602,130 $469,130 $2,071,260 Real Farm and Ranch 8 $537,440 $907,360 $1,444,800 Improvements Real Commercial 437 $16,972,660 $8,487,540 $25,460,200 Real Industrial 10 $855,980 $98,170 $954,150 Exempt Commercial 10 $11,821,970 $25,457,620 $37,279,590 Electric Companies 11 $224,470 $25,340 $249,810 Exempt Personal Utilities, 1 $43,050 $0 $43,050 Water Systems Total 1531 $88,683,313 $218,819,434 $307,502,747

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IN FLOODPLAIN (ZONE A)

Number of Properties Value of Properties Property Type (Lots/Tracts) (Lots/Tracts) Real Vacant Plotted 360 $19,562,780 Lots/Tracts Exempt Vacant 33 $654,420 Lots/Tracts Farm Land 17 $2,850,547 Non-Qualifying 15 $2,728,420 Agriculture Land Exempt Acreage 13 $4,727,470 Ranch/Farm Land Inventory, Vacant Land 23 $1,590,800 Total 461 $32,114,437

The City of League City’s Current Land Use Map (Figure 6) and the Future Land Use Map (Figure 7) indicates that the majority of undeveloped property, which lies within the 100- and 500-year floodplains, are located in areas north of FM 517 and east of FM 528 (in Friendswood). This undeveloped area of property is zoned as residential, but does not have a current development plan. Per city ordinance, all new construction (residential and non-residential) within a floodplain must be built at least 18 inches above base flood elevation (BFE). (City Code of Ordinances 1968, as amended by Ordinance No. 87-19 and Ordinance No. 99-61.)

ESTIMATION OF LOSSES TO STRUCTURES IN FLOODPLAIN ( ZONE A)

Table 20, Potential Property Loss in 100- and 500-Year Flood Plain, estimates the potential loss (in dollars) to structures in the city’s floodplain during a 100-year event. FEMA’s State and Local Mitigation Planning How-To Guide: Understanding Your Risks was utilized to determine losses.

Based on past events, the average depth of flooding during a 100-year event is 2 feet. The percent of damage caused by 2 feet of flooding was determined by taking the average percent of damage for

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a one story structure (no basement) and a two story structure (no basement). Contents values were not available, so losses to contents cannot be calculated. Additionally, the city did not have the capability to determine functional down-time, therefore those figures are not included in this Plan.

Table 20 Potential Property Loss in 100- and 500-Year Flood Plain

Description of Value of Percent Potential Loss to X = Structures Structures Damage (%) Structures ($) Mobile Homes $502,670 X 63 = $316,682 Single and Multifamily $182,871,604 X 17.5 = $32,002,531 Housing Improved Ranch/Farm Land $1,376,490 X 17.5 = $240,886 Commercial $33,945,160 X 17.5 = $5,940,403 Industrial/Utilities $123,510 X 17.5 = $21,614 Total $218,819,434 X % Damage = $38,522,116

Butler Longhorn Museum

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Figure 25 Floodplain Map

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PARTICIPATION IN THE NFIP

In 1968, Congress authorized FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for two primary purposes: (1) to have flood-prone property owners contribute to their own recovery from flood damage through an insurance program; and (2) to guide development in such a way that it is less prone to flood damage. To facilitate implementation, the NFIP created Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that, based on best available information and engineering methodologies, show areas subject to flooding by the 1-percent annual chance flood (also called the “100-year flood”).

Communities use the maps to guide and regulate development. Citizens and insurance professionals use the maps to determine insurance needs. It is notable that, whereas flood insurance claims are paid when damage is sustained from any qualifying flood event, federal disaster assistance is available only after a flood is determined to be a “major disaster.” A major disaster is defined as an event that exceeds state and local capabilities. In addition, disaster grants to individuals and families are limited to approximately $14,000 (average payment is $6,000). Therefore, owners of insured buildings that are in areas known to flood, especially as shown on FIRMs, are protected financially as long as they carry sufficient flood insurance coverage. Additional information on flood insurance coverage for property owners and consumers is available online at www.fema.gov/nfip.

Basic federal flood insurance helps pay for property damage and loss of contents. Under certain circumstances – for example, if flood damage causes “substantial damage” – an additional mitigation claim payment is available to help owners bring buildings into compliance with NFIP flood protection standards (as of May, 2003, this additional payment is capped at $30,000). In addition, compliance is required when a building is substantially improved (includes repair of substantial damage). Substantial improvement is defined as improvements valued at 50% or more of the building’s market value before improvement.

FEMA Community Information System records indicate that of the city’s estimated 20,900 residential and commercial structures, League City has 16,574 (62%) flood insurance policies in force, with coverage totaling $4,645,672,400 (as of 12/31/2009). From 1979 through 2009, there have been 3,504 flood claims with losses totaling $41,361,224 within the city. The average flood insurance payment for this period is $11,804.00. The high number of flood insurance policies is attributed to an excellent public outreach program by the city and to the long history of major flood disasters in the Texas Gulf Coast area.

The City of League City entered the NFIP Regular Program on June 5, 1970, when the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was identified. The city’s current FIRM is dated September 22, 1999, which corresponds to the last Flood Insurance Study conducted by FEMA. Previous Flood Insurance Studies for League City were published in 1990 and 1982.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has classified the city as a Category “C” Repetitive Loss Community because there are more than 10 RL properties within the jurisdiction. As a condition of participation in the Community Rating System (CRS) Program, FEMA requires a Category “C” Community to conduct an annual outreach project and adopt a floodplain management plan that addresses repetitive loss areas. Recent city outreach projects include: (1) a flyer (dated July 2009) sent to all city households stressing the importance of purchasing flood insurance; (2) all SRL properties were sent information about a public meeting regarding the city’s intention to apply for a FEMA SRL elevation grant; (3) a statement regarding how property owners can get a floodplain determination and elevation certificate was placed at the bottom of all March 2010 water bills.

The Community Rating System (CRS) indicates the city received a Class Nine (9) CRS Community designation by FEMA on October 1, 1992 (18 years). The City of League City has remained at the Class Nine specification, which allows for a 5% flood insurance discount for SFHA and Non-SFHA structures, since the latest review. The most recent CAV (Community Assistance Visit) took place in June 2009.

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During this visit, FEMA representatives discussed ways the city could lower the CRS rating. In March 2010, the city’s Floodplain Administrator submitted several documents for FEMA review for the purpose of lowering the city’s CRS rating. The determination of this review will be included in the 2015 LMP update.

To remain in compliance with the NFIP, the City of League City has adopted a Flood Damage and Prevention Ordinance (No. 99-61, § 2, 9-14-1999). Among other stipulations, this ordinance requires that all slab elevations must be 18 inches above 100-year flood levels.

FLOOD INSURANCE IN TEXAS (AS OF 12/2009) o With 683,456 NFIP policies in force (12% of all policies nationwide), Texas ranks second among all states in number of flood-insured properties (Florida is #1). o Property owners in Texas have received over 234,190 claim payments totaling $5.37 billion; only Louisiana has had more claims paid. (Source: NFIP Statistics online at www.fema.gov/nfip)

MITIGATION ACTIONS

The City of League City Public Works and Engineering Departments are currently working on several drainage improvements and upgrades throughout the city. The City of League City has also increased its number of Certified Floodplain Administrators (CFM) since the initial LMP was adopted. Currently there are five (5) CFMs on staff with the city’s Building Department. In addition to the CFMs, the city employs seven (7) building inspectors, and five (5) code enforcement employees.

