Author: FCLID

Risks of Flooding in our Area

The most serious threat to property protected by the FCLID levee comes from weather events that involve heavy local rainfall, possibly in combination with high water events on the Brazos River.

The following weather events can significantly impact our area:

  • Local rainfall that exceeds 12” in 24 hours in our area.
  • Severe Brazos River flooding from upstream dam releases or lower basin rainfall that raises the water level in the Brazos River.
  • Moderate river events where high water limits the gravity
    discharge rate from inside the levee combined with moderate
    to heavy local rainfall that raises water levels inside the levee protected area.

During heavy rain events it is advisable NOT to park vehicles in the street or set out trash bins. Our streets are designed as part of the overall drainage system for the District, and you should expect water to drain through the streets before it drains out of the District.

Why Do I Pay LID Taxes?

All FCLID property owners pay property taxes that provide for the maintenance, upkeep and debt service of the levee.  The construction of the levee was funded through the issuance of tax exempt bonds.

FCLID Addresses New NFIP Flood Insurance RR 2.0

First Colony LID has joined the Fort Bend Economic Development Council (FBEDC) with other levee districts in the County to form the FBFMC (Fort Bend Flood Management Committee).

The purpose of this coalition is to come together to form a strong, collective voice to address federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines that affect leveed areas.  You can follow this committee on the FBEDC here.

The FBFMC has engaged consultants to work with the member districts to identify the issues and formulate legislative relief so we continue to benefit from the many years of successful flood management here in FBC.

In 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) changed how flood insurance (National Flood Insurance Program, NFIP) rates are calculated for your home and property.  A new rating system called Risk Rating 2.0 (RR 2.0) was introduced.  RR 2.0 supposably allows FEMA to determine premium rates per property based on factors such as proximity to a flooding source, 1st floor elevation, replacement cost of rebuilding, etc.  This is not a complete list because FEMA has not disclosed exactly how the rate engine is formulated.

In the past, premium rates were determined by mapped flood zones.  In the 100-year floodplain (aka, special flood hazard area or SFHA) federally-backed or regulated lenders must require that flood insurance be purchased and maintained.  Leveed districts in Ft. Bend County are accredited by FEMA, thus avoiding the SFHA designation. As a result, homeowners received Preferred Rate Policies, saving hundreds of dollars, and were exempt from this mandatory purchase of flood insurance.

Under the new NFIP RR 2.0, flood insurance has become a major concern as premium rates have increased, policy holder numbers across the country have started to decrease, and new guidelines are being implemented that potentially could have a negative effect on us and other levee districts.

Some of the current steps being taken by the EDC and FBFMC to address this concern are:

  1. Setting the goal of:  Affordable, voluntary flood insurance for 100-year accredited levee protected areas,
  2. Requesting that accredited levees continue to exempt protected communities from SFHA designation and mandatory flood insurance purchase,
  3. Requiring FEMA to be transparent with the RR 2.0 methodologies and disclose the full actuarial premium on all NFIP flood insurance bills,
  4. Ensuring the data being used by FEMA to set RR 2.0 rates in leveed areas is correct.

Through our participation in the FBFMC under the EDC, this district will continue to monitor and challenge any change that goes against the best interest of our residents and businesses.

We trust you will stay engaged and support our efforts through this coalition on your behalf.

Tropical Storm Nicholas Update

7:00 AM

As of this time, the Brazos River is predicted to stay well below critical levels, (Gauge 45 at Richmond) throughout this event, therefore normal drainage for areas south of SH 6 should not be influenced by river levels.  For areas north of SH 6, Oyster Creek may experience levels higher than normal as local rainfall amounts accumulate.

For all areas within the district, local rainfall may cause street ponding, but can be expected to drain off after rainfall stops.  Use caution when driving near ponded water.  Do not attempt to drive through ponded water above curb height.  Exercise usual preparatory measures, such as stocking water, non-perishable food and medications, and securing loose outdoor items.

Please monitor weather updates/alerts and Fort Bend County Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OEM).

Residents should also monitor their respective city websites and news releases (City of Sugar Land OEM or Missouri City OEM) for safety advisories or evacuation notices, as the situation can change rapidly.

Sugar Land Launching Real-Time Flood Warning System to Help Keep Residents Safe

HOUSTON, Texas (CW39) The City of Sugar Land recently launched a web-based tool, to provide residents and city engineers with real-time information on street flooding. The city hopes this will help residents make more informed decisions to protect life and property.

Called the Integrated Stormwater Management Model (ISWMM), it is a system of integrated drainage models that includes the entire city and its infrastructure assets. It is connected to the 28 rain gauges across the city that report real-time information during weather events which is used to create ponding maps.

The system gives:

  • public access to real-time ponding information;
  • the ability to send notifications about ponding, street flooding and potential street closures;
  • assistance in the planning of evacuation routes; and
  • assistance in evaluating current drainage infrastructure to more efficiently target drainage improvements.

“ISWMM is a sophisticated piece of technology that not many cities have. This technology is a good reflection of the commitment of Sugar Land to provide its residents with useful tools that can keep them out of harm’s way and save time and money for the City. Additionally, having ISWMM as a part of larger system that includes emergency alert and flood gauges will work to keep residents safe as major flood events impact our region and rainfall events continue to change.”

https://cw39.com/news/sugar-land-launching-real-time-flood-warning-system-to-help-keep-residents-safe