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Mayor Owens described the severe snow and ice storms which preceded the flooding that occurred in the spring of 1997. The impression was that the city had been under siege by Mother Nature for several months and the flood was a culmination of events. Some key items were that no lives were lost and the mass evacuation was an orderly process. The crest of the flood was more than twice the flood stage. She knew they were in big trouble when someone advised that the U.S. Coast Guard had arrived. Most citizens were satisfied with the local, state, federal, and private response. About 10% were unhappy and remain so. The Mayor was pleased with the assistance of other communities and stressed the need for mental health services in a disaster of this magnitude. Grand Forks currently has zero unemployment and a labor shortage.
Steve Olsen discussed the Framework for Federal Action which was a unique recovery plan incorporating three states, Canada, and two FEMA regions. He indicated that the FEMA regions had an ongoing dialogue before the flood which enhanced the initial response and recovery efforts. Six hundred twenty two structures have been acquired (removed from the floodplain) using FEMA and Community Development Block Grant funds. This was an expedited process that occurred at much greater speed than usual and additional acquisitions are in negotiation. FEMA will continue to make the acquisition, elevation, and removal of structures a priority.
Ken Vein indicated that 75% of the city had significant impacts. For example, the water treatment facility was heavily damaged and critical elements have been moved to higher levels. At the worst point, the Red River was 20 miles wide. In considering future flood protection, it was determined that the city needs protection for a 210 year flood event. Several options to meet this level were considered. It was determined that total acquisition would not be cost effective due to the vast numbers of structures at risk. A feasibility study indicated that a levee system would be the only cost effective and socially acceptable alternative. The cost for the project will be $300 million. The local and state share will be capped at $150 million but Grand Forks will have to come up with $52 million through existing measures and a new 1/4% sales tax. It is hoped that the state legislature will authorize another $52 million. The project could start in early 1999 if authorized by Congress in the fall of 1998.
Graham Tobin discussed research opportunities in Grand Forks. He considered what may happen to the short term economic boom once all the Federal money and activity die off. Also, what will occur in 10 to 20 years when the political and community leadership changes and the population forgets about the flood risk. Might there be pressure to put structures back in the floodplain? Will the levees generate a false sense of security? As to the community, he noted that the entire area will not recover at the same speed.
Other issues were discussed in general. Communication with the public was crucial. Many means were used including meetings, FEMA outreach, newsletters, and an alternate TV broadcast system. An issue in housing was the loss of basement apartments. These were particularly hard to track. Pets were a big concern as is the case in most large disasters.
A mix of structural and nonstructural solutions have been used and proposed indicating that one or the other is not always the best.
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Index of 1998 Session Summaries