CRAFT) 2019 Multi-Jurisdictional Program for Public Information (PPI

Capital Region Area Floodplain Task-force (CRAFT) 2019 Multi-jurisdictional Program for Public Information (PPI)

Prepared by members of CRAFT with the assistance of The University of New Orleans’ Center for Hazards Assessment, Response & Technology (UNO-CHART)

December 2019

Contents Background ...... 5 2019 PPI Committee Members ...... 5 PPI Committee Meetings ...... 7 Community Public Information Needs Assessment ...... 7 Priority Areas ...... 8 Ascension Parish ...... 8 East Baton Rouge Parish ...... 11 City of Central ...... 12 City of Denham Springs ...... 14 City of Gonzales ...... 15 City of Walker ...... 15 City of Zachary ...... 16 Priority Audiences ...... 17 Other Public Information Efforts ...... 19 Activity 320 - Map Information Service ...... 19 Activity 330 – Flood Response Preparations (FRP) ...... 20 Activity 340 – Hazard Disclosure ...... 20 Activity 350 – Flood Protection Information / Website ...... 21 Activity 360 – Flood Protection Assistance ...... 21 Activity 540 – Drainage System Maintenance ...... 21 Flood Insurance Assessment & Coverage Improvement Plan (Activity 370) ...... 22 Flood Insurance Assessment ...... 22 Flood Insurance Coverage Plan ...... 25 Outreach Messages ...... 27 Priority Messages ...... 27 Outreach Projects ...... 29 Adoption ...... 29 Implementation, Monitoring, & Evaluation ...... 29 List of Appendices ...... 30 Appendix 1: Meetings Agendas & Slides ...... 31 Meeting #1 ...... 31 Meeting #2 ...... 37 Appendix 2: Sign-in Sheets ...... 42 Meeting #1 ...... 42 Meeting #2 ...... 45 Appendix 3: Flood Insurance Data ...... 48 Community Insurance Overview Reports for Each Community ...... 30 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects ...... 76 Appendix 5: 370 Flood Insurance Promotion Projects ...... 91 Appendix 6: Other Public Information Efforts (320, 330 - FRP, 340, 350, 360, 540) ...... 92 Appendix 7: Adoption Documents ...... 93 Table 1 - Data Provided by FEMA, Oct 2017 ...... 18 Table 2 - Data Provided by Communities ...... 18 Table 3 – Insurance in Force; 5/31/19 ...... 22 Table 4 – Number of Properties Compared to # of Policies; as of 5/31/19 ...... 23 Table 5 - SFHA v. non-SFHA Policies ...... 23 Table 6 – Pre-FIRM v. Post-FIRM Policies; as of 5/31/19...... 24 Table 7 - Residential v. Non-residential Policies ...... 25 Table 8 - Residential v. Non-residential in the SFHA ...... 25

Background The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program that provides incentives for communities to implement measures that exceed the requirements of the NFIP1. A CRS Users Group was formed in June 2012 by local and regional CRS coordinators interested in meeting regularly to discuss the program. Later named the Capital Region Area Floodplain Task-force or CRAFT, the group is composed of the following communities: Ascension Parish, East Baton Rouge, City of Central, City of Denham Springs, City of Gonzales, City of Walker, and the City of Zachary. Representatives of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), Verisk/ISO2 and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) are also often in attendance at CRAFT meetings. CRAFT meetings are held monthly and are facilitated by the University of New Orleans’ Center for Hazards Assessment, Response & Technology (UNO- CHART). Meeting locations are currently rotated among CRAFT member communities and group members or guest speakers present on various activities of the CRS.

During the course of several meetings, members of CRAFT agreed to pursue a multi- jurisdictional Program for Public Information (PPI) as described in Series 300, Activity 330 of the 2017 CRS Coordinator’s Manual. The purpose of the PPI is twofold; members seek to utilize a regional approach to reduce risk in their communities while at the same time seek to lower flood insurance premiums for their residents. CRAFT’s first multi-jurisdictional PPI was completed in 2015. CRAFT members decided in 2019 to develop a second PPI.

2019 PPI Committee Members The following CRAFT communities agreed to participate in the development and implementation of a PPI: Ascension Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, City of Central, City of Denham Springs, City of Gonzales, City of Walker, and the City of Zachary. CRAFT committee members also agreed they would serve as the base for the PPI committee and that other stakeholder groups would be invited to participate. Each CRAFT community recruited active members of their communities to serve on the PPI Committee. The PPI committee includes the following members listed by community:

Ascension Parish Marcia Shivers, Ascension Parish, Floodplain Coordinator Lance Brock, Ascension Parish, Zoning (attended via webinar) Sherrie Jenkins, Ascension Parish, (attended via webinar) Kandace Harris, Resident (attended via webinar) Genea Lathers, GOHSEP, resident of Ascension Parish Pam Lightfoot, LaDOTD, resident of Ascension Parish

1 https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-community-rating-system 2 ISO administers the CRS on behalf of FEMA. See https://www.verisk.com/siteassets/media/cp- v/resources/mitigation-overall-slim-jim.pdf.

East Baton Rouge Parish Carey Chauvin, City of Baton Rouge, Director of Development Shannon Dupont, City of Baton Rouge, Floodplain Administrator Dennis McCain, City of Baton Rouge, PIO Robert Joyner, City of Baton Rouge Stokka Brown, CSRS Brython Cox, Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors Jennifer Perkins, Providence Mike Montoya, Resident Samantha Montoya, Resident Drew Ratcliff, Capital Region Planning Commission Jonathan Smith, Congressman Graves Office Gary O’Neal, Sr., Quality Engineering & Surveying (QES)

City of Central Kathi Cowen, City of Central, Floodplain Manager Terri Forsman, Brown & Brown Insurance

City of Denham Springs CJ Dunnaway, City of Denham Springs, OPD Miaekia Wilcox, City of Denham Springs OPD (webinar) Jeanette Clark, City of Denham Springs, Community Recovery Coordinator Marlene Domingue, Resident Gaylord Boyde, Resident Kay Landry, Denham Springs Realtor, BHHS Shawn Hima, Resident John Cavalier, Resident

City of Gonzales Leigh LeBlanc, City of Gonzales, Permits/Floodplain Management Janet McCrory, City of Gonzales, Utilities/Floodplain Management Robert Schexnayder, Resident Jay Grymes, WAFB and LSU

City of Walker Nancy Kimble, City of Walker, Building Inspector/Floodplain Manager Lynette Richardson, City of Walker, Permit Department Melanie Risher, Whitney Bank Jeanette Fabre, Resident Jerry Klier, Planning & Zoning Commission, Resident

City of Zachary Marlon Lemond, City of Zachary, Planning Director/Code Compliance Officer/Floodplain Manager Angie Knaps, Resident (attended via webinar) Gayle Young, Living Well Construction Danette Castello, Castello Agency Insurance (attended via webinar) Frank Landry, Shelter Insurance Katie Lea, La Sea Grant (attended via webinar) Zach Martin, RESTORE Louisiana

*Monica Farris, University of New Orleans-CHART, CRAFT Facilitator **Jeffrey Giering, GOHSEP, State Hazard Mitigation Officer also attended one meeting and contributed to process

PPI Committee Meetings The role of the committee members consists of the following tasks: attend meetings, review the community assessments, assist in the formulation of messages, help to identify outreach projects, assist in the review of other public information projects, review the final PPI document, and review overall progress and the annual report.

PPI Committee meeting dates and locations were as follows: Meeting #1, March 13, 2019, East Baton Rouge Parish/City of Baton Rouge Meeting #2, August 14, 2019, East Baton Rouge Parish/City of Baton Rouge

Figures 1 & 2 - PPI Committee Meetings #1, March 13, 2019; Committee Meeting #2, August 13, 2019 Meeting agendas and sign-in sheets for each Meetings #1 and #2 are located in Appendices 1 and 2.

Community Public Information Needs Assessment Per CRS guidance, the PPI committee members conducted a community needs assessment which included a brief description of each community including details on flood related hazards to which the communities are vulnerable. The community needs assessment supported the identification of priority areas and priority audiences for CRAFT outreach efforts. Priority Areas3 The following community descriptions provided support in the identification of priority areas in which to focus education and outreach efforts.

Ascension Parish Ascension Parish is located in Southeast Louisiana, southeast of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Parish is bounded on the north by Bayou Manchac and East Baton Rouge Parish; on the east by the Amite River, Bayou Pierre, Petite Amite River, Blind River, Livingston and St. John the Baptist Parishes; on the south by St. James and Assumption Parishes; and on the west by Iberville Parish. Ascension Parish is separated into two regions by the Mississippi River cutting through the eastern portion of Ascension Parish with 80% of the land area located east of the River and the balance (20%) of the land area located west of the River (locally known as East Ascension and West Ascension). Half of the Parish is uninhabited forestland or water; just over 50% is urbanized. The remaining percentage is in use as industrial and agricultural, the bulk of which is agriculture and pasture. Ascension Parish has a large portion of its land located above coastal storm surge inundation elevations, yet its topography is relatively flat. In the northwestern portion of the Parish, uplands are typically at elevations of 15-20 feet above NAVD (88 Datum) sloping gradually southeastward down to less than three feet in elevation in the “backswamp” areas. The “backswamp” areas serve as the discharge point for the Parish’s stormwater runoff draining off the uplands.

The Parish experiences major floods in the spring from the bordering Bayou Manchac and Amite River when those respective rivers cause uncontrolled backwater flooding into the Parish. Parish flooding is also caused by hurricanes tracking onto our coastal lands. Storm surges were unheard of in Ascension Parish until Hurricane Isaac tracked over Ascension Parish in August 2012. Hurricane Isaac caused a 5-6- ft. storm surge to invade into East Ascension Parish. The surge flooded a large portion of southeast Ascension Parish and caused a Voluntary Evacuation Order. Severe thunderstorms and flash floods are another source of riverine flooding in the Parish. Extremely high tides of the Gulf of Mexico are also responsible for indirect flooding conditions in the Parish through backwater conditions. Accordingly, Ascension Parish experiences flooding conditions from riverine flooding, stormwater flooding, surge inundations, flash floods and backwater flooding.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms – Numerous hurricanes and tropical storms have impacted Ascension Parish and flooding is a major issue in the parish. Additionally, as a result of storm surge, flooding typically occurs in areas far removed from the source of the primary event. Locally, the term “backwater flooding” identifies this phenomenon. The probability of all aspects of flooding threatening the Parish is high and is addressed as a major feature of Ascension Parish’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. Storm surges normally are caused by backwater from Lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain which take the brunt of storm surges. Lake Maurepas is the final discharge point for Ascension Parish’s stormwaters and henceforth, hurricane related storm surges in Lake Maurepas are directly transmitted to Ascension Parish. Hurricanes, Tropical Storms and Severe Thunderstorms in recent times that have flooded Ascension Parish are:

3 Much of the community information comes from the respective community FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plans. Hurricane Betsy (1965) Hurricane Georges (1998) Hurricane Edith (1971) Tropical Storm Allison (2001) Severe Thunderstorm (1973) Hurricane Lili (2002) Severe Thunderstorm (1977 Hurricane Ivan (2004) Severe Thunderstorm (1979) Hurricane Katrina (2005) Severe Thunderstorm (1983) Hurricane Rita (2005 Hurricane Juan (1985) Hurricane Ike (2008) Hurricane Andrew (1992 Tropical Storm Lee (2011) Severe Thunderstorm (1993) Hurricane Isaac (2012) Severe Thunderstorm (1995) Severe Flash Flooding (2013) Tropical Storm Frances (1998) Severe Storms and Flooding (2016)

The severe thunderstorms listed above resulted in riverine flooding while the hurricanes and tropical storms resulted in backwater flooding with the exception of Hurricane Isaac which pushed a storm surge ahead of it into Ascension Parish. Levee failures have also been identified as a significant threat to the Parish (Shaded “X” Zone on FEMA Flood Maps). One levee failure has already occurred near Bayou Manchac during Tropical Storm Allison (2001) which inundated the surrounding area in the northern portion of Ascension Parish with flood waters.