SEVERE REPETITIVE LOSS GRANT APPLICATION – 2009

Identified as a “high priority” in its LMP, the City of League City performed a review of its repetitive loss data to determine which properties could be mitigated to prevent future losses. According to national flood insurance claims over the past thirty (30) years, the 25 designated SRL properties have received nearly $4.5 million for flood losses. Recognizing this as the most important place to start mitigation efforts, the city applied for FEMA’s 2009 Severe Repetitive Loss Grant for Home Elevations and is awaiting that determination.

To notify the general public of the city’s intent to apply for the SRL Grant, a flyer was included in League City water bills (Attachment B). This flyer outlined the qualifications to be included in the grant, and invited anyone interested in more information to attend a public meeting. At the public meeting, experts from the Texas Water Development Board, the state agency administering FEMA grants, answered questions from the public and met one-on-one with potential grant applicants.

City of League City staff contracted with a Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) expert to qualify SRL Grant applicants according to grant guidelines. Of the 25 identified SRL properties, 15 property owners applied, and six qualified for the grant. Four of the properties are side-by-side at the end of a cul-de- sac along Clear Creek and have a combined total of 17 NFIP losses over the last ten (10) years, totaling more than $1.6 million. To alleviate future NFIP losses, each of these homes will be elevated by four (4) feet.

Three (3) of the leading foundation companies in the region provided bids for the elevation of these homes. All homeowners will go with the proven technology of bell-bottom piers. With FEMA’s assistance through the SRL grant program, the objectives and needs outlined above can be achieved by providing long-term solutions to flooding problems, which in turn should result in no additional future NFIP loss claims for these specific properties.

RL/SRL MITIGATION DATABASE

In 2009-2010, the City of League City’s Certified Floodplain Manager, along with staff, reviewed and updated the city’s NFIP list of RL/SRL properties. They visited each address on the list and verified:

(1) if the structure is still there – in some cases the home had been demolished, (2) whether the structure is occupied – there are homes that have been abandoned,

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(3) whether the property has been mitigated by drainage projects performed by the city, and (4) what measures the city can implement to prevent future losses at these properties.

The result is a database that the city can utilize to determine future actions to mitigate RL/SRL properties. It has been determined that, in some cases, the repetitive loss problem is related to drainage. The city is taking a proactive approach to solving drainage issues by applying for grants and taking out bonds to pay for needed infrastructure improvements. Using this database, the city can prioritize its drainage projects and rank the RL/SRL areas highest.

The city’s Floodplain Administrator has determined that there are 71 properties on the Repetitive Loss list that have not flooded within the past 10 years as a direct result of drainage improvements. In 2010, the city’s Floodplain Administrator will apply to have the status of these properties changed to “mitigated”, which will reduce the city’s number of unmitigated repetitive loss structures from 151 to 80 out of an original 208.

The City of League City will apply for annual pre-disaster mitigation grants, as well as other mitigation grants, deemed appropriate. Citizens will be notified of opportunities to mitigate their property in anticipation of reducing the number of NFIP claims and losses. Current NFIP insurance rules no longer allow the insured to make insurance claims without any corrective action to prevent future claims. Through all of these efforts the city is anticipating improvement of its CRS rating, which is currently under review.

MITIGATION RESOURCES Mitigation of flood hazards traces its roots to Congressional deliberations about how to address continued and repetitive flood disasters throughout the first half of the 20th Century. The National Flood Insurance Program, authorized in 1968, prompted state and local government actions primarily intended to recognize and account for flood hazards in decisions on local development. It was not until 1988 that the concept of mitigation planning was articulated in a statute, known as “Section 409” planning. In 2000, the statute was revised under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

At the federal level, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administers mitigation programs that foster planning and project implementation to address existing risks. At the state and regional levels, several agencies and organizations sponsor programs that bear on hazard mitigation. The following sections provide an overview of existing Texas agencies, organizations, and programs addressing hazard mitigation.

• TEXAS DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is designated by the Governor as the state’s coordinating agency for disaster preparedness, emergency response, and disaster recovery assistance. TDEM is also tasked with coordinating the state’s natural disaster mitigation initiatives, chairing the State Hazard Mitigation Team, and maintaining the State of Texas Emergency Management Plan. TDEM fosters local mitigation planning and administers Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additional information about the TDEM can be found online at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

• TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) administers a variety of programs related to water. The TWDB is the agency charged with statewide water planning and administration of financial assistance programs for the planning, design, and construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects. TWDB administers funding from FEMA under the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (see Section 8.8). Additional information about the TWDB can be found online at www.twdb.state.tx.us.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) was named in 2007, by the 80th State Legislature, as the state agency tasked with coordinating the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) within the state. The NFIP state coordinator acts as the liaison between the federal component of the program and the local communities, with the primary duty to provide guidance and education to

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the communities to assist in meeting the federal eligibility requirements for entrance into the NFIP, and also assist the communities with maintaining their participating status in the NFIP. In addition to coordinating the NFIP in Texas, the TWDB also provides funding assistance in the form of grants and loans for flood mitigation planning, as well as flood control projects.

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is a diversified agency dealing with permitting, licensing, compliance, enforcement, pollution prevention, and educational programs related to preservation and protection of air and water quality, and the safe disposal of waste. Related to mitigation of natural hazards are TCEQ programs that deal with drought, dam safety, and flood control and floodplain management. Additional information about the TCEQ can be found online at www.tceq.state.tx.us.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS -- INCLUDES HIGH WIND, LIGHTNING, AND HAIL

THUNDERSTORMS WITH HIGH WINDS

While flooding has been the primary disaster concern identified within the community, other disaster situations have occurred. Thunderstorms disrupt more lives than any other form of weather. Produced by a cumulonimbus cloud, a thunderstorm is an atmospheric disturbance with lightning and thunder. Thunder is the sound of the shock wave produced by the rapid heating and cooling of the air near the lightning bolt. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of thirty (30) minutes and may also be accompanied by high winds, rain, and hail. Thunderstorms are usually accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, hail, or no precipitation at all. Thunderstorms can generally form and develop in any geographic location, most frequently within areas where moist air collides with cooler air. These storms are also capable of producing straight-line winds and micro-bursts with extreme power. A thunderstorm is classified as “severe” when it contains one or more of the following: hail three-quarter inch (¾”) or greater, winds gusting in excess of 50 knots (57½ mph), and/or tornado. While thunderstorms are also capable of producing tornadoes and resulting in flood events, this Plan profiles those hazards separately.

Extent Since 2006, the NCDC records indicate various areas within Galveston County experienced nineteen (19) thunderstorm wind events, with five (5) of those events occurring in League City. The majority of the damages recorded from the thunderstorm wind events were a result of downed trees, branches, and power lines. One such event resulted in a semi-tractor trailer which overturned onto an automobile on IH 45 at FM 646, along with walls at a construction site in the same vicinity being blown down. There were no recorded deaths or injuries associated with these storms; however, total recorded damages for Galveston County was $152,000, with $85,000 of that total being recorded within League City. Thunderstorms may affect the entire planning area or isolated portions thereof. Thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence within the city. Severe weather events occur year-round with the peak season for occurrence during the spring and summer months. The most common time period for occurrences is between the hours of noon and 10:00 PM. The length of severe weather events varies considerably by event. Duration usually lasts from several minutes to several hours. High winds associated with these storms have damaged trees, downed power lines and, caused property damage. Historically, the City of League City has experienced four events of thunderstorms with high winds averaging between 60 mph to 69 mph. This equates to Force 10 and Force 11 (storm/violent storm) on the Beaufort Wind Scale (Reference Table 22-Beaufort Wind Scale). For the purposes of this Plan, it is assumed that the city may experience thunderstorms with high winds up to Force 11 in the absence of a tropical storm/hurricane.

