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PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS 
March 5, 2002 

Promoting Mitigation in Louisiana: Federal Emergency Management Agency and the 
State of Louisiana 

Prepared for Federal Emergency Management Agency 
Region VI Federal Regional Center, Rm. 206 
800 North Loop 288 Denton, TX 76201-3698 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
Letter from 
FEMA....................................................................... ii
 
Section 1 Introduction 
................................................................ 1 

Section 2 Mitigation Performance 
Analysis.............................................. 3 
	East Baton Rouge Parish Code Enforcement and 
Acquisition....................... 3 
	City of Denham Springs: Demonstration 
Elevations............................... 6 
	Ascension Parish: Elevation and 
Acquisitions................................... 8 
	Jefferson Parish: 
Acquisitions................................................. 10 
	St. Charles Parish: Drainage 
Projects.......................................... 12 
	St. James Parish: Drainage 
Projects.............................................14 
	City of Covington: Elevations and 
Acquisition...................................17 
	City of Slidell: Acquisitions and Second-Story 
Conversion.......................21 
	City of Mandeville: Elevations, Acquisitions, and 
Ordinances................... 23 
	Terrebonne Readiness & Assistance Coalition (TRAC): Community Education 
	
	Program...................................................................
..... 30 

Section 3 Determining Avoided 
Damages.................................................. 32 


Section 4 
Acknowledgements............................................................. 35 


To obtain additional copies of this document, please contact the GPO 
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Division at 202-512-1800, or toll free, at 866-512-1800, between 7: 30 a. m. and 
4: 30 p. m. eastern time. Or fax your request to 202-512-2250. 


ii 
Letter from FEMA

MITIGATION WORKS . This simple statement encapsulates the numerous experiences 
in which 
States and communities realize their best vision: that of being safer, stronger, 
and more sustainable places in which to live through the implementation of 
mitigation strategies. 


Mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk 
to people and property from natural hazards and their effects. FEMA's Hazard 
Mitigation Grant Program 
(HMGP) is a powerful resource in the combined effort by Federal, State, and 
local government, 
as well as private industry and homeowners, to end the cycle of repetitive 
disaster damage. 


Throughout its history and numerous natural disasters, the State of Louisiana 
has been 
committed to mitigation. Each new disaster is proving to be less damaging to 
people, property, and the environment due to various mitigation activities 
implemented across the state. 

Tropical Storm Allison flooded nearly all of south Louisiana with three months 
of rain in three days. The storm provided a new opportunity to evaluate the 
effectiveness of recent mitigation 
investments by Federal, State and local government. This report explores 11 
projects where mitigation proved particularly effective. By reviewing the basis 
on which Federally funded 
mitigation activities were approved, the performance analysis details the 
damages avoided or financial savings that resulted from these activities. In 
documenting their successful mitigation 
activities, Louisianans are encouraged to continue their mitigation efforts and 
inspire other communities to do the same. 


Tropical Storm Allison also provided an opportunity for FEMA Region IV to commit 
staff and resources to aid FEMA Region VI in managing the disaster. State and 
local officials deserve 
recognition for this nearly seamless transition. In times of disaster, it serves 
well to have helpful neighbors. 


Louisiana communities continue to grow more resilient through Federal, State, 
local, and private partnerships which confront the constant threat of natural 
disasters. Mitigation activities enable our communities to heal faster and 
stronger, and be better prepared to face the next disaster. 


William Carwile 		
Federal Coordinating Officer
FEMA Disaster 1380-DR-LA

Colonel Michael Brown  
Governor's Authorized Representative 
State of Louisiana 


Janet Lamb 
Deputy Federal Coordinating
Officer  Mitigation
FEMA Disaster 1380-DR-LA

Daniel Falanga
State Hazard Mitigation Officer 
State of Louisiana  

Page 1 
SECTION 1 Introduction


The unique topography of Louisiana is a virtual nervous system of rivers, lakes, 
lagoons, 
reservoirs, bayous, and coastal estuaries. Typically shallow, Louisiana's turbid 
waterways 
spawn a huge fishing and seafood industry. Fueled by tourists and directly 
linked to the rich 
cultural diversity of the state, the maritime industries must maintain the 
highest level of efficient operation before, during, and after a natural 
disaster. 


In a sense, Louisiana is the floodplain of the nation. Louisiana waterways drain 
two thirds of the continental United States. Precipitation in New York, the 
Dakotas, even Idaho and the Province of Alberta, finds its way to Louisiana's 
coastline. Pre-existing high land is often 
the result of natural levees developing along the banks of historical or 
present-day waterways. 


Despite massive improvements to reduce the impacts of severe weather in the last 
100 years, flooding is a constant threat. The State of Louisiana has more flood 
insurance claims than any 
other state in the country. Leading the nation, Louisiana has more than 18,000 
repetitively flooded structures. Repetitive loss structures are the largest 
drain on the National Flood 
Insurance Program (NFIP). 