Storm Surges – A tsunami event was experienced in East Ascension Parish during Hurricane Isaac that pushed a 5 to 6-ft. high storm surge ahead of it through Lake Maurepas and eventually into East Ascension Parish. This tsunami storm surge overtopped the railroad tracks at Manchac Pass where Middendorf’s Restaurant is located on Interstate Highway 55. Local old timers living in Manchac reported that this was the first time in their lifetime they saw a storm surge overtop the railroad tracks (a 50-60 year time span). Hurricane Isaac’s storm surge inundated the Parish’s main pumping station, overtopped and closed State and Federal highways in East Ascension Parish and flooded 102 homes. Louisiana Highways 22 and 61 were overtopped by flooding and traffic was halted. Interstate Highway 10 was also overtopped and traffic was also halted on this federal highway. The Parish’s Highway 70 served as a dam for the storm surge which halted its westward migration causing the storm surge to then backup into our “backwater” swamp areas. The Parish’s “backwater” swamp areas remained swollen above normal conditions for several weeks which prevented the upland riverine systems from draining readily, aggravating the persistent flooding conditions.

Topography - East Ascension Parish consists of uplands in the northwest portions with ground elevations ranging from 15 to 20 feet and lowlands in the southeast portions with ground elevations ranging from 2 to 3 feet. The Parish’s drainage channels form a southeastward dendritic pattern from the uplands and flowing towards the southeast backswamp areas. West Ascension Parish consists of Mississippi River natural bank deposits with ground elevations ranging from 20 to 25 feet at the Mississippi River levee to 10 to 15 feet at the western Parish boundary line. West Ascension Parish topography is relatively flat with surface drainage leading away from the Mississippi River. Subsidence was thought to be non-existent in Ascension Parish until the advent of GIS technology in recent years which indicate that the Parish is slowly settling downward and also moving westward toward Texas at a ratio of 1 horizontal to 10 vertical. These X-Y-Z positions in East Ascension Parish are currently monitored by GPS

May 29, 2020; Page | 9 methods and have caused the Parish to adopt an official set of Parish Elevation Monuments that all respective surveyors must use for their work to be accepted at the Parish level.

Sources of Riverine Flooding – In the case of East Ascension Parish, the New River, Amite River, and Comite River each generate the greatest riverine flooding concerns. The riverine flood of 1995 flooded 402 homes, and both the Amite and Comite Rivers reached flood stages. Riverine flooding is usually a gradual process, with warning time from several hours to several days. Riverine flooding has the tendency to remain in flood stage for a longer period of time than other types of flood hazards. Riverine stormwater overtops the natural banks of the channel inundating the area within the floodplain and beyond.

In East Ascension Parish, riverine flooding is common in the upland areas caused by the existing drainage channels carrying the stormwaters away from the area. Severe thunderstorms which exceed the design capacity of the channels (Ascension Parish adopted the 10-yr. 24-hr. design storm as its design standard) cause uncontrolled “flash flooding” conditions at times. Storms and flash floods above the 10-year design standard cannot be handled by the current system of drainage channels. In recent times, severe thunderstorms and flash flooding conditions appear to be increasing in frequency in East Ascension Parish with the most recent “flash flood” event occurring during the January 9, 2013 severe thunderstorm event (6 homes and 92 roads flooded).

Ascension Parish experienced extensive flooding during the August 2016 event related to an extraordinary amount of rainfall within the greater Baton Rouge area. While the area suffered some localized flooding due to local rainfall, the majority of the flood damage occurred due to backflow from the Amite River and Bayou Manchac waterways into low-lying properties within those watersheds. With FEMA assistance, Ascension Parish evaluated approximately 10,000 homes for flood damage and documented approximately 1,500 homes that suffered substantial damage per FEMA criteria.

Flood Zones – In accordance with the FEMA FIRM Panels dated August 16, 2007 Ascension Parish is depicted to be in Flood Zones “A”, “AE”, “AH” and “Shaded X”. The Zones “A” and “AE” are associated with riverine and backwater flooding and defines the 100-year floodplain. The Zone “AH” is associated with shallow flooding floodplains found in West Ascension Parish’s Donaldsonville area, while the “Shaded X” Zone is parishwide and is associated with one or more levee failure occurrences. Communities located in the 100-year floodplain include the Towns of Sorrento, Brittany, St. Amant, Acy and Lake. Those communities located partially in the 100-year floodplain include the Cities of Gonzales, Donaldsonville, Geismar, Prairieville and Galvez. Communities completely outside the 100-year floodplain include McCall and Modeste in West Ascension Parish and Darrow, Burnside and Duplessis in East Ascension Parish.

Drainage Systems/Pumping Stations – In an effort to reduce the flood damages that its residences suffered, East Ascension Parish took a proactive status and has built 3 pumping stations with associated flood gates and levees. The first and main pumping station is the Marvin Braud Pumping Station with six 1,000 cfs pumps capable of pumping a total of 2.7 million gallons per minute (GPM) when pumping full capacity. Plans are currently underway to add

May 29, 2020; Page | 10 a seventh 1,000 cfs pump to the Marvin Braud Pumping Station. The Marvin Braud Pumping Station is located in the southeastern portion of the Parish (“backwater” swamp area) and draws stormwater from 5 major watersheds (55 sq. miles); Black Bayou, Grand Goudine Bayou, New River, Bayou Francois and Bayou Narcisse. These protected areas also include the industrial area along the Mississippi River, all of the City of Gonzales and includes a good portion of the Prairieville Community area. The second pumping station built by East Ascension Parish is the Sorrento Pumping Station located southeast of the City of Sorrento. As the name implies, this pumping station draws stormwater from the City of Sorrento proper (1,145 acres). The Sorrento Pumping Station is equipped with three 100 cfs pumps capable of pumping a total of 135,000 GPM when pumping full capacity. The third pumping station built by East Ascension Parish is located on Henderson Bayou in the northeastern portion of the Parish. Henderson Bayou (14 sq. miles) empties into the Amite River and in an effort to minimize the backwater conditions from the Amite River when in flood stage; East Ascension Parish is constructing a pumping station to handle riverine flooding and a flood gate to handle backwater conditions from the Amite River. The Henderson Bayou Pumping Station and Floodgate structure are complete as of this writing and are awaiting the first highwater event to be tested. The Henderson Bayou Pumping Station is equipped with two 500 cfs pumps capable of pumping 449,000 GPM when pumping full capacity. The flood gate is being built to withstand a flood elevation level of 17feet, NAVD (’88 Datum) from the Amite River backwaters.

East Baton Rouge Parish East Baton Rouge Parish is in the southeast region of Louisiana on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, making it a major river port and industrial center. The City of Baton Rouge is the parish seat and Louisiana’s state capital. East Baton Rouge Parish consists of an area of 455 square miles. With the City of Baton Rouge and the unincorporated area having 360 sq. mi, Baker 8.3 sq. mi., Central 62.24 sq. mi, and Zachary 23.93 sq. mi. East Baton Rouge Parish contains four incorporated communities: Baker, Baton Rouge, Central, and Zachary. The 2010 census reports the East Baton Rouge Parish population at 440,171 people. Land use within the parish is comprised primarily of urban and developed residential lands, agricultural lands, and woody or forestlands. Approximately 40% of the parish can be classified as developed, 30% agricultural, with the remainder forested.

The Mississippi River forms the western boundary of East Baton Rouge Parish; however, less than 20% of the parish drains there. The Amite River forms the eastern boundary of the parish and serves as the primary drainage out fall for this region. The Comite River, the primary tributary of the Amite River, drains through the central portion of the parish then flows eastward where it forms its confluence with the Amite River just upstream of U.S. Highway 190. The Amite River drains an area of approximately 2,200 Square miles, and the Comite River Drains approximately 335 square miles. Most streams within the parish are subject to backwater flooding from large regional floods on the Amite and Comite Rivers. In addition to these regional floods, headwater floods along the local streams due to high-intensity rains occur. Generally, the most damaging flooding events are from tropical storms and hurricanes. The entire FEMA flood zone area is vulnerable to some sort of flooding.

East Baton Rouge Parish is exposed to flooding from hurricanes, tropical storms and severe storms with flash flooding. The Parish is bordered on the west side by the Mississippi River, and

May 29, 2020; Page | 11 a series of creeks and bayous provide a natural drain from the city to the east and to the southeast. Hurricane Creek provides drainage for the Scotlandville and the industrial districts in the city’s northern section. Since World War II, urban expansion has encroached on low-lying and poorly drained areas in the parish. The principle flooding in the parish is caused by backwater flooding along the Amite and Comite Rivers and their tributaries. Besides the flooding caused by the Amite River, the major tributaries that are affected by backwater include the Jones Creek, Claycut Bayou, and Bayou Manchac. The backwater of Bayou Manchac in turn affects Ward Creek and Bayou Fountain. The backwater that affects the Comite River also causes major flooding to its tributaries, which are Draughan Creek, Beaver Bayou, Shoe Creek, Blackwater Bayou, Hurricane Creek and Lower Cypress Bayou. Historical floods that have caused the most damage to the Amite and Comite River’s and their tributaries occurred in 1967, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1989, 1990 and 2001.

The City of Baton Rouge’s business district sits above the level of the Mississippi River; however, the southern portion of the city occupies the Mississippi River flood-plain. A levee system is in place to protect the City and the Parish and also to keep the Mississippi on its present course. This levee system is part of a complex river system involving the Mississippi, Atchafalaya and Red Rivers. Should there ever be a break in the levee system; the area south of the downtown area near the river could suffer significant flooding.

The past history of flooding of streams indicates that flooding may occur during any season of the year. The majority of the major floods have occurred during the spring and fall rains associated with frontal systems moving through the parish. According to the FEMA FIRM Panels dated May 2, 2008 and June 19, 2012 East Baton Rouge Parish is said to be in flood zones “A”, “AE”, shaded “X” and “X”. According to U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 96-649, approximately 46% of East Baton Rouge Parish’s land area has the potential of being flooded by a 100 year flood being in the “A” or “AE” flood zone.

The Parish of East Baton Rouge experienced a record flood from August 12-14, 2016. Approximately 45% of the city-parish was affected by this flood and approximately 34,000 structures received flood damage. Approximately 50% of those structures were outside of the SFHA. The city-parish received an astounding 31.39 inches of rain. The Amite River at Denham Springs flowed over its banks and crested at 46.2 feet the highest ever recorded. The backwater from the Amite & Comite River were the source of the majority of the flooding.