Probability/Vulnerability • Historical records indicated there have been 119 thunderstorm/high wind event recorded within Galveston County since 1950. This equates to a probability of an event occurring within Galveston County every 140 days. o From January 1, 2005 through January 1, 2010, six (6) thunderstorm/high wind events have occurred within League City, with a probability of occurrence every 90 days within the city.

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• There is a twenty-three percent (23%) chance of a thunderstorm/high wind event with reportable damages occurring within League City.

Table 21 Thunderstorm with High Winds History with Recorded Damages

Wind Speed Date Reported Damage Amount (mph) April 21, 2006 63 $10,000 June 13, 2006 69 $35,000 March 14, 2007 60 $30,000 July 23, 2007 69 $10,000 (Source: NOAA Satellite and Information Service/National Climatic Data Center)

Table 22 Beaufort Wind Scale

Wind WMO Appearance of Wind Effects On Land Force mph Classification 0 Less than 1 Calm Calm, smoke rises vertically Smoke drift indicates wind direction, still wind 1 1-3 Light Air vanes Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, vanes begin to 2 4-7 Light Breeze move Leaves and small twigs constantly moving, 3 8-12 Gentle Breeze light flags extended Moderate Dust, leaves, and loose paper lifted, small tree 4 13-18 Breeze branches move 5 19-24 Fresh Breeze Small trees in leaf begin to sway 6 25-31 Strong Breeze Larger tree branches moving, whistling in wires Whole trees moving, resistance felt walking 7 32-38 Near Gale against wind Whole trees in motion, resistance felt walking 8 39-46 Gale against wind Slight structural damage occurs, slate blows off 9 47-54 Strong Gale roofs Seldom experienced on land, trees broken or 10 55-63 Storm uprooted, "considerable structural damage" Widespread damage to vegetation. Many roofing surfaces are damaged; asphalt tiles 11 64-72 Violent Storm that have curled up and/or fractured due to age may break away completely Very widespread damage to vegetation. Some windows may break; mobile homes and poorly 12 73+ Hurricane constructed sheds and barns are damaged. Debris may be hurled about. Developed in 1805 by Sir Francis Beaufort of England

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THUNDERSTORMS WITH LIGHTNING

Lightning is a threat of electrification within a thunderstorm cloud system. Each year in the United States 75-100 people are hit and killed by lightning. Lightning damage results from four effects of the lightning strike: • electrocution of humans and animals, • vaporization of materials along the path of the strike, • fire caused by the high temperature produced by the strike, and • sudden power surges that can damage electrical and electronic equipment.

Millions of dollars of direct and indirect damages result from lightning strikes on electric utility substations and distribution lines. While property damage is the major hazard associated with lightning, it should be noted that lightning strikes kill more people each year than either tornadoes or hurricanes.

Extent • NCDC records show twelve (12) lightning strikes in Galveston County for the period of 1950 through December 31, 2009 • Five (5) of those events were recorded from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009. • Of these 12 reports, three (3) were in Texas City, one (1) in Kemah, five (5) in Galveston, two (2) at Crystal Beach, and one (1) in San Leon. • Total damage estimates for these lightning strikes were $110,000 for residential structures and $2 million to a refinery tank. • Four (4) injuries and five (5) deaths were reported in conjunction with these storms. • No recorded lightning strikes were recorded for the City of League City during this period. • Thunderstorm/lightning events have the potential to affect all property and residents within the city.

Probability/Vulnerability • Data of cloud-to-ground flash densities for the State of Texas indicates 11.1 flashes per square mile, with a total of 2,937,283 flashes per year. (Vaisala, Inc., June 2009). With the City of League City encompassing 52.4 square miles, the potential exists for up to a density of 572 lightning strikes per year. • Twelve (12) thunderstorm/lightning events have been recorded for Galveston County since 1950. • This equates to the probability of a thunderstorm/lightning event occurring every 524 days within the county.

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Figure 26 NCDC Query Report for Lightning January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2009

THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL

As with other severe weather events, hailstorms may occur year round. Duration of the hailstorm varies from periodic hailstones interspersed with a rain event, to an extended hail event lasting minutes to hours. The following hail events have been recorded in the area:

Table 23 Hail History with Recorded Damages

Reported Damage Date Amount May 6, 2006 $10,000 March 12-13-14, 2007 $8,000 February 1, 2009 No report of damages (Source: NOAA Satellite and Information Service/National Climatic Data Center)

The hazard from hail is primarily in terms of damage to crops and property. Hail tends to fall in swaths, which may be from 20 to 115 miles long and 5 to 30 miles wide. A hail swath is not a continuous path of hail but generally consists of a series of hail strikes, which are produced by individual thunderstorm cells traversing the same general area. Hail strikes are typically about half a mile wide and five (5) miles long. Hail ranges in size from vanishing small particles to melon-sized

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dimensions. Hailstones may be spherical, conical or irregular in shape. The size and shape is governed by the violence of the storm cell. The lifting and falling of the freezing moisture pellet within the storm cell increases the size of the hailstone until it is ejected from the cloud.

The Tornado and Storm Research Organization (TORRO) developed an intensity scale for hail which extends from H0 to H10 with its increments of intensity or damage potential related to hail size, texture, numbers, fall speed, speed of storm translation and strength of the accompanying wind (refer to Table 24, TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale In Relation to Typical Damage and Hail Size Codes). An indication of equivalent hail kinetic energy ranges (in joules per square meter) has been added to the first six increments on the scale, and this may be derived from radar reflectivities or from hail pads. The International Hailstorm Intensity Scale recognizes that hail size alone is insufficient to accurately categorize the intensity and damage potential of a hailstorm, especially towards the lower end of the scale. Without additional information, an event in which hail of up to walnut size is reported (hail size Code 3 with hail diameter of 21-30 mm) would be graded as a hailstorm with a minimum intensity of H2-3. Additional information, such as the ground wind speed or the nature of the damage the hail caused, would help to clarify the intensity of the event. For example, a fall of walnut-sized hail with little or no wind may scar fruit and sever the stems of crops, but would not break vertical glass and thus would be ranked H2-3. However, if accompanied by strong winds, the same hail may smash many windows in a house, dent the bodywork of a car, and thus may be graded an intensity as high as H5. Evidence indicates that maximum hailstone size is the most important parameter relating to structural damage, especially towards the most severe end of the scale.

Table 24 TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale In Relation to Typical Damage and Hail Size Codes

Typical Probable Intensity Hail Kinetic Typical Damage Impacts Category Diameter Energy (J-m2) (mm)* H0 Hard Hail 5 0-20 No damage Potentially H1 5-15 >20 Slight general damage to plants, crops Damaging Significant damage to fruit, crops, H2 Significant 10-20 >100 vegetation Severe damage to fruit & crops, damage to H3 Severe 20-30 >300 glass & plastic structures, paint & wood scored Widespread glass damage, vehicle H4 Severe 25-40 >500 bodywork damage Wholesale destruction of glass, damage to H5 Destructive 30-50 >800 tiled roofs, significant risk of injuries Bodywork of grounded aircraft dented, H6 Destructive 40-60 brick walls pitted H7 Destructive 50-75 Severe roof damage, risk of serious injuries H8 Destructive 60-90 Severe damage to aircraft bodywork Extensive structural damage. Risk of Super H9 75-100 severe or even fatal injuries to persons Hailstorms caught in the open Extensive structural damage. Risk of Super H10 >100 severe or even fatal injuries to persons Hailstorms caught in the open

* Approximate range (typical maximum size in bold) since other factors such as number and density of hailstones, hail fall speed and surface wind speeds affect severity.