As part of the National Repetitive Loss Strategy, FEMA has ranked all repetitive 
loss structures. The top 10,000 repetitive loss structures nationwide have 
received repetitive flooding to the 
extent that flood claims equal or exceed the value of these structures or, as is 
the case for most of Louisiana's structures, have experienced four or more 
losses in the last 10 years. Of these top 10,000 structures nationwide, over 
3,000 are in Louisiana, more than any other state. Furthermore, the top two 
parishes (or counties) in terms of repetitive loss structures are in 
Louisiana: Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish, both part of the New Orleans 
Metropolitan area. 
Louisiana has made excellent progress over the last 5 years in addressing 
repetitive loss issues. The State has: 

Established and implemented a written State Mitigation Strategy. 

Established mitigation programs and processes which avoided damages from 
Tropical Storm Allison in more than a dozen Louisiana communities. 

In more than a dozen repetitive loss communities, completed hazard mitigation 
plans which maintained quality of life for these communities after Tropical 
Storm Allison. 

Focused all existing Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and much of Hazard 
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Funding on repetitive loss reduction. 

Established repetitive loss reduction as the highest priority of the State 
Hazard Mitigation Team. 


In addition to mitigation, flood prevention is enhanced through regulatory 
programs such as 
the Community Rating System (CRS). To date, 38 Louisiana communities have joined 
CRS, an 
insurance rating system similar to that of the national fire rating system. Any 
community, 
which chooses to perform and achieve certain tasks designated by FEMA to further 
reduce the 
probability of flood losses, is eligible for discounted flood insurance rates. 
Under the CRS, flood insurance premiums are adjusted to reflect community 
activities that reduce flood damage
to existing buildings, manage development in areas not mapped by the NFIP, 
protect new buildings beyond the minimum NFIP protection level, help insurance 
agents obtain flood data, and help 
people obtain flood insurance. Each community is ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, 
with 1 being the
 
Page 2 
SECTION 1 Introduction 

 
highest achievement. For each lower rate attained, the citizens in that 
community receive a 5 percent flood insurance premium discount.
 
From June 6 to June 8, 2001, mitigation measures and flood damage prevention 
regulations were tested when Tropical Storm Allison brought torrential rains 
through southern portions of the 
States of Texas and Louisiana. The storm lingered and moved slowly, dumping up 
to 20 inches of rain in many of the low-lying parishes of Louisiana. A Major 
Presidential Disaster 
Declaration was signed for the State of Louisiana on June 11, 2001 for 28 
parishes (see Figure 1.1). 


In the following pages, you will find examples of successful and comprehensive 
hazard mitigation. For selected stories, the cost of damages avoided during 
Tropical Storm Allison as a 
result of these mitigation projects have been estimated. These examples show 
that actions taken to permanently reduce or eliminate long-term risks in the 
state have been effective and 
demonstrate the long-term sustainability for communities throughout the state. 


Figure 1.1 is an image of the state of Louisiana.  Depicted are the parishes 
that were declared  disasters. 


Page 3
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH CODE ENFORCEMENT AND ACQUISITION
 
East Baton Rouge Parish 

Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 7 
Population: 412,852 
Number of Repetitive Losses: 667 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison: 19.66 
Number of Insured Structures (reference footnote 1): 17,064 
Insurance in Force (reference footnote 1): $1,826,058,900 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $6,059,510 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 5,348 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $60,226,155 
Total Cost of Project(s): $122,580 
(footnote 1):As of December 31, 2000 

East Baton Rouge Parish is located in southeast Louisiana on the east bank of 
the Mississippi River, north of New Orleans. The Parish is in the alluvial 
valley of the Mississippi River, 
where the land is generally flat and at low elevations. East Baton Rouge Parish 
has many 
natural waterways and manmade canals that are subject to periodic flooding. 


In 1998, building permits were secured to construct a 6,800 square foot 
structure to be 
used as an auto parts store. When the plans were completed, the owner discovered 
that 
his property was in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and a new city code 
required a new building to be elevated above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or the 
highest recorded inundation level. 


BFE in the area is 49 feet. Ground level is at 46.33 feet. Code required the 
first floor 
elevation to be at least 1 foot above BFE, and/ or 1 foot above the recorded 
inundation 
level. The owner was compelled to change his plans to accommodate a new floor 
level 
of 52.13 feet, as the highest recorded inundation level was 51.13 feet. 


Graphic image of O'Reilly Auto Parts.
To ensure that floodwaters did not enter the store, O'Reilly Auto Parts was 
constructed 
above the BFE. 


Another graphic image of O'Reilly Auto Parts.
Floodwaters inundated the area surrounding O'Reilly Auto Parts. Because the 
store had been 
built above the BFE, it was spared from damage during Tropical Storm Allison. 

 
Page 4 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis
 
East Baton Rouge Parish 

Third graphic image of O'Reilly Auto Parts. 
A rear view of O'Reilly Auto Parts shows the 8-foot foundation wall, which 
prevented flooding 
during Tropical Storm Allison. 


The fill needed to elevate the building had to come from a location in that 
particular flood 
zone area to minimize changes to the floodplain. The rear of the building was 
built on an eight-foot foundation wall and the sloping parking lot on two sides 
was elevated with fill. 
A retaining wall built on the east side of the building protected the structure 
from high 
water in that direction. 