City of Central The City of Central, incorporated on April 23, 2005, is part of East Baton Rouge Parish. It is located in south central Louisiana, at the northwestern part of East Baton Rouge Parish. The City is bordered on the east by the Livingston/East Baton Rouge Parish line, the West by the Comite River, the north by a zone defined by Greenwell Springs Port Hudson Road, and on the south by the City of Baton Rouge. The total area of Central is approximately 66 square miles.

Central is a growing community with a population of over 26,000, based on the 2010 Census. Currently, the City is the thirteenth largest city in the State of Louisiana, and the second largest in East Baton Rouge Parish. The City of Central is predominantly a residential area with only 3% of the City total area occupied by industrial facilities used for manufacturing and assembly

May 29, 2020; Page | 12 activities, usually with an outdoor component. Wholesale, retail and office activities occupy approximately 1%, which includes everything from large retail stores to small shop and food facilities.

Most of the incorporated area of Central is served by the Upper and Lower Comite River drainage subbasin. Tributaries include Saunders, Blackwater and Beaver Bayous, and Draughan’s and Shoe Creek. The eastern edge of the city falls within the Amite Basin. The City of Central is bound to the east and west by two major rivers: the Amite River and the Comite River. Both waterways are part of the Amite River Basin. The Amite River Basin includes portions of East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Iberville, St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes in Louisiana and Wilkinson, Lincoln, Franklin and Amite counties in Mississippi. Due to the volume of water flow at the downstream outlet of the Amite River into Lake Maurepas, backwater flooding often occurs during extended rain events within the lower to middle reaches of the Amite River Basin. Flooding due to tropical storms and hurricanes is a major concern in the city of Central. Inundation caused by backwater flooding from the Amite and Comite Rivers and their respective tributaries, along with the fact that a majority of the city is below base flood are all conditions that have attributed to the flooding issues caused by such storms in the past. The hurricanes and tropical storms that have affected Central are the following: Hurricane Betsy 1965 Hurricane Lili 2002 Hurricane Edith 1971 Hurricane Katrina 2005 Tropical Storm Allison 1989 Hurricane Rita 2005 Hurricane Andrew 1992 Hurricane Gustav 2008 Tropical Storm Allison 2001 Hurricane Isaac 2012

Topography - A topographic inventory of Central shows an east-west banding of elevations ascending from the extreme southeast tip of the incorporated area to the north western extremity. The typical flow of creeks, bayous and drainage systems follow land forms and are generally from north to south. Recognizing the importance of protecting the City within the Amite River Basin and minimizing impacts to new and future development, the current 100 Year Flood level and topographic elevations within the city were studied to determine which parts of the City were at greatest risk of repeated inundation. Approximately 60% of the incorporated area is within the 100 Year Flood Zone. This presents challenges to future development in these areas as these developments require substantial filling and can significantly reduce the capacity of the drainage basin and cause more severe flooding in the remaining areas.

Flooding was minimal in the City of Central on Friday August 12, 2016. Many roads were overtopped, but only a small number of houses received water this day. The majority of flooding started in the city on Saturday morning, August 13, 2016. Many residents awoke around 3:00am to flood waters rapidly rising onto their property and into their homes. This morning was when the Amite and Comite Rivers were overloaded from their upper watershed. This caused a headwater condition at many hydraulic structures, especially the convergence of the Comite and Amite Rivers. Elevated flood water levels lasted into Monday August 15, 2016. Thirty-six inches of rain fell over the course of 2 days. Per City of Central staff calculations, about 5,300 structures flooded in the event, of which about 2900 were in the SFHA (57%).

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City of Denham Springs Denham Springs, Louisiana, is situated in the southeastern portion of the state and is the largest area of commercial and residential development in Livingston Parish. To the west is the Amite River, to the north is the Livingston/St. Helena Parish line, to the east is Walker, and to the south is Port Vincent. Over sixty percent of the city is urbanized and/or under cultivation, while the remaining area is made up of wetlands, water, or other. Denham Springs is located above coastal storm surge inundation elevations at 10 feet above sea level with relatively flat topography. There are no levees in Denham Springs, Louisiana. Storm water excesses caused by large amounts of rainfall in a short period of time occur frequently in Denham Springs. The city is relatively low in elevation with little slope in the topography, and storm water often cannot flow out of many areas and needs to be pumped out. Generally, the most damaging storm water events are a function of tropical storms and hurricanes. Most of the riverine flooding problems are a result of rising water in the Amite River during heavy rain events. The entire planning area of the city is vulnerable to some sort of flooding.

Because of the proximity of Denham Springs along the Gulf Coast, the planning region is highly prone to hurricanes and tropical/coastal storms. Ten major hurricane events traced back to 1957 have affected the City. Major flood damage as a standalone hazard caused damage fifteen additional times. Wind damage induced by hurricanes/tropical storms is of the utmost concern. With Hurricane Andrew of 1992 and Hurricane Gustav in 2008, for example, wind damage caused a great portion of destruction. Hurricanes and the resultant wind and flooding damage were designated as a significant hazard to the community. Storm water events can range in severity depending on how many inches of rain falls during a specific time period. Based on data from the National Weather Service and NOAA, Denham Springs can expect anywhere from 4 to 20 inches of rainfall, potentially causing 1 to 12 inches of flooding. Flood depths also have the potential to rise above 12 inches in a heavy rain event if the outfall canals are at or beyond capacity, thereby creating a backwater flood event in addition to the storm water flooding. Backwater flooding is normally associated with riverine flooding and implies minimal velocity. All low lying areas are at risk. A heavy rainfall event coupled with a swollen river, canal, or bayou and marsh hinders drainage outflow causing backwater flooding. The entire geographic area of Denham Springs has been and will be affected by hurricanes and coastal/tropical storms in the future. Numerous hurricanes and tropical storms have been recorded as impacting the study area. While much of the hazard impact of hurricanes is focused on flooding issues, wind is as much a concern to residents and property owners. According to the FEMA FIRM panel dated April 3, 2012, City of Denham Springs is said to be in flood zones “AE” and “X” with a majority of the City being located in a flood zone of “AE”.

The City of Denham Springs was heavily affected by the August 2016 flooding. Approximately 90% of our municipal limits experienced slight to serve flooding and approximately 3,000 structures received flood damage. Parts of Livingston Parish experienced a range of 25 inches to an astounding 30 inches which fell in the Watson area alone. The Amite River along with the Comite River overflowed their banks with the Amite River cresting at 46.2 feet, the highest ever recorded. The City of Denham Springs believes that the source of flooding was a majority of riverine and storm water overflow. However, buildup of a few major State Highways did create

May 29, 2020; Page | 14 barriers that did not let water flow over those areas causing flooding to residents that had never flooded.

City of Gonzales The City of Gonzales is a small community consisting of 11,350 people. Located on Interstate Highway 10 approximately 25 miles south of Baton Rouge and approximately 55 miles north of New Orleans, Gonzales’ corporate limits encompass an area of approximately 5,800 acres or 9 square miles. The City of Gonzales has experienced commercial growth along the I-10 and LA 30 interchange, the LA 30 corridor, the LA 44 corridor, and the US 61 corridor. However, majority of the city’s land mass is occupied by residential structures.

The topography of the city is generally flat and is traversed by three railroads, Interstate 10, US 61, and numerous state roadways. Four waterways cross the city; a very small section of Bayou Boyle/Bayou Conway crosses the southern tip of the city, and Bayous Narcisse, Francois, and New River meander across the larger section of the city. The City’s storm water collection system is a combination of open drainage channels and subsurface drainage structures which convey storm water runoff into the four waterways mentioned above. These waterways generally flow from northwest to southeast. Waters entering the city limits originate in the unincorporated areas of Ascension Parish. After flowing through the city limits, these waterways enter back into Ascension Parish. Therefore, the City’s drainage system is completely dependent on the operation of Ascension Parish’s system.

The Gonzales area topography ranges generally from 5 to 10-foot elevation and experiences riverine flooding from the New River, as well as problems from stormwater and inland drainage issues. The City of Gonzales experienced a record flood from August 12-14, 2016. Approximately 5% of the city was affected by this flood and approximately 225 structures received flood damage. Ascension parish experienced approximately 12 inches of rain. The Amite River at Denham Springs flowed over its banks and crested at 46.2 feet the highest ever recorded. Additionally, Laurel Ridge levee protection was overwhelmed during the Amite River peak, which resulted in severe backwater flooding, as the levee was overtopped. The backwater event caused more significant structural flooding than the initial 12-inch rainfall. Therefore, the majority of the flooding in Gonzales was backwater driven.

City of Walker The City of Walker is located in the west central portion of Livingston Parish. The majority of the land in the City of Walker area has been developed for residential purposes with a majority of the development within the floodplain. The City of Walker's population according to the 2010 Census report was 6,138 people, a slight increase from the 2000 census of 4,801 people. The major roads in the City of Walker are Highway 190 and 447. LA Highway 190 connects Walker to Denham Springs to the west and LA Highway 447 connects the City to Interstate 12 to the south. The Canadian National Railroad runs through Livingston Parish east and west. The flooding threat to the City of Walker is primary due to backwater flooding along West Colyell Creek, Dumplin Creek, Middle Colyell Creek, and their tributaries and storm water excesses caused by large amounts of rainfall in a short period.

May 29, 2020; Page | 15

Hurricanes are a threat to the City of Walker. Walker is approximately 22 miles from Lake Maurepas which is a large lake just west of Lake Pontchartrain with only a narrow strip of land 1.5 miles wide separating the two. Hurricane strength winds and gusts are often felt hundreds of miles inland. Therefore, the high winds associated with a hurricane impacting Walker would be devastating to the City. The storms associated with hurricanes have been known to drop record rainfalls that contribute to the flooding. The city is relatively low in elevation with little slope in the topography. Thunderstorms with lightning and high winds and tornadoes affect the entire City of Walker equally and uniformly. The entire City is at risk for these hazard events. The following are areas that have been impacted in the City of Walker during floods, hurricanes, thunderstorms with lightning and high winds and tornadoes: • Drainage ways along the West Colyell Creek, Middle Colyell Creek and Dumplin Creek have obstructions which prevent rapid runoff and result in flooding. • The wastewater treatment plant and lift stations lost power in the past during these disasters. • Power lines are often downed in high winds causing residents to lose power. • The City of Walker is primarily in Flood Zone AE with its fair share of land in Flood Zones A, X and Shaded X according to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) dated April 3, 2012.

The City of Walker experienced a record flood from August 12-14, 2016. Approximately 60% of the city was affected by this flood and approximately 714 structures received flood damage. Livingston Parish experienced an astounding 25.52 inches of rain. The Amite River at Denham Springs flowed over its banks and crested at 46.2 feet the highest ever recorded. The City believes that the recently constructed concrete barrier on I-12 caused most of the flooding. The barrier did not let the water flow over the interstate as in previous times. The majority of the flooding in Walker was backwater.

City of Zachary Zachary is located in the Northwest portion of East Baton Rouge Parish. Its eastern boundary is the Comite River. Its northern boundary is the East Feliciana Parish line. The western boundary being Hwy 61 and southern boundary is the City of Baker. The City of Zachary is approximately 17 miles north of Baton Rouge. The 2010 Census reports show the population at 14,960. Zachary finished the decade as Louisiana’s fastest growing City, with the highest average household income and lowest poverty rates in the Capital Region.