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Table 25 Hail Size & Diameter in Relation to TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale

Maximum Size Diameter Description Code (mm) 0 5-9 Pea 1 10-15 Mothball 2 16-20 Marble, grape 3 21-30 Walnut 4 31-40 Pigeon’s egg 5 10-50 Golf ball 6 51-60 Hen’s egg 7 61-75 Tennis ball 8 76-90 Large orange, soft ball 9 91-100 Grapefruit 10 >100 Melon

The size code is the maximum reported size code accepted as consistent with other reports and evidence

Extent • It can be assumed that all property within the city may be susceptible to potential damages from a hail storm. • Thunderstorm/hail events can affect all or portions of the structures within the city; not all structures and/or areas of the community are equally affected during such events. • Historically hail size has been recorded in the range of 1-3 inches (21-76 mm). • Utilizing the TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale, this equates to H2-H7 classification. • Damages in the H2-H7 ranges vary from potentially damaging to destructive. • Damages have been recorded at $0 to $150,000.

Probability/Vulnerability • Utilizing event occurrences from the NCDC, thunderstorm/hail events occur on average every 306 days within Galveston County, with the potential of damages being recorded in a portion of the city. • Although the potential exists for an H7 thunderstorm/hail event, historical thunderstorm/hail events are recorded in the H3 category. (Refer to Table 24-TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale). It is assumed that the most common category of thunderstorm with hail would be in the H1-H3 range.

PROBABILITY OF FUTURE EVENTS

To determine the probability of future severe thunderstorm events, Galveston County historical data from the NCDC was utilized. It was found that: • severe thunderstorm with high winds occurs in Galveston County every 140 days; • thunderstorm/hail events occur every 306 days; • and thunderstorm/lightning events occur every 523 days.

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION STRATEGY

Severe weather events occur within the community on the average of at least once per year. Vulnerability is difficult to evaluate since thunderstorms can occur at different strength levels, in random locations and can create relatively narrow paths of destruction. Due to the randomness of these events, the entire population of the City of League City remains vulnerable to possible injury and/or property loss from lightning, strong winds, and hail associated with thunderstorms.

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The City of League City’s susceptibility to wind disaster most affects those residents who reside in mobile homes. As shown earlier, the city has 177 mobile/manufactured homes with an approximate property value of $7,218,000 and 461 residents at risk. Although mobile/manufactured homes are most vulnerable to strong wind, all structures are vulnerable to lightning. Lightning can strike ten miles out from the rain column, enabling injurious lightning strikes to people to occur under a clear sky ahead of the storm.

In an effort to mitigate the impact of severe weather events within the city, the city provides public outreach programs designed to increase family disaster preparedness. The Office of Emergency Management submits emergency preparedness materials to be included on the city’s website and to be forwarded to residents who are notified via Blackboard Connect system. Articles are also developed and included in the Spring Edition of “City Matters”, a quarterly newsletter published by the city for distribution to all residents. The Office of Emergency Management personnel participate in emergency management training courses, exercises, drills, Severe Weather Awareness Week, along with the annual Texas Division of Emergency Management conference.

The Office of Emergency Management encourages all residents to purchase and utilize weather radios. Additional sources for obtaining current weather conditions and information are available through local radio and television stations in Houston, City of League City Channel 16, City of League City website: www.leaguecity.com, email alerts from the city, and Blackboard Connect telephone notification system.

TORNADO

A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 300 mph. When the lower tip of a vortex touches earth, the tornado becomes a force of destruction. They can destroy large buildings, uproot trees and hurl vehicles hundreds of yards. They can also drive straw into trees. The damage caused by a tornado is a result of the high wind velocity and wind-blown debris. According to the National Weather Service, tornado wind speeds range from 40 to more than 300 miles per hour.

The most violent tornadoes have rotating winds of 250 mph or more and are capable of causing extreme destruction. Tornadoes are related to larger vortex formations, and therefore often form in convective cells such as thunderstorms or in the right forward quadrant of a hurricane, far from the hurricane eye. (Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, The Cornerstone of the National Mitigation Strategy, FEMA, 1997, p. 40)

According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center (SPC), the highest concentration of tornadoes in the United States has been in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Florida respectively. Although the Great Plains region of the Central United States does favor the development of the largest and most dangerous tornadoes (earning the designation of “tornado alley”), Florida experiences the greatest number of tornadoes per square mile of all U.S. states (SPC, 2002).

Tornado damage severity is measured by the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which began operational use on February 1, 2007. The scale has the same basic design as the original Fujita Scale (implemented in 1971) with six categories from zero to five representing increasing degrees of damage. The Enhanced Fujita Scale includes 28 damage indicators categorized by building type and construction. According to NOAA, the Enhanced Fujita Scale is a set of wind estimates (not measurements) based on damage on a judgment of 8 levels of damage. These estimates vary with height and exposure. The new scale takes into account the quality of construction and standardizes different types of structures. None of the tornadoes recorded on or before January 31, 2007, will be re-categorized.

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National Weather Service records document Galveston County has experienced forty-four (44) tornadoes of F1 magnitude or greater from 1950 to 2002. Of the recorded storms in Galveston County, nine (9) deaths were reported and two hundred thirty-seven (237) injuries were reported. Damages from these storm events totaled $32.1 million. However, from 2003-2007, Galveston County only had two (2) recorded tornadoes (both in the City of Friendswood). There were no recorded deaths or injuries and damage estimates were reported at $475,000. There have been two tornado weather events recorded by the NCDC for the city since 1950: February 10, 1998 and August 22, 1998. Copies of the NCDC reports can be seen in Figure 31. No tornadoes have been reported within the City of League City since the 2005 Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Plan; however, nine (9) events were recorded within Galveston County.

Figure 27 Annual Average Number of Tornadoes 1953-2004

Source www.ncdc.noaa.gov

Figure 28 Tornado History – Galveston County

Source: www.tornadohistoryproject.com

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Table 26 Enhanced Fujita Scale for Tornadoes

ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE

EFO Wind Speed Potential Damage Number (mph) Light Damage . Peels surface off some roofs . Some damage to gutters or siding EF0 65-85 . Branches broken off trees . Shallow-rooted trees pushed over . Confirmed tornadoes with no reported damage (those that remain in open fields) are always rated EF0 Moderate Damage . Roofs severely stripped EF1 86-110 . Mobile homes overturned or badly damaged . Loss of exterior doors . Windows and other glass broken Considerable Damage . Roofs torn off well-constructed houses . Foundations of frame homes shifted EF2 111-135 . Mobile homes completely destroyed . Large trees snapped or uprooted . Light-object missiles generated . Cars lifted off ground Severe Damage . Entire stories of well-constructed houses destroyed . Severe damage to large buildings such as shopping malls EF3 136-165 . Trains overturned . Trees debarked . Heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown . Structures with weak foundations blown away some distance Devastating Damage EF4 166-200 . Well-constructed houses and whole frame houses completely leveled . Cars thrown and small missiles generated Total Destruction . Strong frame houses leveled off foundations and swept away EF5 > 200 . Automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 109 yards . Steel reinforced concrete structure badly damaged . High-rise buildings have significant structural deformation . Incredible phenomena will occur

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Figure 29 NCDC Records – Tornado Events for League City

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Extent • Texas averages 139 tornadoes touching down each year. • The City of League City is located near the Texas Gulf Coast and this area of the state receives on average twenty (20) or more tornadoes per year. • Tornadoes may occur in any month and at any hour of the day, but they occur most often in late spring and early summer during late afternoon and evening hours. • Of the 110 tornadoes recorded for Galveston County from 1950-2010, nine (9) were spawned from tropical storms and/or hurricanes. Tornadoes affecting League City have typically been in the EF0-EF1 range as depicted on the Enhanced Fujita Scale for Tornadoes. However, the potential exists that stronger (EF3 to EF5) to occur during landfall of a tropical storm and/or hurricane. • Magnitude of the two (2) tornadoes affecting League City since 1950, were categorized as FO and F1 on the Fujita Scale for Tornadoes, with wind speeds ranging from 40 miles per hour to a maximum of 112 miles per hour. • Damages recorded from these two tornadoes ranged from $20,000 to $100,000. • Due to the inability to predict what portion of the city would be affected by a tornado, it is assumed that the entire community is at risk. • The most susceptible properties for receiving damage as the result of a tornado are mobile/modular homes.

