The City of Sugar Land is preparing a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) application in support of the City’s Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) Improvement project. This is a competitive grant made available following Disaster Declaration 4272 which was declared on June 11, 2016 after the Tax Day and Memorial Day Floods. Approximately $800,000 has been allocated for initiative projects such as flood early warning systems. The HMGP application deadline is July 31, 2017 and all submittals are sent though the Texas Division of Emergency Management for processing.
Federal funding, if selected, would be available to the City in July 2018 with a match of 75/25 federal to city. The estimated total project budget is $200,000 with a local match of $50,000. The City match is needed after July 30, 2018, which will be requested in FY19 budget cycle.
The project includes upgrading the existing FEW System to the latest technology that will be compatible with adjacent jurisdictions. The project would also include improving precipitation and stream gauge coverage of the City, including New Territory and Greatwood. The project will include up to 10 new gauge locations which will be defined following a comprehensive review of the existing FEW System in relation to known flooding issues and the areas that are not currently served by our existing system.
With improved coverage and an upgraded FEWS the City will be able to decrease response time and increase strategic emergency operations to prevent loss of property and increase notifications regarding rainfall and stream levels for Sugar Land residents and business owners. The additional locations will also assist in our data gathering for drainage modeling efforts that are part of the integrated storm water management model (ISWMM).
The Engineering Department recommends that City Council approve Resolution No. 17-18 supporting the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application for the expansion of the FEWS improvement project.