Today, Zachary serves as an employment, retail and healthcare destination for northern capital region. Zachary’ close proximity to the region’s primary transportation facilities and infrastructure include: Highway access via U.S. 61, the barge terminal operated by the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. The main transportation arteries through the City are State Highways 19, 64, 67, & 964. All of these roadways are significant evacuation routes for the City, as well as the surrounding parish during states of emergency. Within 14 miles there are 3 bridges crossing the Mississippi River. Land use within the City is comprised primarily of built up urban and developed residential lands, agricultural lands, and woody or forest land. Approximately 18.4 % of the City can be classified as developed, 59.2% agricultural, and the remainder forested.

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The geographic location of the City of Zachary lends itself to the great likelihood that natural disasters, such as flood, tornado, or hurricane will occur. Flooding in the City of Zachary can result from the following weather events: hurricanes, thunderstorms and winter storms. The flooding threat to the City of Zachary is caused by backwater flooding along Whites Bayou and Cypress Bayou, and their tributaries. Cypress Bayou follows a nine (9) mile circuitous route through Zachary. Of concern are the connecting tributaries south of Zachary which ultimately empty into the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge. Blockages downstream serve to impede the flow of Cypress Bayou.

Flood Zones: According to the FEMA FIRM Panels Dated May 2, 2008 and June 19, 2012 Zachary is said to be in flood zones “A”, “AE”, shaded “X” and “X”. According to U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 96-649, approximately 48% of Zachary land area has the potential of being flooded by a 100-year flood being in the “A” or “AE” flood zone. The majority of the floodplain is found along White’s Bayou. Most streams within the City are subject to backwater flooding from large regional floods on the Amite and Comite Rivers. In addition to these regional floods, headwaters flooding along the local streams due to high- intensity rains occur often.

In 2008 - Hurricane Gustav and Ike delivered a level of flooding that should only be seen once every 200-300 years. Gustav dumped about 12 inches of rain on Zachary and approximately 5.5 inches in just over an hour. The storm sent 90 miles per hour winds ripping through Zachary, downing trees and filling local bayous and drainage ditches with debris. Cypress Bayou was the area most inundated by Gustav flooding, with over 40 houses flooded by the hurricane’s rains. In March 2011, the City of Zachary experienced flooding due to heavy thunderstorms in the area. Streets were submerged and bayous and ditches were overflowing. The year 2012 brought Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac, the slowest moving hurricane, dumping massive amounts of rain. Residents in Zachary were spared more during Isaac than during Gustav, but Hurricane Isaac left a lasting impression on the city. Isaac caused flooding, downed trees, and widespread power outages. Isaac dumped upwards of 18 inches of rain in the Zachary area. Nearly 500 tons of debris was picked up in the City of Zachary following Hurricane Isaac.

The City of Zachary experienced a record flood from August 12-14, 2016. Approximately 560 structures received flood damage. The City actually experienced two separate flooding events. The first flood event occurred the morning of August 12 due to the large amount of rain received over a very short amount of time. Zachary had many roads throughout the City that were impassable because of high water. However, this event only accounted for approximately 30% of the total structures damaged. The second event occurred in the early morning of August 13, 2016 from the backwater flooding of the Comite River, Redwood Creek, and White’s Bayou. This accounted for the majority of the major flooding and many rescues were required. Several of the homes that received flood damage within the City limits were in X Zones and built above the higher standards that the City has in place.

Priority Audiences In addition to the above community information, the committee reviewed data on repetitive flood loss properties (Table 1) as well as the number of insurable properties inside the SFHA (Table 2).

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Table 1 - Data Provided by FEMA, Oct 2017

# of Severe Claims Paid Repetitive Community Repetitive Mitigated (Building & Loss Loss Contents) Properties Ascension Parish 312 71 58 (19%) $ 27,775,971 East Baton Rouge Parish 877 589 65 (7%) $ 108,694,920 City of Central 127 54 26 (20%) $ 21,403,107 City of Denham Springs 177 45 15 (8%) $ 18,674,562 City of Gonzales 71 11 6 (8%) $ 5,463,871 City of Walker 21 2 1 (5%) $ 2,644,504 City of Zachary 41 5 1 (2%) $ 4,109,943

Per Table 1, all CRAFT communities have repetitive loss properties. As such, they are considered CRS repetitive loss Category B (i.e., less than 50) or C (i.e., 50 or more) and each must conduct an annual outreach project to its repetitive loss areas. All CRAFT members confirmed that an annual project is implemented annually – usually in the form of a letter to the repetitive loss areas.

Table 2 - Data Provided by Communities

# of Properties in Community Properties the SFHA

Ascension Parish 84,954 33,025 (39%) East Baton Rouge Parish 152,235 30,291 (20%) City of Central 12,160 4,581 (38%) City of Denham Springs 6,984 4,574 (65%) City of Gonzales 4,748 1,169 (25%) City of Walker 2,552 1,430 (56%) City of Zachary 8,545 1,582 (19%)

Per Table 2, the percentage of properties that lie inside the SFHAs varies among the communities – from 19% in the City of Zachary to 65% in the City of Denham Springs. Although the SFHA is an indicator of higher flood risks, there was a general consensus among the PPI committee members that residents must understand that they can flood regardless of their flood zone. Data from East Baton Rouge Parish show that of the 54,611 residential properties

May 29, 2020; Page | 18 that flooded during the August 2016 floods (DR4277), 27,494 (50%) were not in the SFHA4. Considering this event and others, outreach must be directed inside and outside of the SFHA.

The committee members discussed the fact that multiple outreach methods need to be developed and implemented in order to effectively reach the various audiences that exist in the CRAFT communities. The committee determined the following audiences/stakeholder groups as priority audiences upon which to focus specific outreach messages and projects:

• Businesses o Ascension Chamber of Commerce o Baton Rouge Areas Chamber of Commerce (BRAC) o Restaurants (City of Gonzales) • Flooded property owners • Homebuilders • Insurance agents • Lenders • LAPELS (Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board) • Potential buyers • Realtors o Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors (GBRAR) • Repetitive Loss Property Owners • Residents in the floodplain (in and out of SFHA) • Residents in a floodway • School age children

Other Public Information Efforts The needs assessment must also inventory existing public information and outreach efforts being conducted in the community. These must include projects done by the community and projects implemented by other agencies and organizations, such as utility companies, a flood control district, newspapers, the Red Cross, or environmental organizations. A list of these efforts and the subjects they cover were reviewed by the Committee.

Each CRAFT community manages public information and outreach efforts that are related to other CRS activities to include Activities 320, 340, 350, 360, 370, and/or 540. See Appendix 4 for a list of these projects.

Activity 320 - Map Information Service CRAFT communities provide their citizens with flood hazard information such as flood zone, Base Flood Elevation (BFE), LOMAs, copies of elevation certificates, repetitive flood loss areas and historical flooding. The PPI committee agreed that this service should be maintained and

4 https://www.theadvocate.com/louisiana_flood_2016/article_58886b9a-6b02-11e6-9557-cfdf7ce00cf7.html

May 29, 2020; Page | 19 publicized through various outreach projects. Map information services should be listed on annual community brochures/flyers, newspaper ads if possible, community websites, utility bill inserts, repetitive loss letters, and any realtor and lender mailers.

Activity 330 – Flood Response Preparations (FRP) The committee discussed the importance of being prepared and the ability to provide the public with information prior to, during and after a flood event. The Louisiana Floodplain Manager’s Association (LFMA)’s Disaster Response Team (DRT) can provide a door hanger for properties that have flooded. The preprinted door hanger provides residents information on a healthy recovery and how to take mitigation steps during the recovery process.

CRAFT communities also communicate during flood events via websites and social media. Such communications often include:

• Have a plan. Know your evacuation route and where evacuation shelters are located. • If the street is under water, turn around, don’t drown. • Don’t walk through flood waters. • You can pick up sandbags at the following location(s). • Pick up a copy of Ascension Parish’s Emergency Preparedness Guide/Red Stick Ready for information on emergency supplies kits and evacuation routes. • Get a building permit before you start repairs. • ICC can help mitigate your home if it is declared substantially damaged. • During a flood, as water recedes, storm drains and manholes may become powerful suction devices that can sweep away a child or adult in an instant. • Know what to do after a flood. Protect your property from the next flood.

CRAFT communities discussed developing pre-flood plans for public information activities that will include the messages. Projects that maybe included in these plans are listed in Appendix 6.

Activity 340 – Hazard Disclosure Activity 340 – Hazard Disclosure informs prospective buyers about the flood hazard and flood insurance requirements. The Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors (GBRAR), represented on the PPI committee, represents all CRAFT communities. GBRAR has agreed to work with CRAFT to help educate buyers and sellers on flood zones determinations and flood insurance issues. The communities have access to an online Flood Map Service to help agents to obtain flood information and a contact person for each community where they can get additional help when ever needed. GBRAR will send out an educational flyer produced by the communities in their annual email newsletter to all members and ask that they distribute it to their clients. The State of Louisiana’s disclosure law requires that sellers must disclose the following information: whether a property has flooded; if the property is in a flood zone and the flood zone classification; if the property has flood insurance; and if the seller/previous owner received

May 29, 2020; Page | 20 federal disaster aid and must maintain flood insurance as a requirement of the federal aid program5.

Committee members also discussed the possibility of developing a separate brochure for realtors to distribute to clients.

Activity 350 – Flood Protection Information / Website PPI committee suggested during both meetings that each community should have its own informational website that covers all six priority messages in addition to other messages approved by the committee. The websites should include links to FEMA’s FloodSmart, UNO- CHART’s flood portal, LSU Ag Center’s Flood Map Portal, LA Sea Grant’s Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards, GOHSEP, the National Weather Service and DHS’s Ready.gov. These sites have information about all message topics – flood hazards, flood insurance, flood protection for people and buildings, natural floodplain functions, information on how to prepare for a storm and flood event, and protection of storm drains. The website should be updated at least annually and/or when changes occur. The PPI committee suggested that every community should add the community web page address to all outreach projects if possible. All CRAFT communities also provide flood related information at local libraries.

Activity 360 – Flood Protection Assistance This activity includes the following elements that many CRAFT members already implement: Property protection advice (PPA), Protection advice provided after a site visit (PPV), and Financial assistance advice (FAA). The PPI committee suggests that each individual community offer technical assistance in a manner that best fits their community needs. Some communities are able to provide one-on-one consultation to inquirers about drainage and flooding issues, property protection measures, retrofitting techniques, drainage improvements, and the availability of financial assistance for flooded structures. When necessary, some community officials are able to visit the site in question and provide advice based on that visit. The communities that are able to provide these types of assistance should publicize these services in several outreach projects such as annual community brochures/flyers, newspaper ads if possible, community websites, utility bill inserts, and repetitive loss letters. In doing so, the communities hope to increase the number of residents that will undertake activates to reduce flood damage to their property.

Activity 540 – Drainage System Maintenance Each of the CRAFT communities are heavily reliant on their drainage systems to reduce potential for flooding in addition to the benefits of natural waterways. PPI committee members agreed that community “stream dumping regulations” should be publicized in multiple ways to include annual community brochures/flyers, newspaper ads if possible, community websites, utility bill inserts, and repetitive loss letters. Communities should also continue to maintain “no

5 https://www.nrdc.org/flood-disclosure-map

May 29, 2020; Page | 21 dumping signs” in addition to signs or etchings on storm drains and catch basins near accessible steams and channels.

