1. Case Study - Town of Boone, NC Successful Mitigation Planning in Boone, North Carolina

2. Boone, North Carolina

3. Flooding Problems zHeadwaters of the South Fork New River zSteep mountainous terrain zFifteen major flood events since 1878 zNumerous localized flood events zWorsened by rapid growth in Boone and the surrounding Watauga County Middle Fork New River East Fork New River Winkler Creek Hodges Creek Boone Creek Rocky Knob Creek Mutton Creek Town of Boone South Fork New River

4. Anne Marie and Elizabeth Drives zModerate income residential area with one non- residential property zArea is subject to severe repetitive flood losses zSince 1977, sixteen flood events requiring evacuation z50% of the homes are in the floodway National Guard Armory Elizabeth Drive Anne Marie Drive Glenstone Health Care South Fork New River Winkler Creek Middle Fork New River Hunting Lane

6. Anne Marie and Elizabeth Drives

7. Flood Damages in the Anne Marie and Elizabeth Drive Area yOne death is directly related to flooding in the area. yApproximately $500,000 in flood damages from 1977-1992. y$113,000 in flood damages in 1994-1995. yEach evacuation of the Glenstone Health Care Center costs the facility approximately $10,000. yEach evacuation cost the Town approximately $15,000.

8. Severity of Flooding zBased on FEMA FIS data (effective 1997), flood depths vary from: y10-Year Flood: 0-feet to 10-feet y50-Year Flood: 4-feet to 16-feet y100-Year Flood: 6-feet to 18-feet y500-Year Flood: 13-feet to 25-feet zBase (100-Year) Flood Elevations (BFE) increase up to 12-feet over the previously effective FIS.

9. Severity of Flooding 100-Year Flood50-Year Flood 100-Year Flood500-Year Flood

10. Solutions to Repetitive Flood Losses zStructural (detention, levees, channel improvement) zNon-structural (dry/wet floodproofing, elevation, relocation, or acquisition) zOf relocation or acquisition, what is the preferred, or acceptable, solution? zOwners’ preference was for acquisition.

11. Funding Sources zFederal Emergency Management Agency yHazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) yHMGP Planning Initiative ySection 406 Public Assistance Program yFlood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA) zTown of Boone zBoone Housing Authority zState of North Carolina z Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) yHousing Development Program yUrgent Needs Program yCommunity Revitalization Program yDisaster Recovery Initiative z North Carolina Finance Agency (NCHFA) First Time Home Owners Program

12. Disposition of Acquired Structures zOptions: yDemolish yIdentify appropriate reuse zRecognizing the need for affordable housing for low and moderate income families, the Town: yIdentified structures suitable for relocation. yWorked with the Northwest Housing Authority to relocate structures to the White Laurel development. zWhen feasible, structures that could not be relocated were used for fire and rescue training.

13. White Laurel Development zDeveloped by Northwest Housing Authority, a non- profit, private corporation focusing on affordable housing. zPhase I of White Laurel: 42 rental units for low income residents. zPhase II of White Laurel: 20 single family homes for low to moderate income families.

14. Boone’s Contribution to the White Laurel Development z18 homes were provided for Phase II. zHomes provided were completely refurbished (new roofs, siding, drywall, paint and repairs as required) zEstimated 20% to 25% cost savings over new construction. zBoone Housing Authority provided assistance in arranging low interest mortgage financing. zOccupancy began by the end of 1999.

15. White Laurel - A Work in Progress

16. Disposition of the Acquired Land zOptions: yLeave vacant yIdentify appropriate floodplain use, taking into consideration community needs. zCommunity Needs yBoone has a severe shortage of recreational facilities, both for active and passive recreation. zSolution yOpen Space Park

17. Proposed Open Space Park zAppropriate reuse of a floodplain area zProvides much needed multi-purpose recreational facilities

18. One Facility - Many Needs Served zThe proposed park will support: yBaseball/Softball ySoccer yBiking yConcerts yFestivals yPicnics

19. Park Pavilion zFlood resistant design yLower level “bulkhead” doors yStainless steel bathroom fixtures yElectrical and plumbing cutoffs Pavilion

20. Alternative Transportation zProposed park enhances alternative transportation opportunities. yPark can be accessed from two greenway systems. yPark provides much needed restroom facilities for greenway users. Boone Greenway Reynold Greeway (1999) River Walk Promenade

21. Summary zIdentified a serious and life threatening flooding problem. zDeveloped community support and identified financing for the project from numerous funding sources. zImplemented project in a way that meets multiple needs in the community. yAffordable housing yRecreational facilities yAlternative transportation

22. Measuring Success