Date: 12/20/2013
Final
Recovery and mitigation planning
FLOOD DISASTER STUDY COMMITTEE
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09:39 AM -- Recovery and mitigation planning
Mr. Jeff Hohensee, Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, described his organization's work after the flood and told the committee about outstanding needs they have identified. He discussed the interconnected nature of water and power systems, noting the importance of resilient systems.
09:46 AM
Mike Gavin, Fort Collins Emergency Manager, told the committee about lessons learned in Fort Collins, particularly after the 1997 Spring Creek Flood. Slides accompanied his presentation (Attachment F). He detailed the prevention and mitigation efforts made in Fort Collins. He discussed lessons learned related to planning, land use, technology, training, and partnerships with private and nonprofit organizations. Senator Kefalas and Mr. Gavin discussed this information.
1220Attachment F.pdf
10:00 AM
Mike Walker, Executive Director of Serve 6.8, described his organization, which is a new, faith-based organization responding to all kinds of community service needs. Slides accompanied his presentation (Attachment G). Mr. Walker explained their work in responding to disasters, particularly the 2013 flood disaster. He told the committee about lessons they have learned so far. Committee members thanked Mr. Walker and discussed the role of individuals and community groups like Serve 6.8 in disaster response.
1220Attachment G.pdf
10:13 AM
Sean Cronin, Executive Director of the St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District, described the water infrastructure damage in his district. Slides accompanied his presentation (Attachment H). Mr. Cronin noted challenges in the repair and recovery process. He explained that some private ditch companies qualify as private nonprofit organizations for FEMA assistance purposes, but others do not. Committee members discussed this issue.
1220Attachment H.pdf
10:22 AM
Mr. Cronin continued to discuss the problem of upstream impacts, which may further damage ditches later on. He explained that some ditch companies will not take assistance because the grant agreement is too long and complicated. He discussed lessons learned so far, including the need to have contact information for ditch companies and photos of diversions prior to damage.
Representative Foote and Mr. Cronin discussed legislative needs. Mr. Cronin noted that funding would be most helpful, particularly incentives to improve water infrastructure design. These incentives could help meet modern needs like fish passage and recreation access.
Senator Kefalas and Mr. Cronin discussed the differences between repairing transportation and water infrastructure. Mr. Cronin suggested that irrigation infrastructure is mostly privately owned and these owners do not have the resources to make repairs.
Representative Young and Mr. Cronin discussed the Big Thompson River's water flows during the flood.
Senator Renfroe and Mr. Cronin discussed information sharing between water organizations like Mr. Cronin's.
Representative Singer and Mr. Cronin discussed public assistance funding available from the state and FEMA.
10:49 AM
Mike Schnatzmeyer, Campaign for the St. Vrain, presented historical maps of the St. Vrain River. He explained that changes to the channel resulted from human intervention. Photographs are included in his slides (Attachment I). He described the economic development opportunities that could be achieved through strategic master planning for the area around the St. Vrain River. Committee members received a white paper detailing the campaign's recommendations (Attachment J). Representative Foote and Mr. Schnatzmeyer discussed local government support for his proposals.
1220Attachment I.pdf 
1220Attachment J.pdf