Flood Insurance Assessment & Coverage Improvement Plan (Activity 370) Flood insurance data were reviewed by the Committee as part of the overall community assessment process as well as to meet the requirements of Activity 370 – Flood Insurance Promotion (FIA, CP, and CPI)6. In addition to the review of data, the committee members developed a plan for education and outreach focused on the NFIP that included focused projects (See Appendix 5 for list of 370 projects.)

The State CRS Coordinator, Pam Lightfoot, provided reports that included a breakdown of National Flood Insurance Program policies for each of the CRAFT communities. See Appendix 3 for copies of each community’s report.

Flood Insurance Assessment Table 3 provides data on the amount of insurance coverage or “insurance in force” for each community. The committee divided the insurance in force number by the number of policies to determine the average coverage amount per community. Members then compared the average coverage to the median value of homes in each community. This comparison shows that the structures with coverage appear adequately insured.

Table 3 – Insurance in Force; 5/31/19

Average Median # of Community Insurance in Force Coverage Home Value Policies (calculated) (Zillow7) Ascension Parish 14,167 $ 3,645,787,100 $ 257,343.62 $208,600 East Baton Rouge Parish 37,944 $ 9,770,732,600 $ 257,504.02 $163,400 City of Central 5,320 $ 1,310,457,800 $ 246,326.65 $205,900 City of Denham Springs 2,280 $ 459,019,300 $ 201,324.25 $162,900 City of Gonzales 1,362 $ 352,354,100 $ 258,703.45 $190,200 City of Walker 1,162 $ 283,127,000 $ 243,654.91 $151,600 City of Zachary 1,242 $ 349,102,200 $ 281,080.68 $192,200

Table 4 provides an overview of the number of NFIP policies per community compared to the number of insurable properties. The percentage of properties with policies ranges from as low as 15% in the City of Zachary to 44% in the City of Central. The committee discussed the potential reasons for property owners to choose not to purchase flood insurance. These reasons included:

6 Information can be found on pages 370-1 through 370-14 of the 2017 CRS Coordinator’s Manual. 7 Data for median home value were collected using “home prices and values” search on Zillow.com. The median price for the City of Central was based on the price for the 70739 zip code as there was not a value available for the City of Central as a whole.

May 29, 2020; Page | 22 not being required to purchase flood insurance (i.e., property not located in SFHA or not having a mortgage), unable to afford flood insurance, and/or lack of understanding of flood hazard risk.

Table 4 – Number of Properties Compared to # of Policies; as of 5/31/19

# of % of Properties Community # Policies Properties with Policy Ascension Parish 84,954 14,167 17% East Baton Rouge Parish 152,235 37,944 25% City of Central 12,160 5,320 44% City of Denham Springs 6,984 2,280 33% City of Gonzales 4,748 1,362 29% City of Walker 2,552 1,162 46% City of Zachary 8,545 1,242 15% The data in Table 5 allowed for the committee to better understand where the insured properties are located. Here members could compare the percentage of buildings located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) with flood insurance versus those buildings located in the non- SFHA. For all CRAFT communities, the percentage of buildings that carry flood insurance in the SFHA is greater than the percentage of those buildings located in the non-SFHA. Moreover, the percentage of buildings that are insured is greater in the SFHA than the community as whole (compared to numbers in Table 4).

Table 5 - SFHA v. non-SFHA Policies

Flood Zones SFHA B, C & X

# of # of % # of # of % Buildings Policies (calculated) Buildings Policies (calculated) Ascension Parish 33,025 5,839 18% 51,929 7541 15% East Baton Rouge 30,291 15,329 51% 121,944 21174 17% Parish City of Central 4,581 2,429 53% 7,579 2594 34% City of Denham 4,574 1,603 35% 2,410 448 19% Springs City of Gonzales 1,169 580 50% 3,579 748 21% City of Walker 1,430 726 51% 1,122 380 34% City of Zachary 1,582 316 20% 6,963 892 13% Committee members also looked at pre-FIRM versus post-FIRM policies (see Table 6). Per FEMA, a pre-FIRM structure is one for which “construction or substantial improvement occurred on or before December 31, 1974 or before the effective date of an initial Flood

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Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)”8. For all seven communities, the majority of flood insurance policies related to pre-FIRM structures are located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

FEMA defines a post-FIRM structure as “a building for which construction or substantial improvement occurred after December 31, 1974 or on or after the effective date of an initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), whichever is later”9. Regarding post-FIRM structures, most policyholders are located in the non-SFHA for all communities except for the cities of Denham Springs and Walker. Discussion included the fact that there are few areas remaining to be developed in the non-SFHA in the city of Denham Springs. Also mentioned was the fact that many properties throughout CRAFT communities have been removed from the SFHA as a result of LOMAs.

Table 6 – Pre-FIRM v. Post-FIRM Policies; as of 5/31/19

Pre-FIRM Policies Post-FIRM Policies Community Non- Non- SFHA SFHA SFHA SFHA Ascension Parish 1,286 695 4,553 6,846 East Baton Rouge Parish 7,899 6,824 7,430 14,350 City of Central 1,105 805 1,324 1,789 City of Denham Springs 977 199 626 249 City of Gonzales 256 244 324 504 City of Walker 172 69 554 311 City of Zachary 127 97 189 795 The Committee continued the analysis with a comparison of residential versus non-residential policies (See Table 7). Overall, there are not many non-residential policies across CRAFT communities. However, the highest percentages are found in the cities of Denham Springs (15%) and Gonzales (16%).

8 https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program/definitions 9 https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program/definitions

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Table 7 - Residential v. Non-residential Policies

Non- Residential % % Non- # Policies Residential Policies Residential Residential Policies Ascension Parish 14,167 13,716 97% 451 3% East Baton Rouge Parish 37,944 35,758 94% 2,186 6% City of Central 5,320 5,166 97% 154 3% City of Denham Springs 2,280 1,934 85% 346 15% City of Gonzales 1,362 1,140 84% 222 16% City of Walker 1,162 1,054 91% 108 9% City of Zachary 1,242 1,190 96% 52 4% In further investigations of the residential and non-residential policy numbers presented in Table 7, Committee members focused on the properties in the SFHA and reviewed the percentages of residential properties compared to non-residential properties in the SFHA (Table 8). Of the properties located in the SFHA, an overwhelming majority are residential with the lowest % found in the City of Gonzales (85%).

Table 8 - Residential v. Non-residential in the SFHA

# of # of non- residential % residential % non- Community properties in residential properties in residential SFHA SFHA Ascension Parish 20,705 87% 3,016 13% East Baton Rouge Parish 26,105 86% 4,186 14% City of Central 4,446 97% 135 3% City of Gonzales 995 85% 174 15% City of Walker 1,253 88% 177 12% City of Zachary 1,402 89% 179 11%

Flood Insurance Coverage Plan In summary, the Committee reviewed flood insurance data, provided by Louisiana’s CRS Coordinator, for each of the CRAFT communities. This data was supplemented by building data provided by the communities and median home values provided by Zillow.com. Results of our analysis include the fact that there is over $16 million in insurance coverage across the seven CRAFT communities. Although it appears that those with flood insurance have adequate coverage, in comparison to median home values, there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of overall policy counts. The percentage of buildings with policies ranged from only 15% to 46% but the percentage of properties in the SFHA with policies exceeded the percentage of insured properties within non-SFHA across all communities. Moreover, the percentage of buildings that are insured is greater in the SFHA than the community as whole.

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Although the SFHA is an indicator of higher flood risks, there was a general consensus among the PPI committee members that residents must understand that they can flood regardless of their flood zone. Data from East Baton Rouge Parish show that of the 54,611 residential properties that flooded during the August 2016 floods (DR4277), 27,494 (50%) were not in the SFHA10. Considering this event and others, members agreed that outreach must be directed inside and outside of the SFHA, regardless of the current numbers. In fact, the potential for flooding outside of the SFHA must be included in education and outreach efforts focused flood risk (“know your flood hazard”).

Another noteworthy fact is that there is a low percentage of policies across the CRAFT communities for non-residential structures. Committee members agreed that businesses may be a good target for education and outreach related to flood insurance. Members noted that outreach in utility bills and/or working with business groups (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, etc.) may be best way to reach non-residential structures.

Overall, the Committee suggested that education and outreach efforts, focused on increasing the number of NFIP policies, should be conducted throughout the CRAFT communities. Priority audiences should be the same as those discussed earlier in this document (see Priority Audiences for complete list). Additionally, the following messages and potential outcomes were discussed in regard to the promotion of flood insurance:

• The cost of flood insurance is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of flood damage. Ask your Insurance Agent to verify that your flood policy is correctly rated according to your home’s specific flood risk. If you need assistance, call the Floodplain Manager at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Outcome: People will better understand the cost of not having flood insurance; Increase number of flood policies

• Standard insurance policies do not cover flooding, but flood insurance is available for homeowners, renters and business owners through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Outcome: Increase number of flood policies.

• No home is completely safe from potential flooding. More than 20% of flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk areas. Contact your insurance agent or your floodplain manager for information on purchasing flood insurance. Outcome: Increase number of flood policies.

• In high-risk areas, there is at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Outcome: Increase number of flood policies.

10 https://www.theadvocate.com/louisiana_flood_2016/article_58886b9a-6b02-11e6-9557-cfdf7ce00cf7.html

May 29, 2020; Page | 26

A list of specific projects focused on the promotion of flood insurance is found in Appendix 5. Furthermore, a copy of this flood insurance assessment and coverage improvement plan was share with FEMA Region VI flood insurance liaison, Gilbert Giron, Jr.

Outreach Messages

Priority Messages Members of the committee agreed that we should include messages based on the six CRS priority topics:

1. Know your flood hazard 2. Insure your property for your flood hazard 3. Protect people from the hazard 4. Protect property from the hazard 5. Build responsibly 6. Protect natural floodplain functions

The committee also agreed to address the following topics:

7. Be prepared for hurricanes 8. Protect our storm drains

Actual messages will include: • Dumping in storm drains leads to flooding. Keep storm drains free and clear of debris. Outcome: Reduction in flooding.

• Hurricanes can cause major flooding. Prepare an evacuation plan and know how to get to higher ground. Outcome: Keep people safe; reduce the need for rescue efforts. o Ascension Parish’s Emergency Preparedness Guide/Red Stick Ready Guide/community websites

• Got storm damage? Before you clean up, take pictures of the damage to your home and belongings. Make a list of damaged or lost items, and gather any original receipts you have for those items. Call your Insurance Agent to submit a claim. Having this info on hand will help speed up the process with your insurance company and other programs. Outcome: People will know what to do to recover from a hazard. People will build back stronger. Flood Response Project

• Include your pets in your emergency preparations by taking them with you when you evacuate, or by making necessary arrangements for them to shelter in place. Outcome: People will think about and prepare for protecting their pets in an emergency; may increase the number of people who evacuate.

May 29, 2020; Page | 27

• Prepare a “go bag” for severe emergencies and a “stay home kit” for sheltering in place. Go to www.communitywebsite for ideas on what to include. Outcome: People will quickly escape a hazardous situation.

• Stay tuned to your local weather station as a Hurricane approaches the Gulf Coast. Keep a battery powered radio handy and always have fresh batteries on hand. Outcome: People will be informed as a Hurricane approaches.