Probability/Vulnerability • Tornadoes have been infrequent, usually associated with hurricanes or other severe weather storms. • Although the potential for a devastating tornado causing extensive damage to life and property exists, tornadoes within the community have been short-lived and only moderate in strength. • Touchdown of a tornado usually is expected less than once a year. • To determine the probability of future tornado events, Galveston County historical data from the NCDC was utilized. It was found that a tornado occurs somewhere in Galveston County every 220 days.

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

The entire community is vulnerable to the effects of a tornado. Vulnerability of humans and property is difficult to evaluate since tornadoes form at different strengths, in random locations, and create relatively narrow paths of destruction. Although tornadoes strike at random, making all buildings vulnerable, three types of structures are more likely to suffer damage: • Manufactured homes • Homes on crawlspaces (more susceptible to lift) • Buildings with large spans, such as shopping malls, gymnasiums, factories, etc.

As shown in Figure 28, Tornado History – Galveston County, the two tornadoes which have affected League City were classified with magnitudes of an F0 and F1. Combined damage total from both of these tornadoes was $120,000, but affected the Clear Creek High School, an elementary school, and a strip shopping center. No deaths were recorded from these two events. Of the 110 tornado events identified by the NCDC, 9 deaths were recorded and 242 injuries in the past 60 years. Eight (8) of the total deaths occurred during an F4 tornado. The probability of loss of life during an F0 or F1, the most common tornado to have affected League City, is minimal.

Damages will vary and are dependent upon the location of touchdown in specific sections of the city, or if the tornado is large enough to affect the entire city simultaneously. Other factors that can influence damages include the tornado’s wind speed and age of building stock impacted. Loss to human life is always possible during a tornado event, especially when there is little warning time.

Damage from a tornado is most disastrous to those residents residing in mobile homes. As shown earlier, the city has 177 mobile/manufactured homes with an approximate property value of $7,218,000 and 461 residents at risk. Also at great risk to the effects of a tornado is that portion of the city’s population defined as “At Risk Population”, low income based upon the 2000 Census. The “At Risk Population” encompasses an estimated 578 residents, with estimated property value at risk

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of $7,236,440. Although mobile/manufactured homes are most vulnerable to tornados, all structures are vulnerable to the effects from them. Potential maximum damage calculations as a result of a tornado striking within the city could reach or exceed $6,134,828,040.

MITIGATION ACTIONS

The City of League City has adopted stringent building codes and participates in programs such as the National Weather Service’s Severe Weather Awareness Week to prepare for and mitigate damages caused by tornados. The City of League City also notifies residents about severe weather events through Blackboard Connect in an effort to protect lives and property.

EXTREME HEAT

Extreme heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body’s internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Temperatures that hover ten degrees (10°) or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for several weeks are defined as extreme heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a “dome” of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground. Excessively dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms.

Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been over-exposed to heat or has over-exercised for Heat Wave – A prolonged period of excessive heat most often his or her age and physical combined with high humidity. condition. Other conditions that can induce heat related illnesses Heat Index – Humidity and temperature is used to determine include stagnant atmospheric the felt air temperature. conditions and poor air quality. Heat Stroke – A life threatening condition where the victim’s The city’s climate is humid body can not sufficiently cool itself can result in brain damage subtropical, with hot summers and death. along with frequent, prolonged heat waves. Heat Exhaustion – A form of mild shock where blood flow is sent to skin and away from the vital organs. It is the result of strenuous activity in the heat where the body has lost fluids by sweating.

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Table 27 NOAA's National Weather Service Heat Index

Temperature (°F) 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110

40 80 81 83 85 88 91 94 97 101 105 109 114 119 124 130 136 45 80 82 84 87 89 93 96 100 104 109 114 119 124 130 137 50 81 83 85 88 91 95 99 103 108 113 118 124 131 137 55 81 84 86 89 83 97 101 106 112 117 124 130 137 60 82 84 88 91 95 100 105 110 116 123 129 137 65 82 85 89 93 98 103 108 114 121 128 136 70 83 86 90 95 100 105 112 119 126 134 75 84 88 92 97 103 109 116 124 132 80 84 89 94 100 106 113 121 129 85 85 90 96 102 110 117 126 135 Relative Humidity (%) 90 86 91 98 105 113 122 131 95 86 93 100 108 117 127 100 87 95 103 112 121 132

Likelihood of Heat Disorders with Prolonged Exposure or Strenuous Activity

Caution Extreme Caution Danger Extreme Danger

Heat Possible heat disorders for people in high risk Category Index groups Extreme 130°F or higher Heat stroke or sunstroke likely. Danger (54°C or higher)

Danger 105° - 129°F Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion (41 - 54° C) likely. Heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

Extreme 90 - 105°F Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion Caution (32 - 41°C_ possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. Caution 80 -90°F Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or (27 - 32°C) physical activity.

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Figure 30 Query Results for Extreme Heat Events Galveston County 1950-2009

7 TEMPERATURE EXTREMES event(s) were reported in Mag: Magnitude Galveston County, Texas between 01/01/1950 and Dth: Deaths 11/30/2009. Inj: Injuries PrD: Property Damage CrD: Crop Damage

Texas Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD 1 TXZ176>179 - 226>227 - 195>200 - 07/21/1995 2050 Heat Wave N/A 2 200 0 0 235>238 - 210>214 2 TXZ163>164 - 176>179 - 195>200 - 06/26/1999 06:00 Excessive N/A 3 0 0 0 210>214 - 226>227 - 235>238 AM Heat 3 TXZ163>164 - 176>179 - 195>200 - 08/01/1999 06:00 Excessive N/A 6 0 0 0 210>214 - 226>227 - 235>238 AM Heat 4 TXZ163>164 - 176>179 - 195>200 - 07/06/2000 06:00 Excessive N/A 19 0 0 0 210>214 - 226>227 - 235>238 AM Heat 5 TXZ163>164 - 176>179 - 195>200 - 08/29/2000 06:00 Excessive N/A 3 0 0 0 210>214 - 226>227 - 235>238 AM Heat 6 TXZ163>164 - 176>179 - 195>200 - 09/01/2000 12:00 Excessive N/A 5 0 0 0 210>214 - 226>227 - 235>238 AM Heat 7 TXZ213 - 227 - 238 07/09/2009 16:00 Heat N/A 0 0 0K 0K PM TOTALS: 38 200 0 0 (Source: NOAA, Climate Prediction Center)

PROBABILITY OF FUTURE EVENTS

To determine the probability of future extreme heat events, Galveston County historical data from the NCDC was utilized. It was found that an extreme heat event occurs within Galveston County every 850 days.

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION ACTIONS

Extreme heat risks to people and property cannot be distinguished by specific areas, as the hazard can reasonably be predicted to have uniform probability of occurring across the entire community. To estimate potential dollar value of losses to existing buildings, the city evaluated prior loss data from the NCDC database. • Between 1950 and 2009, there were seven extreme heat events that affected Harris County and Galveston County, which included the City of League City. • During the period of 2005-2009, Galveston County recorded one extreme temperature event (with no deaths recorded), and Harris County recorded four events, resulting in forty-nine (49) deaths (all occurred during the 2005 Hurricane Rita evacuation). • No reported damage to crops and/or structures was indicated.