The cost of elevation was approximately $150,000. The building cost another 
$350,000, 
bringing the total construction cost to approximately a half-million ($ 500,000) 
dollars. Inventory in the auto parts store ranges from $300,000 to $500,000. 


Floodwaters from Tropical Storm Allison rose to over 5 feet in the area 
surrounding 
O'Reilly Auto Parts. Had the business been at street level it would have 
suffered 
extensive damage. It is estimated that the damages from Tropical Storm Allison 
would 
have cost as much as half the structural value of the building and much of the 
value 
of the contents. These costs are conservatively estimated to be approximately 
$285,000. Therefore, by spending $150,000 to elevate, the business saved more 
than $285,000 after 
just one flood. If the loss had been an insured loss, that $285,000 would have 
been paid 
from the flood insurance program. In addition to these costs, employees would 
have had 
been idled and customers would have been inconvenienced and possibly lost to 
competitors. 


Graphic image of KFC.
The KFC, located next door to O'Reilly Auto Parts store, was also constructed 
above the 
BFE. 

Second graphic image of KFC.
Although surrounded by water, the KFC had no water in the building. Once 
floodwaters 
receded, KFC immediately resumed operations. 


Another flood mitigation approach the Parish has taken is to acquire homes in 
especially flood-prone areas. Herbert and Diana Brooks owned one such flood-
prone home. When they 
bought their home, they were aware of flooding problems in the neighborhood. 
They were 
unaware, 

 
Page 5 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis

East Baton Rouge Parish 
 
however, of an acquisition program proposed for the area. 


A year after the Brooks moved into the house, Mrs. Brooks was talking to a 
neighbor who
lived across the street. The neighbor told her about the buyout program. Mrs. 
Brooks 
obtained the telephone number of Mr. Brian Harmon, Director of Public Works for 
the City 
of Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, with the intentions of contacting him 
if they ever considered moving. 


The neighbors talked about how past storms had always resulted in floods to 
their neighborhood and that it was certain to happen again. Their persistent 
concern prompted Mrs. Brooks to call Mr. Harmon and she learned that their 
house, with five previous flood claims, was in the top 
30 homes slated for acquisition in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). 


Graphic image of home.
After five previous flood insurance claims, this home was acquired and removed 
from the cycle 
of repetitive losses. 


The Brooks' decision to participate in the acquisition program was based partly 
on stories 
from their neighbors about three previous floods that affected their house; one 
flood was deep enough to be up to the rooftop. 


What the neighbors had predicted proved to be true. Only two weeks after Mr. and 
Mrs. Brooks moved out of their residence, Tropical Storm Allison arrived and 
caused flooding in the neighborhood and in many parts of southern Louisiana. 
Their now vacant home had 5 feet of 
water inside it! The Acquisition Program saved the Brooks from losing 
everything. "We are so grateful and thank God for being so fortunate!" 


When we asked Mrs. Brooks how she would describe the program she had high praise 
for Brian Harmon. "He did everything to make the transition a pleasant 
experience, and the negotiations were very easy!" 


Previous claims to this property totaled $154,644.63. The appraised value was 
$121,080.00. 
The total project cost for this house was $122,580.00, with the HMGP share being 
$91,935.00
or 75 percent. 


The Brooks now reside in a new neighborhood, high and dry, and love their new 
home. 


Page 6
 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 


CITY OF DENHAM SPRINGS: DEMONSTRATION ELEVATIONS
 
City of Denham Springs 


Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 9 
Population: 8,757 
Number of Repetitive Losses: 170 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison: 14.07 
Number of Insured Structures: 1,364 
Insurance In-Force (reference footnote 1): $121,582,900 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $635,704 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 1,230 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $16,763,954 
Total Cost of Project(s): $596,404 
(Footnote 1) As of December 31, 2000 


Denham Springs, Louisiana, a suburb of Baton Rouge, has a long history of flood 
damage 
and was a logical choice for a flood mitigation project. Located in the heart of 
the Amite
River Basin, where the Amite and Comite rivers meet, Denham Springs has 
experienced 24 major floods since 1953. In 1983, Denham Springs was subjected to 
record flooding, which was 
classified as a 50-year event. During that event, the Amite River crested at a 
high of 41.5 
feet, 12.5 feet above flood stage. 


When a group of flood victims sought help from the Amite River Basin Drainage 
and Water Conservation District in bringing a slab elevation contractor to 
Louisiana to raise their 
homes, the odds were against them. Funding (FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant 
Program dollars
for Hurricane Andrew) was limited; the feasibility in Louisiana was unproven; 
and there was 
no experience at the State government level in administering a program for 
retrofitting 
private property. 


However, the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District applied 
for and 
received a demonstration grant from the Louisiana Office of Emergency 
Preparedness to 
elevate five structures and conduct an educational program on the benefits of 
elevation. 


The specific intent of this project was to eliminate flood damages, and to 
induce 
voluntary adoption of retrofitting through elevation, by making elevation a 
practical 
and desirable floodproofing option for the individual structure owner. 


An educational program was targeted both at flood victims who might utilize the 
technology 
and at Louisiana house movers who might adopt the technology, thus making it 
available 
locally. 