• Stay alert. Sign up for our parish alert system to get information on threats to public safety. Outcome: People will be informed of emergency event (hurricane, flood, etc.).

• Ask your Insurance Agent to verify that your flood policy is correctly rated according to your home’s specific flood risk. If you need assistance, call the Floodplain Manager at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Outcome: People will understand their flood policy.

• Check your flood insurance policy. Do you have building and contents coverage? Outcome: People will better understand their flood policy and that there are different types of coverage.

• In high-risk areas, there is at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Outcome: Increase number of flood policies.

• The term "100-year flood" is misleading; it does not mean that the flood will occur only once every 100 years. Rather, it is the flood that has a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded each year. The 100-year flood could occur more than once in a short period of time or even within the same month. Outcome: Increase understanding of flood terminology.

• No new development is permitted within the regulatory floodway unless a licensed professional engineer demonstrates that the proposed encroachment shall not result in any rise in the 100-year flood elevation. Outcome: Increase understanding of flood risk.

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Outreach Projects Please refer to the Appendix for lists of specific education and outreach projects and potential outcomes for each. This Appendix includes the following projects: • education and outreach projects implemented by CRAFT officials and/or stakeholders within the communities; listing includes projects implemented by multiple CRAFT communities (designated CRAFT1, CRAFT2, etc.) and projects implemented by specific communities (designated Community Initial1, Community Initial2, etc.) (330); • education and outreach projects focused on the improvement of flood insurance coverage across CRAFT communities (370); and • other public information efforts (320, 330, 340, 350, 360, and 540) implemented by multiple CRAFT communities

Adoption Each CRAFT community will present this PPI document for adoption by its respective governing board (city or parish council). See Appendix 7 for adoption documents for each community.

Implementation, Monitoring, & Evaluation The PPI Committee will meet annually to monitor the implementation of the outreach projects included in this PPI document. Committee members will evaluate the projects and related outcomes and make recommendations regarding potential project related changes. The committee will develop an evaluation report based on the annual meeting which will be shared with each community’s governing body and submitted as part of the annual CRS recertification process.

May 29, 2020; Page | 29

Appendices

Appendix 1: Meeting Agendas & Slides

Meeting #1

Meeting #2

Appendix 2: Sign-in Sheets

Meeting #1

Meeting #2

Appendix 3: Flood Insurance Data

Community Insurance Overview Reports for Each Community

Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

Appendix 5: 370 Flood Insurance Promotion Projects

Appendix 6: Other Public Information Efforts (320, 330 - FRP, 340, 350, 360, 540)

Appendix 7: Adoption Documents

May 29, 2020; Page | 30 Appendix 1: Meeting Agendas & Slides

Capital Region Area 2014 Multi-Jurisdictional Program for Public Information (PPI) Committee Meeting #1 Floodplain Task-force Wednesday, March 12, 2014 (CRAFT) Denham Springs, La Ascension Parish East Baton Rouge Parish Agenda West Baton Rouge Parish City of Central 10:00 AM Welcome City of Denham Springs City of Gonzales 10:15 AM Introductions City of Scott . Who is CRAFT? City of Walker . What is the Community Rating System? City of Zachary 10:40 AM Program for Public Information (PPI)  What is a PPI?  Why is it important? 10:50 AM Developing a PPI  Steps 1-7  Role of PPI Committee 11:30 AM Meeting Adjourned

31 10/23/2019

1. Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property 2. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP 3. Foster comprehensive floodplain PPI Committee Meeting #1, March 13, 2019 management Baton Rouge, La

 300 Public Information  400 Mapping and Regulatory  500 Flood Damage Reduction CRAFT  Community Rating System (CRS) 600 Warning and Response Individual Stakeholders

Class Points SFHA Non-SFHA PRP 1 4,500 45% 10% 0 ◦ Ascension Parish 2 4,000 40% 10% 0 ◦ East Baton Rouge Parish 3 3,500 35% 10% 0 ◦ City of Central 4 3,000 30% 10% 0 ◦ City of Denham Springs 5 2,500 25% 10% 0 ◦ City of Gonzales 6 2,000 20% 10% 0 ◦ 7 1,500 15% 5% 0 City of Walker 8 1,000 10% 5% 0 ◦ City of Zachary 9 500 5% 5% 0 10 < 500 0 0 0

http://www.fema.gov/national-flood- insurance-program-community-rating-system

32 1 10/23/2019

◦ Ascension Parish - 8  ◦ “The Program for Public Information is an East Baton Rouge Parish - 7 ongoing public information effort to design ◦ City of Central – 8 and transmit the messages that the ◦ City of Denham Springs - 8 community determines are most important to ◦ City of Gonzales - 8 its flood safety and the protection of its ◦ City of Walker - 8 floodplains’ natural functions.” ◦ City of Zachary – 8 CRS Coordinator’s Manual 2017

Community NFIP NFIP Premium CRS Discount  Activities Policies ◦ 330 (Outreach Projects) – up to 350 points Ascension Parish 13,935 $9,218,442 $685,278  PPI acts a 40% multiplier; East Baton Rouge Parish 37,511 $26,398,707 $3,112,658 City of Central 5,244 $3,690,300 $299,903 ◦ 320 (Map Information) – publicity of services City of Denham Springs 2,249 $2,765,878 $283,213 ◦ 340 (Hazard Disclosure) – additional 10 points City of Gonzales 1,357 $1,149,955 $85,546 ◦ 350 (Flood Protection Information) – additional 28 points City of Walker 1,164 $1,150,910 $111,808 ◦ 360 (Flood Protection Assistance) – additional 35 points City of Zachary 1,225 $736,151 $67,607 ◦ 540 (Drainage System Maintenance) – additional 5 points

◦ 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion) – up to 110 points Source of Data: FEMA & ISO; accessed 2/26/2019

What is it? Steps 1 – 7 Related Points Role of PPI Committee Required Steps Role of Committee Members

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 Businesses  Establish a PPI committee  Flooded Property Owners ◦ Membership  Homebuilders ◦ Stakeholders  Repetitive Loss Property Owners ◦ Multi-jurisdictional committee

 Assess the communities’ public information Six Priority Topics needs  Formulate messages 1. Know your flood ◦ hazard. Priority areas ◦ Six priority topics 2. Insure your property ◦ Flood insurance coverage (Activity 370) ◦ Additional topics (up to 4) for your flood hazard 3. Protect people from ◦ ◦ Priority audiences Outcomes the hazard ◦ Other public information efforts 4. Protect property from the hazard 5. Build responsibly 6. Protect natural floodplain functions

 Sources of Flooding Message Outreach Topic Desired Outcome ◦ Hurricanes / Tropical Storms / Severe Thunderstorms “Your property is 1. Know your Floodplain ◦ Storm Surge subject to flood hazard. residents take ◦ Riverine riverine flooding steps to protect ◦ Subsidence from the Amite themselves and ◦ Drainage River.” their property. ◦ Backwater

34 3 10/23/2019

 Prepare for hurricanes.  Prepare the PPI document and Adopt  Check your policy. Do you have building and ◦ Written document contents coverage?* ◦ Adoption by each community

 Identify outreach projects to communicate  Implement, monitor and evaluate the the messages program ◦ Newspaper articles ◦ Evaluation ◦ Radio ads ◦ ◦ Billboard messages Annual evaluation report ◦ Training program ◦ Full update every 5 years ◦ Flyers/letters to residents

 Examine other public information initiatives  Attend meetings  ◦ Related CRS activities - examples Review community assessment (Step 2)   Website with flood protection information (350) Support the formulation of messages and the determination of outcomes (Step 3)  Technical assistance provided by the community (360)  Help to identify outreach projects (Step 4)  Flood protection services (320)  Review other public information projects (Step 5)  Review PPI document (Step 6)  Review progress and annual report (Step 7)

35 4 10/23/2019

 Related Activity/Process Monica Farris, PhD, CFM  Goal is to improve insurance coverage UNO-CHART  Elements: [email protected] ◦ Assessment of the flood insurance coverage 504-280-4016 ◦ Develop plan to increase coverage ◦ Implement projects focused on flood insurance Comment Sheet

 Social Media Month – NFIP focus  Flyer distributed through utility bill  Videos

- Begin to draft the PPI document for your review - Share draft with committee for review - Committee Meeting #2 to discuss draft - Finalize document - Adoption process

36 5 Capital Region Area Floodplain Taskforce (CRAFT) 2019 Multi-Jurisdictional Program for Public Information (PPI) PPI Committee Meeting #2, Wednesday, August 14, 2019 Baton Rouge, La

Meeting Agenda

10:00 AM Welcome 10:10 AM Introductions . Who is CRAFT? . Committee Members

10:30 AM Program for Public Information (PPI)  What is a PPI?  7-Step Process 11:10 AM Activity 370

 Flood Insurance Assessment  Flood Insurance Promotion 11:30 AM Next Steps

37 10/23/2019

Community NFIP NFIP Premium CRS Discount Policies Ascension Parish 13,935 $9,218,442 $685,278 East Baton Rouge Parish 37,511 $26,398,707 $3,112,658 City of Central 5,244 $3,690,300 $299,903 City of Denham Springs 2,249 $2,765,878 $283,213 PPI Committee Meeting #2, August 14, 2019 City of Gonzales 1,357 $1,149,955 $85,546 Baton Rouge, La City of Walker 1,164 $1,150,910 $111,808 City of Zachary 1,225 $736,151 $67,607

Source of Data: FEMA & ISO; accessed 2/26/2019

CRAFT What is it? Individual Stakeholders Related Points Required Steps Role of Committee Members

38 1 10/23/2019

 Activities  Assess the communities’ public information ◦ 330 (Outreach Projects) – up to 350 points needs  PPI acts a 40% multiplier; ◦ Flood Hazards ◦ 320 (Map Information) – publicity of services  Priority areas/audiences ◦ 340 (Hazard Disclosure) – additional 10 points ◦ Flood insurance coverage (Activity 370) ◦ 350 (Flood Protection Information) – additional 28 points ◦ 360 (Flood Protection Assistance) – additional 35 points ◦ 540 (Drainage System Maintenance) – additional 5 points

◦ 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion) – up to 110 points

 Step 1: Establish a PPI committee  Formulate messages  Step 2: Develop community assessment 1. Know your flood hazard 2. Insure your property for your flood hazard  Step 3: Formulate messages 3. Protect people from the hazard  Step 4: Identify outreach projects 4. Protect property from the hazard 5. Build responsibly  Step 5: Identify other initiatives 6. Protect natural floodplain functions  Step 6: Prepare the document 7. Prepare for hurricanes  Step 7: Implement, monitor, evaluate 8. Protect storm drains

 PPI Committee established  Identify outreach projects to communicate the messages  Two meetings to date ◦ See handout

39 2 10/23/2019

 Examine other public information initiatives ◦ 320 – Map Information Services  Elements: ◦ ◦ 330 – Flood Response Preparations Assessment of the flood insurance coverage ◦ Develop plan to increase coverage ◦ 340 – Hazard Disclosure (Realtors) ◦ Implement projects focused on flood insurance ◦ 350 – Flood Protection Information (Website) ◦ 360 – Flood Protection Assistance ◦ 370 – Flood Insurance Assessment ◦ 540 – Drainage System Maintenance (No Dumping)