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• Records of structural damage as a result of extreme heat are not available; therefore, the estimated annual dollar value damage to existing or future buildings is undeterminable at best.

All residents of the city would feel the effects of an extreme heat event. All citizens are considered to have the same degree of exposure to the effects of extreme temperatures. However, those residents over the age of 65 and under the age of 10, as well as those citizens with low-to-moderate incomes are considered to be most susceptible to the effects of extreme heat events.

Estimates by the City of League City Economic Development Corporation for 2009, estimates the city is home to approximately 21,483 residents most susceptible to the effects of extreme high temperatures: • 5,509 residents over the age of 65, • 11,436 children under 10 years of age, • 3,676 residents with incomes less than $35,000 annually • 862 residents of medical and assisted living facilities • Unknown number of residents whose occupation consists of strenuous labor outside.

Additional effects of extreme high temperatures can include but is not limited to the following: • Water shortages • Increased fire danger • Excessive demands for energy and potential rolling blackouts • Damage to the city’s infrastructure o Broken water mains o Damage to roadways (asphalt softens & concrete roads crack) o Air pollution from stagnant airflow • Affect the population • Increased requests for EMS services due to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, etc. • Increased requests for EMS services as a result of injuries sustained in home swimming pools, outdoor sporting events (i.e., high school football practices/games, band practice/performances, adult sporting events, etc.)

The City of League City, which is prone to both high temperatures and high humidity, is most susceptible to the “Caution” and “Extreme Caution” categories of the Heat Index.

The City of League City has included a mitigation action item designed to develop a plan to designate a city-owned facility which could be utilized as a cooling station for use by the vulnerable population. A separate mitigation action item has been included to develop a public education campaign to ensure the public is aware of the availability of a cooling station, as well as suggestions to protect themselves at home.

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SECTION 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

The City of League City is committed to hazard mitigation planning aimed at reducing vulnerability to disaster-induced damage. Mitigation success depends on a partnership between government, the private sector, and individuals.

This chapter will detail the status of the initial goals, objectives and mitigation projects outlined in the 2005 Plan, along with details outlining the process of obtaining those goals and their current status. Along with a review of the existing goals, objectives and mitigation projects, new goals and projects were identified along with procedures of obtaining those goals within the next five year plan review process.

Overall goals for the LMP can be categorized as: • Public Awareness • Partnerships and Implementation • Emergency Services • Mitigation Planning • Public Works and Capital Improvements Projects • Floodplain Management

EXISTING MITIGATION GOALS – 2005 LMP AND STATUS UPDATE

Mitigation goals identified in the 2005 Mitigation Plan were developed and identified by a consensus from planning group meetings, input from citizens, other governmental agencies, studies performed by other government agencies or groups of agencies, and residents.

GOAL 1 REDUCE FLOODING BY CONTINUING TO MAINTAIN A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND (CIP)

OBJECTIVES • Maintain and enhance security at city wastewater and water facilities so as to remain compliant with TCEQ and Homeland Security guidelines and requirements. • Continue conversion of open ditch roadways to internal curb and gutter roadways to improve flood protection. • Continue to support local developers in facilitating inter-local and cooperative efforts to improve and maintain downstream drainage structures in small, adjacent jurisdictions and nearby unincorporated areas.

CURRENT STATUS - 2010 • The city has maintained the CIP program, although few projects have been completed in the past five years due to funding shortfalls. Several of the Mitigation Action Items outlined in this LMP update are projects in the city’s current CIP. • Security at the city’s wastewater and water facilities is being conducted in accordance with applicable guidelines and requirements. • The conversion of open ditch roadways to internal curb and gutter roadways continues to be a goal of the city. These conversions are ongoing, and are focused primarily in the city’s “historic” district. • The City of League City maintains excellent working relationships with area developers and the Galveston County Drainage District. Numerous drainage projects have been completed in cooperation with these entities over the last five years.

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GOAL 2 FIRE PROTECTION/REDUCTION – LIVES AND LOSS PREVENTION

OBJECTIVES • Increase inter-city communications to continue to alleviate known hazards. • Prepare quarterly reports to incorporate newly developed areas into the proposed Mitigation Action Plan (MAP) and distribute as is appropriate.

CURRENT STATUS - 2010 • The Development Review Committee, comprised of the Engineering, Line Repair, Building, Fire Marshal, Planning/Zoning, Water Production and Waste Water departments, has the responsibility to carefully evaluate each new proposed development in the city. The purpose of this extensive evaluation is to ensure compliance with city mandates and federal standards and guidelines. Once a project has been accepted, individual department reviews are conducted to ensure compliance with the adopted codes. • The known hazards covered by this review process are: flooding issues, access for emergency responders, building height limitations, traffic impact, and additional waste water testing requirements. • The established fire code inspection program is alive and well and has made some progress moving into the multi-family dwelling inspection program. The area of concentration at this time (due to manpower shortage) is limited to the inspection of firewalls in concealed spaces (mainly attics), checking for penetrations in rated assemblies. These penetrations account for the largest uninhibited spread of fire. The fire walls create compartments and are designed to hold a fire in that compartment; penetrations allow the fire to spread. • Once the initial mitigation plan was approved, little to no effort was put into updating it. Therefore, new development was not addressed in the mitigation plan. When the current update of the Plan is approved, it will be reviewed on a regular basis to address and incorporate newly developed areas.

GOAL 3 REDUCE FLOOD DAMAGE TO CITY/DECREASE REPETITIVE FLOOD LOSSES

OBJECTIVES • Reduce flood damage to city/decrease repetitive flood losses • Continue to update and maintain the Flood Protection and Prevention Regulations. • Update, as needed, a Repetitive Flood Loss Program that indicates a firm commitment to reduction of flood losses. • Increase participation in various elements of the CRS Program so that our classification is increased in the next CAV.

CURRENT STATUS - 2010 • As of the 2009 CAV, the city’s CRS rating remained at a 9. The lack of improvement in this score is likely contributed to turnover in floodplain staff after the initial mitigation plan was adopted. • The city’s current Floodplain Manager is dedicated to lowering this score, and has been providing FEMA with the documentation required to do so. • In the past two years, the city has also increased the number of Certified Floodplain Administrators on staff. • For more information on what the city is doing to reduce repetitive flood losses and lower the CRS rating, please refer to Section 3, Risk Assessment/Hazard Analysis, Flood Events.

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GOAL 4 HAZMAT INCIDENT PREVENTION

OBJECTIVES • Increase enforcement efforts by police to ensure the continuation of low or no truck related hazmat accidents. • Increase enforcement efforts to ensure low numbers of accidents by using existing resources and incorporating other existing efforts into an integrated program.

CURRENT STATUS - 2010 • The planning team did not identify any truck-related hazardous materials incidents within the city limits within the past five years, indicating enforcement efforts by police are sufficient. If an incident should occur along the I-45 corridor, police dispatchers would notify the Texas Department of Transportation’s Traffic Incident Notification System (TINS). The message would be relayed to the proper State of Texas authorities, and resources would be immediately deployed to the incident site.

GOAL 5 MINIMIZE FLOOD DAMAGE IN THE CITY

OBJECTIVES • Expand the GIS Department to the point that allows all city departments to use spatial data in their everyday activities. • Increase use of interactive maps on the city’s website by public. • Increase public understanding of flood zones and other data as it relates to their homes or businesses.