Early during the grant application process, the Commission sought the 
cooperative 
participation of other local agencies and institutions. The Louisiana 
Cooperative 
Extension Service at Louisiana State University entered into a contractual 
agreement with the Commission to conduct educational programs and to assist in 
the coordination of the project. 
The Extension Service utilized its array of educational outlets to get the word 
out about the project, including press releases, video news releases which were 
aired statewide, and annual  



Page 7

SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Dehham Springs 
 
updates to the Louisiana Floodplain Management Association. 


At the time of this project, the technology for elevating monolithic slab 
structures 
without substantial damage was not available to individual flood victims, 
principally 
because the nearest contractor employing the necessary techniques was located in 
Florida. 


A contractor from Michigan experienced in raising structures with attached 
foundations was selected in 1994. Five structures were raised an average of 6.7 
feet above grade during 1994-95. The total cost for the demonstration project 
was approximately $596,404, which averaged nearly $66 per square foot. Under the 
cost sharing formula established for the pilot project, the local matching 
funds, including in-kind services were approximately 61 percent, leaving a 
Federal contribution of 39 percent. Owners paid the bulk of the local share, 
which was approximately 52 percent. 


Tropical Storm Allison arrived in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area on June 5, 
2001, dumping nearly 18 inches of rain in only 3 days. Denham Springs received 
14.07 inches of rain plus drainage from the Amite River Basin. Although the 
flood stage was not a record high at 38.24 feet, the deluge caused severe 
flooding and even flash flooding in some neighborhoods. 


"When the Amite River and its tributary, the Comite River, flood at the same 
timeas they did
in this 2001 event we are in a lot of trouble," said James E. DeLaune, mayor of 
Denham Springs. Citizens were heard to say, "The anxiety doesn't end until the 
rain stops." 


A total of 75 homes and six businesses experienced flood damage, but the 
elevated structures 
of the flood-mitigation pilot project were spared. As the first Louisiana 
community to support a structure-raising pilot program with the utilization of 
hazard-mitigation funds, Denham Springs is a successful case that illustrates 
the cost-effective benefits of a hazard mitigation program. 

Graphic image of a home.
This home was elevated above the BFE so that it would never again suffer flood 
damages. 


Graphic image of a business.
Ripple Chiropractic Clinic sits high and dry after Tropical Storm Allison dumped 
14 inches of rain on Denham Springs. 


According to a structural inventory provided by the U. S. Army Corps of 
Engineers, there are 
over 12,000 structures on slab foundations in the 500-year floodplain of the 
Amite Basin. 


Page 8 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
ASCENSION PARISH: ELEVATION AND ACQUISITIONS 


Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 9 
Population: 76,627 
Number of Repetitive Losses: 221 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison: 23.29 
Number of Insured Structures (footnote 1): 3,595 
Insurance in Force (reference footnote 1): $360,209,300 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $1,105,016 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 1,270 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $10,530,160 
Total Cost of Project(s): $466,667 
(Footnote 1)-As of December 31, 2000 


Ascension Parish is located directly east of East Baton Rouge Parish along the 
Mississippi 
River. The Parish is low-lying and traversed by many canals and bayous. One such 
waterway is Bayou Manchac, which has many homes located along its banks. 


In 1975, Evan Long purchased his home along Bayou Manchac, located in 
Prairieville, Louisiana.

 
During excessive rain events, overflow from the Amite River expands into the 
many canals and bayous throughout the Amite River Basin, damaging roads, 
drainage systems, and associated structures. In 1977, unusually heavy rains fell 
on the Louisiana Coast, causing a 4-foot 
overflow of Bayou Manchac. Evan Long lost everything he owned. He had just 
purchased the land 
and a house trailer for $7,000. The contents were estimated at about $3,000. 


Graphic image of a home.
The rear structure experienced severe flooding during Tropical Storm Allison 
while the pole 
home served as a safe haven for residents along the bayou impacted by the storm. 


Mr. Long obtained a Small Business Loan (SBA) for approximately $15,000, which 
covered the 
$5,000 still owed on the loan for the property. With tips he learned from a 
professor at Louisiana State University, (LSU), Evan decided to build a pole 
house, using poles similar to those used for telephone poles. They were 35 feet 
long, driven 8 feet into the ground, and set
in reinforced concrete. The main house was placed 9 feet above ground level and 
constructed
with treated pine and cypress. The cost of materials was approximately $10,000. 
After poles were set and contractors completed framing of the home, Mr. Long, 
along with several of his friends, 
completed the project. The stairway leading up to Mr. Long's balcony has the 
handrail on the inside (toward the house), leaving the outside open so boaters 
can have easy access during a storm. 

 
Page 9 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
Ascension Parish 

Since 1977, the area under Mr. Long's home has flooded nine times. These floods 
have been 
similar to the one that destroyed his home in 1977. Assuming the floods were 
similar, the 
damages suffered in 1977 ($ 10,000) would have been repeated nine times. 
Conservatively, the damages avoided from Tropical Storm Allison are estimated at 
$7,000; however, damages avoided since 1978, when Mr. Long built his pole house, 
are estimated to be at least $90,000. Thus, 
the $10,000 investment to build his pole house has saved an estimated $90,000 in 
damages so 
far. In addition, the current appraisal value for Mr. Long's home is 
approximately $50,000 
for the structure alone. Placing a value on safety and prevention of loss of 
life is not possible; to Mr. Long, these savings are priceless. 