Total # of # of Properties in Total # of Community Policies in  Properties the SFHA Policies Prepare the PPI document and Adopt SFHA

◦ Written document Ascension Parish 84,954 33,025 (39%) 14,167 5,839 (41%) ◦ Adoption by each community East Baton Rouge Parish 152,235 30,291 (20%) 37,944 15,330 (40%)

City of Central 12,160 4,581 (38%) 5,320 2,429 (46%)

City of Denham Springs 6,984 4,574 (65%) 2,280 1,603 (70%)

City of Gonzales 1,169 1,362 580 (43%)

City of Walker 2,597 1,619 (62%) 1,162 726 (62%)

City of Zachary 1,242 316 (25%)

 Implement, monitor and evaluate the program  Social Media Month –NFIP focus ◦ Evaluation  Flyer distributed ◦ Annual evaluation report through utility bill ◦ Full update every 5 years  Videos  FEMA Flyers

40 3 10/23/2019

- Make edits to draft PPI document - Share draft with committee for review - Finalize document - Adoption process

Monica Farris, PhD, CFM UNO-CHART [email protected] 504-280-4016

Comment Sheet

41 4 Appendix 2: Sign-in Sheets

42 43 44 45 46 47 Appendix 3: Insurance Information

48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 Community Information System

ReleaseS.01.00.00, 11/30/2018- Build 010, Skip Navigation Logged in as: pammiller [ Session expires in 20 mins I Insurance Pre/Post FIRM

As of 05/31/2019

Community: ZACHARY, CITY OF State: LOUISIANA County: EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH CID: 220061

Overview Occupancy I Zone l?ffiilHW:I

Pre-FIRM

Number of Policies In Insurance In Closed Paid $ of Closed Adjustment Force Premium Force Losses Paid Losses Expense A01-30 & AE Zones 124 $198,144 $22,210,200 112 $6,624,055.10 $229,840.78 A Zones 3 $6,321 $694,000 15 $247,877.80 $9,525.81 AO Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 AH Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 AR Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 A99Zonos 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 V01-30& VE Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 VZones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 D Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 B,C& XZone 97 $42,475 $27,296,600 39 $1,683,686.97 $62,471.79 Standard 13 $10,641 $3,074,600 28 $1,153,404.74 $42,381.99 Preferred 84 $31,834 $24,222,000 11 $530,282.23 $20,089.80 Grand Total 224 $246,940 $50,200,800 166 $8,555,619.87 $301,838.38

Post-flRM

Number of Policies In Insurance In Closed Paid $ of Closed Adjustment Force Premium Force Losses Paid Losses Expense A01-30 & AE Zones 185 $150,950 $43,036,400 75 $3,243,352.35 $134,660.41 A Zones 4 $2,950 $1,086,500 $72,905.07 $2,669.24 AO Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 AH Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 AR Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 A99Zonos 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 V01-30 & VE Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 V Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 D Zones 0 $0 $0 0 $0.00 $0.00 B, C& XZone 795 $340,823 $253,523,900 58 $3,325,318.18 $124,638.69 Standard 46 $48,102 $12,836,900 26 $1,299,304.96 $52,029.80 Preferred 749 $292,721 $240,687,000 32 $2,026,013.22 $72,608.89 Grand Total 984 $494,723 $297,646,800 134 $6,641,575.60 $261,968.34

75 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain CRAFT1 Repetitive loss property owners Topics 1-5 Repetitive Loss Letter Annually preparations and safety, Manager mitigation projects, and floodproofing. Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood FEMA Brochures in Government Floodplain CRAFT2 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Year-round Buildings Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood Member of the Greater Baton insurance, flood CRAFT3 Rouge Association of Realtors - Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Email to Realtors GBRAR Annually Realtors Association Active Residential Agents mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain CRAFT4 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Utility Bill Messages Annually Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. LA Flood Cert, LLC, Reduce impact on natural No Dumping - Drainage Floodplain Quality Engineering & CRAFT5 Residents in the floodplain Topic 6 functions; mitigate flooding; Year-round Stickers/Signs Manager Surveying (new maintain water quality projects)

76 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain CRAFT6 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Library tabling event Annually Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood CRAFT7 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, La Homeowners Handbook Annually La Sea Grant mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. CRAFT8 Residents in the floodplain Topic 7 Increase public safety The Advocate - hurricane prep The Advocate Annually The Advocate Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood Floodplain insurance, flood Manager / CRAFT9 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-8 preparations and safety, Social media Mayor's Office / Year-round mitigation projects, Emergency floodproofing, and stream Manager dumping. Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain CRAFT10 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, UNO-CHART website Manager/UNO- Year-round UNO-CHART mitigation projects, CHART floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase number of inquiries LA CPRA Floodplain CRAFT11 Residents in the floodplain Topic 1, 4 related to retrofitting, http://cims.coastal.louisiana.gov/flood Year-round CPRA Manager/CPRA building safety risk/

77 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Floodplain Increased knowledge of Amite River Basin Commission Manager/Amite CRAFT12 Residents in the floodplain Topic 1 Year-round Amite River Basin flood risk. www.amitebasin.org Basin Commission Increase hurricane Ascension Parish's Emergency preparedness; reduce loss Floodplain CRAFT13 Residents in the floodplain Topic 7 Preparedness Guide / Red Stick Year-round of life and property during Manager Ready hurricanes Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood LA Flood Cert, LLC, insurance, flood pens with messaging (project in Floodplain Quality Engineering & CRAFT14 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Year-round development) Manager Surveying (new mitigation projects, projects) floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase hurricane preparedness; reduce loss Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Floodplain CRAFT15 Residents in the floodplain Topic 7 Year-round LA GOHSEP of life and property during Guide Manager hurricanes Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain A1 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Table at Balloon Festival Annually Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood Floodplain A2 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1, 2, 3, 4 Parish President Video on Ch 21 Annually insurance, flood Manager preparations and safety, Increase hurricane River Parish preparedness; reduce loss Coloring Books, Flashlight, Be A3 School Children Topic 7 Community Ongoing of life and property during Prepared hurricanes College

78 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Flood Letters and Lender Mail out; Increase number of inquiries Request Flood Zone Information, related to flood designation Mortgage Company, Insurance Base Flood elevation requests, of property. Increase Agents, Lending Institutions, General Flood information, Build Floodplain A4 Topics 1, 2, 3, 5 number of policies Annually General Public, Real Estate Back Safer and Stronger Brochure, Coordinator throughout community. Companies Top Ten Facts for Consumers Decrease amount of flood Brochure, Copies of Elevation damage Certificate, Grandfather Letters Code Increase inquiries on stream Enforcement/ Every 3 to 4 A5 Floodplain Area Residents Topics 6, 8 dumping; natural floodplain Parish Wide Recycling Road Show functions Litter Months Abatement

Reduce injuries/deaths from hazards; Increase number of Information inquiries regarding Technology & A6 Floodplain Area Residents Topics 3, 4, 7 Social Media -Facebook, Twitter Daily retrofitting; Increase Floodplain preparedness for storms; Coordinator maintain public safety

Telephone Book; Emergency Office of Information Evacuation Routes, Homeland Maintain public health and Hurricane Maps, Chemical A7 Floodplain Area Residents Topics 3, 4, 7 Security & Annually safety. Emergencies, CAER Sirens, Pipeline Emergency Safety, Poison Safety, West Nile, Preparedness Terrorism

79 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder As needed to Television, Channel 21; local news; Information broadcast Maintain public health and Important Information regarding any Technology & information - A8 Floodplain Area Residents Topics 3, 4, 7 safety. emergency. Sandbags, shelter Floodplain Pre and Post locations, food locations etc. Coordinator Emergency Event Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain C1 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Local Central newspaper Annually Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood C2 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Baton Rouge Water Co Mailer EBR Annually mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase number of flood risk, flood insurance, flood preparation and safety, Floodplain C3 Builders, Contractors, Developers Topics 1-6 Email Annually floodproofing, and fill Manager restrictions and illegal dumping Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain C4 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Demco Mailer Annually Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping.

80 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Increase number of flood risk, flood insurance, flood preparation and safety, Floodplain C5 Insurance agents Topics 1-6 Email Annually floodproofing, and fill Manager restrictions and illegal dumping Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Emergency C6 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Flood Response Preparation (610) Ongoing Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase knowledge of flood protection/safety for people Floodplain DS1 Residents in the floodplain Topics 3, 4, 5 Flood Awareness Public Meeting Annually and property;increase Manager inquiries on building permits Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood preparations and safety, mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream Floodplain DS2 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1- 8 Fall Fest Annually dumping; maintain public Manager health and safety; educating public about preventing water pollution and preserving storm drain systems

81 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood preparations and safety, mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream Floodplain DS3 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1- 8 Spring Fest Annually dumping; maintain public Manager health and safety; educating public about preventing water pollution and preserving storm drain systems Increase knowledge of flood safety, flood design, impact Floodplain DS4 School age children Topics 3, 5, 6, 8 School Visits Two/Year of stream dumping, and Manager importance of storm drains Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain DS5 Insurance Agents Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Insurance Agent Mailout Annually Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain DS6 Lenders Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Lender Mailout Annually Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping.

82 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood prep and safety, stream Floodplain DS7 School age children Topics 1, 3, 6, 8 dumping; increase public School Colorbooks Annually Manager knowledge of water pollution and importance of clean drains Increase hurricane preparedness; reduce loss Floodplain DS8 Residents in the floodplain Topic 7 GOHSEP Hurricane Prep Two/Year of life and property during Manager hurricanes Increased knowledge of Floodplain DS9 Residents in the floodplain Topic 1 Highwater Marks Year-round flood risk. Manager Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Floodplain DS10 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Parish News Publicity Annually Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increased knowledge of Congressional Delegation email; Floodplain DS11 Residents in the floodplain Topic 1 Annually flood risk. Newsletter (C4) Manager Increase knowledge of Floodplain DS12 Residents in the floodplain Topic 6 Stormwater Markers Year-round stream dumping Manager Declaration of Flood Awareness Increased knowledge of Month at Metro Council Meeting Floodplain EBR1 Residents in the floodplain Topic 1 Annually flood risk. (televised and archived on EBR Manager website)

83 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Increase number of inquiries related to flood insurance, flood hazards, building requirements, protect Floodplain EBR2 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 Provide Display at Main Library Year-round people, property protection, Manger drainage maintenance, and protection of natural functions. Educating public about DES website "Storm Drain Do's and Dept of Residents and businesses in the preventing water pollution Don'ts" with links for recycling, Environmental EBR3 Topic 8 Year-round floodplain and preserving storm drain maintenance tips, and Parish's and Wastewater systems Stormwater Regulations Services increase inquireies related Mayor's Office to hazards; Increase EBR Parish All-Hazards Recovery of Homeland Residents and businesses in the Updated EBR4 Topic 7 hurricane preparedness; Plan (Available on City Parish Security and floodplain Annually reduce loss of life and website) Emergency property during hurricanes Preparedness Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood Provide Federal Flood Insurance Residents and businesses in the insurance, flood Floodplain EBR5 Topic 5 Information Letters, free to any Year-round floodplain preparations and safety, Manager resident or business mitigation projects, and floodproofing. Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Brochure stand at Gonzales City Floodplain G1 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 preparations and safety, Year-round Room Manager mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream dumping. Increase knowledge of G2 Residents in the floodplain Topics 6, 8 stream dumping, water Environmental Mailer in utility bill Chief Engineer Annually pollution, clean drains