CURRENT STATUS - 2010 • Expansion of the GIS Department has been proposed for the last several budget years, but remains unfunded. The city’s Grants Specialist is pursuing GIS grants that will enable city departments, as well as the public, to utilize the city’s GIS data. • The city’s website went through a complete transformation in 2009. During this process, numerous city maps were added to the site and are available to the public. Maps of current city construction and drainage projects, floodplains, city facilities, fire stations and parks – to name a few – are posted. • City floodplain maps are displayed in City Hall and are available on the city’s website. Additionally, most insurance agents and companies in this area are diligent to inform their customers about flood zones and flood insurance. • Following landfall of Hurricane Ike, September 2008, the city has embarked on a campaign to urge all residents to purchase flood insurance whether they live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or not.

GOAL 6 FIRE PROTECTION AND LOSS PREVENTION

OBJECTIVES • Continue to ensure funds to upgrade existing facilities and water lines. • Enhance fire protection through Capital Improvement.

CURRENT STATUS - 2010 • The city’s existing fire stations are well-equipped and in good working order. • In 2010, generator capacity on the fire stations will be increased using funds from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the city’s Emergency Management Response Fund. • The city is undergoing a Master Water Plan update, and water lines for fire suppression will be evaluated. • The city has recently lowered the fire CRS rating from a 5 to a 3 primarily from those improvements made in the past few years. • The city has identified a fire station construction project in the Capital Improvement Plan which could be funded in the 2011 fiscal year.

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2010 Mitigation Goals - Statements

PUBLIC AWARENESS • Increase public awareness to the risks that are associated with the area’s hazards categorized as having “high priority”, through information dissemination and outreach programs. • Provide information on funding resources, partnership opportunities and tools to assist in the implementation of mitigation activities. • Develop educational training programs and materials residents can utilize to protect property against hazards.

PARTNERSHIPS AND IMPLEMENTATION • Conduct studies and implement planning processes to increase the resident’s understanding of the city’s hazard vulnerability. • Strengthen communication and coordinate participation among and within public agencies, residents, non-profit organizations, business, and industry to gain a vested interest in implementation. • Encourage leadership within public and private sector organizations to prioritize and implement local, county, and regional hazard mitigation activities.

EMERGENCY SERVICES • Improve evacuation procedures. • Install auxiliary power generators for all city-owned critical facilities. • Coordinate and integrate hazard mitigation activities, where appropriate, with emergency operations plans and procedures.

MITIGATION PLANNING • Improve hazard assessment: propose recommendations for mitigating new development and encourage preventative measures for existing development in areas vulnerable to natural hazards. • Preserve, rehabilitate, and enhance natural systems to serve natural hazard mitigation functions. • Evaluate and update the City of League City’s Local Mitigation Plan on an annual basis.

PUBLIC WORKS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS • Support the development of a new Master Drainage Plan for the City of League City. • Prioritize drainage projects identified in the Capital Improvements Program according to the number of Repetitive Loss Properties they will benefit. • Support the design and construction of the GCCDD Regional Detention Ponds. • Support the design and construction of the USACE Clear Creek Federal Flood Protection Project.

FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT • Support the development of a Floodplain Management Plan. • Improve the city’s Community Rating System Classification. • Maintain up-to-date records of Repetitive Loss Properties for future FEMA/TWDB Mitigation Grant Programs. • Encourage all League City property owners, especially those located within the SFHA, to purchase flood insurance.

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SECTION 6 PLAN MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

CFR REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAN MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE

• CFR §201.6(c)(4)(i): [The plan maintenance process shall include a] section describing the method and schedule of monitoring, evaluating, and updating the mitigation plan within a five-year cycle • CFR §201.6(c)(4)(ii): [The plan shall include a] process by which local governments incorporate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms such as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, when appropriate. • CFR§201.6(c)(4)(iii): [The plan maintenance process shall include a] discussion on how the community will continue public participation in the plan maintenance process.

OTHER LOCAL PLANNING DOCUMENTS

As required by FEMA 44 CFR §201.6(c)(4): A plan maintenance process that includes: A process by which local governments incorporate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms such as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, when appropriate.

EXISTING PLANNING DOCUMENTS • City of League City, Texas, Comprehensive Plan ~ 2025, Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC (WRT), March 2004 • The City of League City is a member of the NFIP and has a Floodplain Management Ordinance. The Floodplain Ordinance was last updated on 9/14/1999. o Flood (Codified 1968: Ordinance 1987-19, Ordinance 1999-61) • Building (Codified 1968: Ordinance 1992-79; Ordinance 1999-01; Ordinance 2002-07), latest revision accomplished by Ordinance 2009-13, March 24, 2009 • Zoning (Codified 1968: Ordinance 2005-24; 2007-34); last revision 10/13/2009 • Subdivision and Development Ordinance, 02/13/2007 • Mobile Home Ordinance, 07/09/1987 • Parks and Open Space Master Plan, 11/14/2006 • Parks Ordinance, Ordinance 2006-100 • Historic District Ordinance, Ordinance 97-38 (07/08/1997) • Historic District Preservation Plan, Ordinance 99-40 (06/08/1999) • Transportation of Wastes & Hazardous Substances (Codified 1968, Ordinance 1990-82, Ordinance 1996-36) • Drought Contingency Plan, Ordinance 2002-26, adopted April 23, 2002 • Water Conservation Ordinance, included in the Drought Contingency Plan (Ordinance 200-26, adopted April 23, 2002)

The City of League City Local Mitigation Plan is an official plan of the community and not an internal staff proposal. The Emergency Management Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring the Local Mitigation Plan is reviewed on an annual basis. The Local Mitigation Plan is designed as a stand-alone document, but will also be included as an Appendix to Annex P: Hazard Mitigation of the city’s Emergency Operations Plan.

MONITORING, EVALUATING, UPDATING AND ADOPTING THE PLAN

MONITORING

The City of League City Mitigation Planning Committee recognizes the need to review and evaluate the effectiveness of this plan. Annual meetings of the Mitigation Planning Committee will ensure that the plan is being properly implemented and is achieving the objectives stated in the plan. Action items that could potentially be funded through a grant program will be discussed and prioritized during these meetings, as well. The Emergency Management Coordinator will be responsible for setting up the meetings. The EMC will track the status of the LMP goals and action items (to include

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site visits to construction projects), and provide reports to the MPC as needed. The public will be notified when the review process begins and will be afforded the opportunity to review and comment on changes to the plan and the action items. Public participation may be solicited from a combination of informational public meetings, surveys and questionnaires, and City Council meetings.

The City of League City Local Mitigation Plan will be posted on the City’s website and accessible to the public, adjacent communities, and partner agencies. Copies of the Local Mitigation Plan will be available for public review at the following locations: • Office of Emergency Management (City Hall) • Building Department (Amegy Building)

Additionally, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) will be consulted annually regarding plan requirement changes and planning grant funding opportunities.

EVALUATING

The FEMA-approved Local Mitigation Plan will be posted on the City of League City’s website. The Emergency Management Coordinator will be responsible for scheduling annual (at minimum) review meetings and ensuring that the proper notifications are posted on the city’s website. An announcement will be posted on the city’s website advising the public that the Mitigation Planning Committee has scheduled an annual review and is soliciting their input. The public may submit their comments and/or suggestions regarding the Local Mitigation Plan to [email protected].

Reports on the status of implementation, including obstacles to progress, will be submitted by assigned departments on an as-needed basis, but no less than once annually. The Mitigation Planning Committee will review each mitigation action item to determine appropriateness with respect to changing situations within the city. Updates regarding the implementation of action items will also be incorporated. Additionally, the Mitigation Planning Committee will review the risk assessment and capabilities portion of the plan and determine what data will need to be updated or modified.

UPDATING

The Local Mitigation Plan should be updated when a disaster occurs in the community, whether or not it receives a Presidential Declaration. It is recommended that the update be completed as soon as possible following such an event, but no later than one year following such an event. The risk assessment data should be updated on an annual basis to reflect any changes with regard to commercial development, residential development, and other vulnerable structures.