Evan's home was completed by 1978 and has withstood eight separate floods with 
some water 
levels reaching nearly to the main house first floor level. He has suffered no 
losses in any 
of the floods. "We have everything down to a science," says Evan. "We know just 
what to do 
with the things down below!" "A lot of the neighbors evacuate to my house and we 
just wait 
it out." 


In 1999, Ascension Parish applied for and received Federal assistance to acquire 
flood-prone 
homes. Three such homes have been targeted for acquisition due to their numerous 
flood losses. 


The Granger home was bounded by Bayou Manchac to the north and west and a swamp 
to the east.
It had flooded five times with as much as 3 feet of water. Claims had totaled 
over $106,000 
and the cost of each successive loss became higher. The Grangers agreed to 
participate in the buyout program and the home was purchased for $102,000. The 
in-kind contribution by the Parish
of $22,357 provided the demolition and administration services. 


A home located on Butch Gore Road had flooded at least five times since 1977 
with standing 
water as high as 32 inches. Flood insurance claims totaled over $100,000.00. 
Through the 
buyout program, the home was acquired by the Parish for $111,350. In-kind 
contributions 
by the Parish were $13,100. 


The third home that was acquired during this project had flooded seven times in 
less than 
8 years. Floodwaters were as high as 16 inches in the home and damages totaled 
over $105,000.
The Parish bought this home for $111,700, and contributed $13,100 in in-kind 
services. 


Graphic image of the Granger home.
The Parish acquired and demolished the Granger home through the FMA Program. 


Graphic image of the Granger home.
This is the site of the Granger home, which had experienced five flood events. 
It has now been 
removed from the repetitive loss cycle.


Page 10
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
JEFFERSON PARISH: ACQUISITIONS 


Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 8 
Population: 455,466 
Number of Repetitive Losses: 5,286 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison: 21.3 
Number of Insured Structures (reference footnote 1): 84,486 
Insurance in Force (reference footnote 1): $10,511,220,100 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $34,661,854 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 41,207 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $452,413,411 
Total Cost of Project(s): $965,702 
(Footnote 1)-As of December 31, 2000 


Jefferson Parish, located adjacent to Orleans Parish, has repeatedly experienced 
damages 
caused by flooding. Between 1978 and 1995, the NFIP paid over 15,000 claims in 
Jefferson 
Parish. The Parish has more repetitive losses than any other county in the 
nation. Flood 
damages can be attributed to extreme low elevations ranging from 8 to 12 feet 
above mean 
sea level. The only portions of Jefferson Parish that are not located in the 
100-year 
floodplain are those areas that are protected by a levee, dike, or other 
structures, which 
are subject to failure during larger floods. 


In 1995, prompted by the flood in May of that year, Jefferson Parish applied for 
and received
a grant from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to acquire and demolish 
homes in flood-prone areas. Four areas were noted to have the highest number of 
flood losses. These 
were Dumonde Subdivision, West Esplanade Avenue, David Drive, and Walter Road. 


Dumonde Subdivision experienced flooding four times in the 10 years prior to the 
May 1995 
flood. Damages from these four floods totaled $768,875. Flooding in the 
subdivision could 
be traced to two properties and the wooden fence behind them, which acted as a 
barrier to drainage flow from the subdivision. The Parish proposed to acquire 
these properties and 
demolish them, thereby greatly improving overland flow from the neighborhood and 
reducing flooding. 


Graphic image of demolition.
Heavy equipment removes a repetitive loss structure, which will no longer be a 
drain on the 
NFIP. 


Graphic image of empty site.
To restore proper drainage, two homes and the surrounding wooden fence, which 
acted as a barrier 
to surface runoff, were acquired and demolished. 

 
Page 11
 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
Jefferson Parish 

 
The West Esplanade Canal area experienced frequent flooding. Four properties 
were particularly affected by the flooding. Two of the homes had 12 inches of 
standing water during the May 1995 flood. The properties were located on a 
narrow strip of land between West Esplanade Avenue and the canal. To alleviate 
flooding problems, the homeowners brought in fill material, which would then 
wash into the canal, reducing the capacity of the canal. Claims paid to these 
four properties totaled more than $540,000 during the 10 years prior to the May 
1995 flood. Acquisition of these homes eliminated repetitive losses and restored 
the drainage system to its original capacity. 


The average loss to the four properties between 1985 and 1995 was approximately 
$175,000; therefore, this can be estimated as the damages avoided due to 
Tropical Storm Allison. Since,
on average, this area floods every three to five years, similar savings will 
occur in the 
future. 


The David Drive area, known for repeated flooding, was becoming blighted due to 
the frequent flooding and land settling problems. Water in homes was as high as 
6 inches during the May 1995 flood. Two homes were chosen to be acquired and 
demolished. The claims that had been paid on 
the two properties totaled $187,616. Once the houses had been removed, the 
property was used 
for a right turn lane, which improved traffic flow and allowed for more storage 
capacity for rainwater. 


