Author: FCLID

ATTN: Changes Coming for NFIP (Flood Insurance)

Should you buy flood insurance or not if you live within the boundaries of First Colony Levee Improvement District (FCLID)?  That is a question that each homeowner must ask themselves.  Whether you already have it or are considering it, here is something you need to know.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is coming out with a new method of rating the flood risk of a property.  Their original method was with a product called Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).  This methodology has not changed in over 50 years, but change is coming, and it will go into effect October 1, 2021.  This new method called Risk Rating 2.0 utilizes the latest technology available to assess the flood risk of a property.

With Risk Rating 2.0, FEMA estimates that 14% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate decrease in their flood insurance premium; 79% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate increase in their flood insurance premium that could range from $0 to $10 per month; 3% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate increase in their flood insurance premium of $10 to $20 per month; and 4% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate increase in their flood insurance premium greater than $20 per month.

We do not yet know how Risk Rating 2.0 will impact flood insurance prices in FCLID.  We do not know which category of premium change will include us.  However, if you already have flood insurance, you are grandfathered into how fast your flood insurance premium can increase.  It is federally mandated that a flood insurance premium cannot increase by more than 18% per year.

Therefore, we encourage you to get flood insurance. Contact your home insurance provider.  Since a flood insurance policy takes 30 days to go into effect, you must purchase your policy by September 1, 2021, for your policy to become effective prior to the effective date of Risk Rating 2.0.

Click here for additional information regarding Risk Rating 2.0.

Tropical Storm Beta Informational Update

As of Noon Sunday, September 20, 2020, the Brazos River Richmond gauge is at Stage 14.4 and is expected to continue falling over the next several days. Tropical Storm Beta is currently predicted to make landfall west of Fort Bend County on Monday evening, then make a turn to the northeast, with the Sugar Land/Missouri City area inside the cone of impacted areas. Rainfall predictions for the next 3 days are currently for as much as 10 inches, with most of that total predicted to occur on Monday. These conditions can create street ponding during the heavier rain bands, which should subside between bands.

The District’s Operator has implemented the Preparation Phase of the Emergency Action Plan. At this time, with the river predictions to be well below bank-full conditions, the District drainage facilities, both north and south of SH 6, will operate under gravity flow conditions. As conditions warrant, the District will post additional updates through this website and by text messaging for those residents signed up for that service.

Residents should monitor their respective City and County websites for information and news releases:

Critical Elevations within the District are shown on the District’s website.

Tropical Storm Imelda

First Colony LID’s emergency response team is monitoring the Brazos River and local rainfall predictions of this event. As of 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, 9/17/2019, the accumulated rainfall in the FCLID area is less than 1.5 inches. NWS predictions are for several more inches, possibly up to 12 inches in the next two days. With Brazos River at approximately 10 feet, the District will remain in full gravity flow conditions. Should intense cells fall over the area, isolated street ponding may occur, but should clear quickly after the rains ends. All usual precautions for heavy rainfall should be taken by residents. Further postings will be made should the NWS predictions change significantly.

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One Year After Harvey

After experiencing the major rain event of Hurricane Harvey last year (categorized between an 800 – 1,000 year event), the Board of Directors has been reviewing several possible projects that would result in better drainage of internal water detention. They range from improvements solely within First Colony LID to partnering with the County and other Districts on projects that would benefit several Districts and municipalities in the overall levee system. In every case, the Board will be leveraging FCLID members’ tax dollars to their best use ensuring FCLID continues to be a safe and dry District.

Currently a survey is underway for an additional detention lake by the south outfall structure. Progress and updates can be reviewed in the meeting minutes, posted on the website.

Where Does Stormwater Go?

Did you know that the stormwater currently receives no treatment?

Water that flows into your storm water drainage system goes directly into our creeks, bayous, rivers, and bays. Because standards of water quality affect every resident in your District, remembering “only rain down the drain” and adhering to this approach will help improve the water quality of our streams, rivers and lakes.

Non-allowable discharges, such as out waste, grass clippings, tree trimmings, oils and grease are a violation of a state-issued stormwater permit. Making an illegal discharge into the storm sewer may be punishable by fines and/or water service termination, per your District’s rate order.

Remember, whatever is put down the storm drain is untreated and flows into the Waters of the USA!

If you see any spills or illegal dumping into the storm drains, your District Operator, or Storm Water Solutions should be contacted as soon as possible. Call the Storm Water Solutions 24-hour phone number at 713.935.1044, or you can use cleanbayous.org to file a report.

To find additional information about stormwater quality, please visit www.cleanbayous.org.