84 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Increased knowledge of G3 School age children Topics 1, 6 flood risk and importance of Girl Scouts presentation/Greenie Chief Engineer Annually natural floodplain functions Increased knowledge of G4 School age children Topics 1, 6 flood risk and importance of Schools presentation/Greenie Chief Engineer Annually natural floodplain functions Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood Chief Engineer, preparations and safety, Outreach at Planning/Zoning G5 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-6 Floodplain Annually mitigation projects, Commission Meeting Manager floodproofing, and stream dumping; maintain public health and safety Increase number of inquiries related to flood risk, flood insurance, flood preparations and safety, mitigation projects, floodproofing, and stream Ascension Parish Flood Safety Floodplain G6 Residents in the floodplain Topics 1-8 Annually dumping; maintain public Presentation at library Manager health and safety; educating public about preventing water pollution and preserving storm drain systems Increase knowledge of Environmental brochure delivered to G7 Restaurant Owners Topics 6, 8 stream dumping, water Chief Engineer Annually restaurants pollution, clean drains Council, Mayors Promote flood awareness; Flood Awareness Month - newsletter Residents in the floodplain, Administration, W1 Topics 1-8 increase number of inquiries email, web page, Facebook posts, Annually business owners in SFHA Floodplain related to flood designation newspaper ad, library presentation Manager

85 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Television, COX Channel 117; Answer call in Questions and Concerns Live, Floodplain Management, Substantial Educating public regarding Improvements Requirements, Flash Periodically Walker High School Residents in the floodplain, Floodplain W2 Topics 1-8 flood hazard and Flood Warnings, Property Protection, During KWHS Walker High business owners in SFHA Manager preparedness Retrofitting , Floodplain Development School Year Live TV Permit Requirements, Flood Information, Purchasing Flood Insurance, Drainage System Maintenance, Flood Safety Tips Coloring Projects - Flood Awareness, Increase awareness of flood Floodplain W3 School age children Topics 1, 3, 6, 8 Turn Around-Don't Drown; Keep our Quarterly hazard Manager city clean Increase inquiries related to flood zone. Increase number of inquiries related to retrofitting methods. Newspaper Ad - Flood Awareness Livingston Livingston Parish W4 Residents/businesses in floodplain Topics 1-6 Annually Decrease amount of Month Parish News News damage following a flood event. Maintain public health/safety. increase inquireies related to hazards; Increase Newspaper Ad - Hurricane Livingston Livingston Parish W5 Residents/businesses in floodplain Topics 1, 7 hurricane preparedness; Annually Preparedness Month Parish News News reduce loss of life and property during hurricanes Increase inquiries related to flood zone. Increase number of inquiries related to Livingtston Parish Chamber of retrofitting methods. Mayors W6 Residents/businesses in floodplain Topics 1-6 Commerce Expo, City Flood Annually Decrease amount of Administration Awareness Brochure damage following a flood event. Maintain public health/safety.

86 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Increase number of inquiries related to retrofitting methods. Decrease amount Building Official, Community Event - Fall Festival W7 Residents/businesses in floodplain Topics 1-8 of damage following a flood Floodplain Annually Booth event. Increase number of Manager policies throughout community. Increase number of inquiries related to flood insurance, Building Official, Mortgage Companies, Insurance W8 Topics 1-4 flood hazards, building Reltors mailout by community Floodplain Annually agents, lenders, real estate agents requirements, and property Manager protection. Increase number of inquiries related to flood insurance, flood hazards, building Building Official, requirements, protect City brochure in permit office and W9 Residents/businesses in floodplain Topics 1-6 Floodplain Year-round people, property protection, library Manager drainage maintenance, and protection of natural functions. Increase number of inquiries related to flood insurance, flood hazards, building Building Official, requirements, protect W10 Residents/school age children Topics 1-6 Youth Fishing Competition Floodplain Annually people, property protection, Manager drainage maintenance, and protection of natural functions. Hurricane Preparedness Information General Public, Real Estates, Maintain public Floodplain Daily (Email Z-1 Topic 3 & 7 located at City Hall Annex/ Library/ Schools, and Businesses health/safety. Manager Annually) Email Maintain public Flood protection inforfmation at City Floodplain Z-2 General Public Topics 1-4 Daily health/safety. Hall Annex/ Library Manager

87 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Prior to Jan General Public, Insurance 2016- Info Increase number of policies Homeowners Guide to the NFIP at Floodplain Z-3 Companies, Real Estate, and Topics 1, 2, 5 Available throughout community. City Hall Annex/ Library/ Email Manager Businesses Daily (Email Annually) Increase number of inquiries related to retrofitting Residents, Contractors, Insurance Build back safer and stronger info at Floodplain Z-4 Topic 5 methods. Decrease amount Daily Co. City Hall Annex/ Library Manager of damage following a flood event. Mandator purchase of flood Residents, Insurance Co., Real Increase number of policies Floodplain Z-5 Topic 2 insurance guidelines at City Hall Daily Estate, and Business throughout community. Manager Annex/ Library Increase number of inquiries related to retrofitting Homeowners handbook to prepare methods. Decrease amount Floodplain Z-6 General Public Topics 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 for natural hazards at City Hall Daily of damage following a flood Manager Annex/ Library event. Increase number of policies. Increase number of inquiries related to retrofitting Answers to questions about Residents, Contractors, Insurance Floodplain Z-7 Topics 1, 2, 5 methods. Decrease amount substantially damaged buildings at Daily Co. Manager of damage following a flood City Hall Annex/ Library event. Increase number of inquiries related to retrofitting Protecting manufactured homes from Floodplain Z-8 General Public Topics 1, 2, 3, 4 methods. Decrease amount flood and other hazards at City Hall Daily Manager of damage following a flood Annex/ Library event. Increase number of inquiries Presentation related to retrofitting prior to Jan. Residents, Contractors, Insurance Floodplain Z-9 Topics 1, 5, 6 methods. Decrease amount Presentation on elevated structures 2016- Info. Co. Manager of damage following a flood available event. daily.

88 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Residents, Insurance Co., Real Increase number of policies Myths and facts about the NFIP at Floodplain Z-10 Topics 1, 2, 5 Daily Estate throughout community. City Hall Annex/ Library Manager Increase number of inquiries related to retrofitting GIS Mapping Information City Hall Floodplain Z-11 General Public Topics 1, 5, 6 methods. Decrease amount Daily Annex Manager of damage following a flood event. Increase number of inquiries related to retrofitting Flood Awareness Mail Out- City of Floodplain Z-12 Residents, Businesses Topics 1, 3, 4, 6 methods. Decrease amount Annually Zacharty Customers and Website Manager of damage following a flood event. Louisiana citizen awareness and Maintain public Floodplain Z-13 Residents, Businesses Topics 1, 2, 3, 4 disaster evacuation guide at City Hall Daily health/safety. Manager Annex Increase number of inquiries Presentation related to retrofitting prior to Jan. Residents, contractors, Insurance Smart vent-building in a flood plain at Public Relations Z-14 Topics 1, 5, 6 methods. Decrease amount 2016- Info. Co., Real Estate City Hall Annex/ Library coordinator. of damage following a flood available event. daily. Maintain public Floodplain General Public Topics 1, 3 Daily health/safety. Phonebook Ad - emergency Manager Z-15 Increase number of policies preparedness and flood risk Floodplain General Public Topic 2 Daily throughout community. Manager Increase number of inquiries Public Relations General Public Topic 1 related to flood designation Annually coordinator of property Maintain water quality. Public Relations General Public Topic 6 Maintain storage and Annually coordinator conveyance Z-16 Maintain public Newspaper Ad Public Relations General Public Topic 3 Annually health/safety. coordinator

89 Appendix 4: 330 Outreach Projects Z-16 Newspaper Ad # Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Increase number of inquiries related to retrofitting Public Relations General Public Topic 4 methods. Decrease amount Annually coordinator of damage following a flood event.

90 Appendix 5: 370 Flood Insurance Promotion - Projects

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Floodplain Brown & Brown; Quality Residents & Businesses Maintain & increase Flyer printed by Annual CPI1 Topic 2 Managager/CRS Engineering & Surveying; in Floodplain number of NFIP policies Stakeholders Mailer Coordinator LA Flood Cert, LLC Floodplain Residents & Businesses Maintain & increase CPI2 Topic 2 Social Media Month Managager/CRS Annually in Floodplain number of NFIP policies Coordinator Video featuring Floodplain Residents & Businesses Maintain & increase CPI3 Topic 2 parish Managager/CRS Annually in Floodplain number of NFIP policies president/mayor Coordinator Floodplain Residents & Businesses Maintain & increase FEMA Brochures in CPI4 Topic 2 Managager/CRS Ongoing in Floodplain number of NFIP policies government offices Coordinator

91 Appendix 6: Other Public Information Efforts

# Priority Audience Message Outcome Project Assignment Schedule Stakeholder Floodplain Residents/businesses in the Increased understanding of CRAFT16 Topic 1 Provide map information service (320) Manager/CRS Ongoing floodplain flood hazard Coordinator Floodplain Quality Maintain/improve public Flooded residents/Residents in Flood Response Preparations (FRP) (330) Manager/CRS Engineering & CRAFT17 Topics 3, 4, 5 health and safety before, New the floodplain - flyers at government offices Coordinator/Stakehold Surveying; LA during, and post flood event ers Flood Cert, LLC Maintain/improve public Floodplain LFMA - Disaster CRAFT18 Flooded residents Topics 3, 4, 5 health and safety post flood FRP - Door Hanger (330) Manager/CRS New Response Team event Coordinator Maintain/improve public Floodplain Flooded residents/Residents in CRAFT19 Topics 3, 4, 5 health and safety post flood FRP - Social Media (330) Manager/CRS New the floodplain event Coordinator Maintain/improve public Floodplain Flooded residents/Residents in CRAFT20 Topics 3, 4, 5 health and safety post flood FRP - Community Website (330) Manager/CRS New the floodplain event Coordinator Informed buyers; increase # CRAFT21 Potential buyers Topics 1, 2 Realtors disclosure of flood hazards (340) Realtors Ongoing Realtors of NFIP policies Realtor brochure - advise to investigate Floodplain CRAFT22 Potential buyers Topics 1, 2 Informed buyers New Realtors flood hazard (340) Manager/Realtors Floodplain Residents/businesses in the Informed residents and CRAFT23 Topics 1-6 Website (350) Manager/CRS Ongoing floodplain business owners Coordinator Floodplain Residents/businesses in the Informed residents and Library (350) - FEMA documents & locally CRAFT24 Topics 1-6 Manager/CRS Ongoing floodplain business owners pertinent documents Coordinator CRS Residents/businesses in the Reduce impact of flooding on CRAFT25 Topics 1, 2, 4 Provide protection advice (360) Coordinator/Building Ongoing floodplain buildings Official CRS Residents/businesses in the Reduce impact of flooding on Provide protection advice after a site visit CRAFT26 Topics 1, 2, 4 Coordinator/Building Ongoing floodplain buildings (360) Official Reduce impact on natural Floodplain Residents/businesses in the Publicity (flyer, signage) for dumping CRAFT27 Topic 6 functions; mitigate flooding; Manager/CRS Ongoing floodplain regulations (540) maintain water quality Coordinator