The Walter Road area is another area that has a history of flooding. The one 
home acquired 
in this portion of the project had 42 inches of water in it in 1995. 
Additionally, neighboring homes being rebuilt were using 5 feet of fill 
material, worsening flooding for those structures below that level. The subject 
property had flooded three times prior to the May 1995 flood. Damages from the 
May 1995 flood alone totaled $131,240. 


The target areas selected for acquisition through this project were those that 
would provide
the most benefit to the community and to the individual homeowner. The 
structures that were acquired were those that hindered drainage and increased 
the flooding of other homes. 


In all cases, the homes that were acquired were experiencing a cumulative effect 
from the flooding. The inability to fully repair the damage was increasing with 
each flood event. 
In fact, the continued cost of repair was greater than the value of many of the 
homes. The removal of these especially flood-prone structures and the structures 
that were a hindrance
to proper drainage has eliminated National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims 
for the 
acquired homes and greatly reduced repetitive losses in the four areas. 


 
Page 12
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
ST. CHARLES PARISH: DRAINAGE PROJECTS 


Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 9 
Population: 48,072 
Number of Repetitive Losses: 469 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison: 17.0 
Number of Insured Structures (reference footnote 1): 8,501 
Insurance in Force (reference footnote 1): $1,163,740,500 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $3,194,065 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 3,198 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $72,682,880 
Total Cost of Project(s): $2,192,520 
(Footnote 1)-As of December 31, 2000 


St. Charles Parish is located just to the northwest of the City of New Orleans. 
Its low-lying, flat terrain is split by the Mississippi River, creating an East 
Bank and a West Bank. Both 
banks experience frequent flooding due to the flat terrain. 


From 1989 to 1995, the East Bank of St. Charles Parish experienced three Federal 
disasters, 
two of which were major flooding events. In 1989, 1,000 homes were flooded in 
Ormond 
Subdivision, which uses a forced drainage and ring levee system. Following this 
flood, a 
pump station [Ormond II -196 cubic feet per second (cfs)] was installed to 
increase the 
capacity already existing at Ormond I (392 cfs) pump station. In 1995, a storm 
similar to 
the 1989 event occurred and flooded 500 homes in Ormond. The estimated cost of 
damages 
associated with the 1995 flood totaled $24,687,620. 

In South Louisiana, elevations are highest close to the Mississippi River and 
its tributaries. With distance away from the waterways, elevations decrease 
significantly. Developments 
located in low-lying areas often use ring levees and forced drainage to protect 
from flooding 
and hasten surface runoff. 


Graphic image of a pump station.
A Pump Station located in Ormond Subdivision. Six-foot diameter pumps move water 
from the 
area at approximately 392 cfs. 


Flooding in the Ormond area was attributed to ponding of runoff between the 
Mississippi 
River levee and railroad track embankments. Ponding occurred when the capacity 
of the 
pump stations and culverts was exceeded during heavy rainfall. 


To remedy this problem, the Parish, using grant money from the Hazard Mitigation 
Grant Program (HMGP) (75 percent federal share), increased pump capacity at the 




Page 12
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
St. Charles Parish 
 

Ormond II pump station by 200 cfs and completed a jack and bore at the railroad 
track
embankment to increase culvert size using three 60-inch culverts. 


Jack and bores are an effective means of increasing drainage through a levee or 
embankment, 
which otherwise would impede surface runoff. The technique includes boring 
through the side of the embankment to replace undersized and damaged pipes with 
larger culverts. Storm water will then drain faster, reducing the likelihood of 
ponding and flooding of homes. 


Graphic image of railroad embankment.
Jack and bore through railroad embankment to decrease damming of storm water 
runoff. 


The success of this project may be measured by the effects of Tropical Storm 
Allison on 
Ormond Estates. In the past, 17 inches of rain might have caused up to a foot of 
water 
in homes. Such was not the case during Tropical Storm Allison, in which no 
Ormond Estates 
homes were flooded. Although tropical Storm Allison floodwaters may not have 
reached the 
levels experienced in 1995, which caused more than $24,000,000 in damages to 500 
homes, it 
is estimated that at least $7,150,000 in damages might have occurred. Therefore, 
the mitigation project avoided at least $7,150,000 in damages this time and may 
avoid millions more in the future. 



Page 14
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
ST. JAMES PARISH: DRAINAGE PROJECTS 



Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 8 
Population: 21,216 
Number of Repetitive Losses: 4 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison: 19.59 
Number of Insured Structures (reference footnote 1): 333 
Insurance in Force (reference footnote 1): $40,150,700 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $93,801 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 37 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $292,598 
Total Cost of Project(s): $1,333,050 
(Footnote 1) - As of December 31, 2000 


St. James Parish, located in South Louisiana, has had its share of flooding 
problems. With 
its flat terrain and low elevation, there is no place for floodwaters to drain. 
Fortunately, 
the Parish has found a cost efficient and very effective means of mitigating 
these flooding 
problems. The solution has been a number of drainage projects, which entail, in 
most cases, regrading of ditches, placement or replacement of culverts, and 
filling of ditches. 


