HomeMy WebLinkAbout06072011 Planning & Zoning Work Session Notes SEWARDIBEAR CREEK FLOOD SERVICE AREA
SUMMER 2011 PROJECTS FOR CITY OF SEWARD
• US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERSIPLANNING ASSISTANCE TO THE
STATES PROJECT
The SBCFSA contributed $40,000 in matching funds to the US Army Corp of
Engineers to obtain a Seward area flood risk study. This study will include Corps
recommendations for long term flood mitigation projects. This will lead to 205
Reports on the highest priority projects and federal dollars from the Corps to
complete one or more of these projects as our budget allows. The study includes
areas inside the city limits and all corps findings and recommendations will be
shared with the City of Seward. The final draft of this report is due at the end of
June.
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• LOWELL CREEK TUNNEL AND DAM
Earlier this year the SBCFSA solicited flood mitigation project suggestions from
the City of Seward for up to $30,000 which is set aside every year for that
purpose. Michelle Weston at our last board meeting presented project suggestions
arising from recent meetings with the Corps of Engineers and FEMA regarding
h the Lowell Creek diversion tunnel and dam. These project suggestions came
( � directly from the 2011 Corps of Engineers study. Projects include:
n ` - development of flood inundation mapping(dam failure)
- develop and exercise an emergency action plan
- remove/reduce debris from the upstream Lowell Creek channel
- clear vegetation on and near the dam and emergency spillway
- remove fencing from top of dam and emergency spillway
The SBCFSA could tackle one or more of these projects for the $30,000 we have
set aside. Michelle also mentioned education and outreach necessary for meeting
FEMA dam standards that the SBCFSA could assist with.
• SALMON CREEK ROAD CULVERT PROJECT
The SBCFSA is working with the Kenai Watershed Forum and providing up to
$85,000 to put a 19 foot box culvert under Salmon Creek Road at Nash Road.
This will replace the two 36 inch culverts presently in place which are inadequate.
Present culverts overflow and cause back up of water that eventually ends up on
Nash Road as well as Salmon Creek Road blocking access to SMIC and the
prison. We have received ADOT approval and are moving toward getting this
culvert installed before the building season ends this year. SBCFSA is also
looking at the possibility of working with Kachemak Heritage Land Trust to
obtain property south of Nash Road west of the Salmon Creek bridge to install
culverts to increase conveyance on Salmon Creek under Nash Road. The
SBCFSA may even look to purchase property ourselves to accomplish this.