Input from adjacent communities and partner agencies will be requested for each annual plan review and update. This timeline of plan review and update activities will be followed as closely as possible. Annual plan reviews will begin in February 2011.

APRIL 2011 ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE ADOPTED 2010 LOCAL MITIGATION PLAN • The Emergency Management Coordinator will schedule a meeting of the Mitigation Planning Committee. • Members of the Mitigation Planning Committee will be notified by email of the scheduled meeting. At this time, the addition of members and/or the replacement of current members will be discussed. • A notice will be posted on the City of League City’s website announcing the annual Plan review. The method(s) of soliciting public input, as well as the locations of Plan copies will be included in the notice. • All modifications and updates agreed upon by the Mitigation Planning Committee will be incorporated into the Plan. These may include occurrences of hazard events, census figures, economic outlook data, Capital Improvement projects, mitigation action item and strategy changes, etc.

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APRIL 2012 ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE ADOPTED 2010 LOCAL MITIGATION PLAN • The Emergency Management Coordinator will schedule a meeting of the Mitigation Planning Committee. • Members of the Mitigation Planning Committee will be notified by email of the scheduled meeting. • A notice will be posted on the City of League City’s website announcing the annual Plan review. The method(s) of soliciting public input, as well as the locations of Plan copies will be included in the notice. • All modifications and updates agreed upon by the Mitigation Planning Committee will be incorporated into the Plan. These may include occurrences of hazard events, census figures, economic outlook data, Capital Improvement projects, mitigation action item and strategy changes, etc.

APRIL 2013 ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE ADOPTED 2010 LOCAL MITIGATION PLAN • The Emergency Management Coordinator will schedule a meeting of the Mitigation Planning Committee. • Members of the Mitigation Planning Committee will be notified by email of the scheduled meeting. • A notice will be posted on the City of League City’s website announcing the annual Plan review. The method(s) of soliciting public input, as well as the locations of Plan copies will be included in the notice. • All modifications and updates agreed upon by the Mitigation Planning Committee will be incorporated into the Plan. These may include occurrences of hazard events, census figures, economic outlook data, Capital Improvement projects, mitigation action item and strategy changes, etc. • Apply for Pre Disaster Mitigation or other grant funds for the 5-year plan update.

APRIL 2014 ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE ADOPTED 2010 LOCAL MITIGATION PLAN/PLAN UPDATE KICKOFF MEETING • The Emergency Management Coordinator will schedule a meeting of the Mitigation Planning Committee. • Members of the Mitigation Planning Committee will be notified by email of the scheduled meeting. • A notice will be posted on the City of League City’s website announcing the annual Plan review. The method(s) of soliciting public input, as well as the locations of Plan copies will be included in the notice. • The Emergency Management Coordinator will present any new/updated planning guidance from TDEM and/or FEMA to the Mitigation Planning Committee. • A draft timeline for the 5-year plan update process will be presented. • Subcommittees may be formed to focus on specific plan sections. • All modifications and updates agreed upon by the Mitigation Planning Committee will be incorporated into the Plan.

UPDATING PLAN 2014-2015

• Numerous Mitigation Planning Committee meetings will be held. • Plan revisions agreed upon by the Mitigation Planning Committee will be incorporated into the Plan and noted in the Record of Changes Table on Page i at the front of this document. • The draft plan will be submitted to TDEM for review no later than six months prior to the plan expiration date. • Plan changes/additions requested by TDEM and/or FEMA will be incorporated and submitted.

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ADOPTION

Upon approval by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Plan will be submitted to FEMA Region VI for their approval. The City of League City’s City Council formally adopted the original Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Plan on December 12, 2003 (Resolution 2003-58). The updated Local Mitigation Plan will be presented to City Council for adoption once approval from TDEM and FEMA has been received.

Live Oak Tree Main Street

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SECTION 7 PLAN ADOPTION

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FEMA Approval Letter

Copy to be included here upon receipt

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ATTACHMENT A HAZARD MITIGATION SURVEY

HAZARD MITIGATION SURVEY

CITY OF LEAGUE CITY HAZARD MITIGATION SURVEY

**Please return completed surveys to the City Hall Reception Desk at 300 W. Walker**

1. Of the hazards listed below, which 5 do you consider to be the top threats to our city? Please rank those hazards 1 through 5, with #1 being the highest threat.

 Tornado  Hurricane/ Tropical Storm  Flood  Wildland Fires  Drought  Earthquake  Dam Failure  Coastal Erosion  Hazardous Materials Accident  Terrorism  Extreme Heat  Land Subsidence  Severe Thunderstorm (High Wind/Hail/Lightning)  Severe Winter Storm

2. Have you ever experienced or been impacted by one of the hazards listed above? ○ Yes ○ No

3. If you answered “Yes” to question #2, please explain:

4. How concerned are you about the possibility of our community being impacted by a disaster? ○ Extremely Concerned ○ Somewhat Concerned ○ Not Concerned

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5. Is there another hazard not listed above that you think is a wide scale threat to your neighborhood?

6. Is your home located in a floodplain? ○ Yes ○ No ○ I don’t know

7. Do you have flood insurance? ○ Yes ○ No ○ I don’t know

8. If you answered “No” to question #7, why not? ○ Not located in floodplain ○ Too expensive ○ Not necessary because it never floods ○ Not necessary because I’m elevated or otherwise protected ○ Never really considered it ○ Other

9. Have you taken any action to make your home or neighborhood more resistant to hazards? Please check all that apply. ○ Elevated your home ○ Installed storm shutters ○ Upgraded roof (with hurricane clips and straps) ○ Other (please explain)

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10. Are you interested in making your home or neighborhood more resistant to hazards? ○ Yes ○ No

11. What is the most effective way for you to receive information about how to make your home and neighborhood more resistant to hazards? ○ Newspaper ○ Television ○ Radio ○ Internet ○ Mail ○ Public workshops/meetings ○ School meetings ○ Other

12. In your opinion, what are some steps your local government could take to reduce or eliminate the risk of future hazard damages in your neighborhood?

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13. Are there any other issues regarding the reduction of risk and loss associated with hazards or disasters in the community that you think are important?

14. A number of community-wide activities can reduce our risks from hazards. In general, these activities fall into one of the following six broad categories. Please tell us how important you think each one is for your community to consider pursuing.

Very Somewhat Not Important Important Important 1. Prevention - Administrative or regulatory actions that influence the way land is developed and buildings are built. Examples include ○ ○ ○ planning and zoning, building codes, open space preservation, and floodplain regulations. 2. Property Protection - Actions that involve the modification of existing buildings to protect them from a hazard or removal from the hazard area. Examples include: acquisition, relocation, ○ ○ ○ elevation, structural retrofits, and storm shutters. 3. Natural Resource Protection - Actions that, in addition to minimizing hazard losses also preserve or restore the functions of natural systems. Examples include: floodplain protection, habitat preservation, slope ○ ○ ○ stabilization, and forest management. 4. Structural Projects - Actions intended to lessen the impact of a hazard by modifying the natural progression of a hazard. Examples include dams, levees, seawalls, detention/retention basins, channel ○ ○ ○ modification, retaining walls and storm sewers. 5. Emergency Services - Actions that protect people and property during and immediately after a hazard event. Examples include warning systems, evacuation planning, emergency ○ ○ ○ response training, and protection of critical emergency facilities or systems. 6. Public Education and Awareness - Actions to inform citizens about hazards and the techniques they can use to protect themselves and their property. Examples include outreach projects, school education programs, library ○ ○ ○ materials and demonstration events.

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HAZARD MITIGATION SURVEY RESULTS

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ATTACHMENT B MITIGATION GRANT MAILER

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