Through the State and Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs, St. James Parish 
received 
funding to replace damaged and undersized culverts. The State or Federal funding 
was 50 to 75 percent of the total project cost. The life span of culverts in St. 
James Parish averaged only
10 years due to saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Mexico, which deteriorated 
the galvanized culverts. To alleviate this problem, the Parish replaced damaged 
culverts with asphalt-coated culverts. They also installed new culverts where 
once there were only open ditches. This 
reduced maintenance problems immensely. 


These drainage projects have been highly successful, as evidenced by recent 
Tropical Storm Allison. In June 2001, the St. James area received approximately 
20 inches of rain over a 
3-day period. In the past, this amount of rainfall would have caused as much as 
10 inches of water in homes. However, during Tropical Storm Allison, all homes 
within the mitigation project sites stayed dry. 


Central Canal, located in the Town of Gramercy, used to flood on a regular 
basis,affecting 
500 residential and commercial structures with an estimated value of $50 million 
and 2,000 residents. 


The drainage system, which provides an outfall for approximately 700 acres of 
residential, commercial, and agricultural properties, had damaged, undersized 
culverts and inadequate 
ditches. 


Graphic image of a ditch.
Maintenance problems associated with ditches were alleviated when a new 
underground drainage system was installed. 


 
Page 15 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
St. James Parish 
 
The Parish replaced culverts to alleviate the flooding in the area. Since the 
project's 
completion in November of 1994, no flooding has occurred in this area. The total 
project 
cost was $68,198. 


Margaret Street Ditch, located in South Vacherie, is a primary drainage canal in 
the area. 
The ditch was originally 6 feet wide but had eroded to 20 feet due to heavy 
rainfall and tidal influence. The erosion was threatening several buildings 
adjacent to the ditch. 


Graphic image of ditch erosion.
Erosion, due to heavy rains, had widened the ditch to a point that it threatened 
several 
structures. 


Due to the increased size of the canal, flooding was occurring at an increased 
frequency and velocity. Flooding affected 50 residents and directly threatened 
14 structures. 

The Parish installed a new culvert system with fill material to ensure that 
rainwater drained from the area more quickly. Flooding has not occurred in the 
area since project completion in November of 1994. The value of the structures 
located immediately adjacent to the ditch that 
were saved by this mitigation project is $500,000. The total project cost was 
less than $170,000. 


Aside from the potential complete loss of the homes due to erosion, avoided 
damages from flood losses can be estimated as follows: The average value of the 
14 homes is approximately $35,000. Estimating flood losses of 20 percent, or 
$7,000 per flood, the avoided damages during Tropical Storm Allison are 
approximately $58,500. In rough figures, the cost of the mitigation will be 
repaid after less than two average floods and will, in addition, prevent the 
erosion that threatened all of these homes. 


Graphic image of culvert.
Since completion of the project, flooding has not occurred and the threat to 
buildings located 
on the banks has been eliminated. 


Redbud Street Ditch, also located in South Vacherie, had much the same problem 
as did Margaret Street Ditch. Designed as a 5-foot wide ditch, it had eroded to 
24 feet in some places. The erosion, caused by rainfall and backwater flooding, 
was threatening several structures. 


For residents in the North Bank Street drainage area of North Vacherie, frequent 
flooding in homes had become commonplace. Once every 3 years, 6 to 10 inches of 
rainwater would inundate 
the area in a single storm event. Damages were in excess of $275,000 for each 
flood event. The problem could, once again, be linked to undersized ditches and 
closed conduits. 


Culverts under the Union Pacific Railroad were identified as a major cause of 
flooding 


 
Page 16 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
St. James Parish 

 
and the Railroad agreed to replace them. At the same time, the Parish replaced 
over 2,000 feet 
of undersized and damaged culverts. Inundation in this area has not occurred 
since the project was completed in August of 1998. 


A total of 78 homes and 18 commercial structures, with an estimated value of 
$14.8 million, received flood relief. The total project cost was $72,500. 


Graphic image of ditch.
Inadequate, high-maintenance ditches were replaced with culverts to eliminate 
flooding 
problems. 


Through all of these projects, the Parish has used its own engineering staff and 
work crews 
to design and construct the drainage system, thereby meeting its in-kind 
contribution to the project and reducing costs to the taxpayers. To ensure that 
properly sized culverts continue 
to be used during construction or replacement, a standard culvert program has 
been implemented whereby the Parish will provide installation services to 
citizens. Additionally, the Parish passed an ordinance requiring developers to 
build roads at or above the BFE. These proactive approaches by the Parish have 
served to alleviate the flooding problems there and reduce the 
number of repetitive loss structures in the Parish to four. 



"We used a common-sense approach to our flooding problems. We sought the most 
economical 
solution to relieve the greatest number of residents. And it worked! There has 
been no 
flooding in these areas since the drainage projects were completed!" 
Quote from Mr. Jody Chenier Director of Operations



Page 17 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
CITY OF COVINGTON: ELEVATIONS AND ACQUISITION 


Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 10 
Population: 8,483 
Number of Repetitive Losses: 37 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison (in St. Tammany): 21.35 
Number of Insured Structures: 1,146 
Insurance In-Force (reference footnote 1): $179,140,900 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $433,551 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 274 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $4,047,181 
Total Cost of Project(s): $704,940 
(Footnote 1) - As of December 31, 2000 


The City of Covington is located at the convergence of two major drainage 
basins: the 
Tchefuncte River Basin to the west and the Bogue Falaya River Basin to the east. 
Rainwater 
that falls within the northeast area of St. Tammany Parish flows through the 
City of 
Covington to Lake Pontchartrain. Much of the City floods due to intense 
rainfall, riverine 
flooding of the Tchefuncte and Bogue Falaya Rivers and their tributaries, 
hurricanes or 
lesser tropical storms, southerly wind and rainfall, or other combinations of 
these events. 


More than 35 percent of the land area of the City of Covington is within the 
100-year 
floodplain. More than 10 percent of the land area of the City is within the 500-
year 
floodplain. 


The City of Covington has experienced a number of natural disasters in past 
years. Hurricanes
and tropical storms are a yearly threat in South Louisiana; yet, they are not as 
regular an occurrence here as the effects of riverine flooding from heavy 
precipitation. St. Tammany 
Parish, including the City of Covington, has been a "Presidentially declared" 
disaster area 
on 13 different occasions since 1965. 


The estimated damages in the City of Covington during the devastating May 1995 
flood were over 
$5 million dollars, and approximately $400,000 of that damage was suffered by 
six property 
owners (five residential and one commercial). 


Determined not to repeat this scenario again, the City applied for $528,705 from 
the 
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) in October 1995 to assist those 
homeowners 
with the worst problems and those who needed assistance in elevating their 
homes. 
Along with the grant, the homeowners put up a total of $176,235 for a total 
project cost 
of $704,940. 


All of the homes targeted in this project were within the Riverbend and Old 
Landing areas of Covington and were considered repetitive loss properties. All 
of the homes were flooded prior 
to and including the flood of 1995. 


In addition to the five homeowners, there was also one commercial structure that 
had flooded
at least four times. It was determined that it would be more feasible to acquire 
this property rather than elevate it. This property was not occupied and 
acquisition would remove the 
structure that flooded the worst and the most often in this area. 


 
Page 18 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Covington 


For the homes, elevation was determined to be the most practical and least 
costly method 
of alleviating flood hazards, while also reducing any negative environmental 
impacts. 
Elevation of the five residential structures would allow flood waters from the 
scenic 
stream to continue to flow through the area, and more expensive drainage work 
would not 
be needed to alter the watercourse. 


Mr. and Mrs. Leicester Landon's home at 7 Riverbend Lane had received $75,000 
worth of damages 
in two previous floods (1993 and 1995). The deepest the water had reached in 
their home was 14 inches. Their home was valued at $300,000 and the cost to 
elevate it to the BFE of 16 feet was estimated to be $112,300. The future 
damages were estimated at $30,000 per event or $300,000 
for the life of the structure. Therefore, future damages saved were estimated to 
be $187,700, although the flooding during Allison would not have reached the 
structure. 



Graphic image of the Landon's home before elevation.
The Landon's home before elevation. 


Mrs. Landon explained that they applied for and received an HMGP grant to raise 
their home, 
which was accomplished in 1999. Although they had experienced 14 inches of 
floodwater in their home during one flood, the flood of 1983 had done the most 
damage when repairs and content replacement costs were in excess of $60,000. 


The Landons received HMGP funds in the amount of $82,725. Their 25 percent share 
was $27,573. 


Graphic image of the Landon's home after elevation.
The Landons added a beautiful faade to the front of their home at the 
conclusion of the 
elevation project. 


Graphic image of the rear of the Landon's home after elevation.
The rear of the home was left open allowing a view of the elevation method. 


"My husband, a veterinarian, had recently retired and we didn't need the extra 
expense, but raising our home has taken a real load off our minds. Although it 
was inconvenient to have 
to be out of our home during the major part of the construction, it was worth 
it! We are so relieved." 
Quote from Joyce Landon, Homeowner


 
Page 19 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Covington 


Mr. Hank Gamble's home at 919 Old Landing Road had received $510,000 worth of 
damages in four previous floods (1983, 1989, 1993, and 1995). The deepest the 
water had risen in his home was 5 feet. The home was valued at $300,000 and the 
cost to elevate it to the BFE of 13 feet was $95,000. The future damages were 
estimated at $200,000 per event or $4,000,000 for the life of the structure. 
Therefore, future damages saved were estimated to be $3, 905,000. The flooding 
from Allison would have been 2.8 feet and caused $81,593 in damages and 
displacement costs. 


Mr. and Mrs. John Robin's home at 8 Riverbend Lane had received $370,000 worth 
of damages in three previous floods (1983, 1993, and 1995). The deepest the 
water had risen in their home was 
4 feet. Their home was valued at $375,000 and the cost to elevate it to the BFE 
of 15 feet was $145,000. The future damages were estimated at $150,000 per event 
or $1,500,000 for the life of the structure. Therefore, future damages saved 
were estimated to be $1,355,000. The flooding 
from Allison would have been 0.1 foot and caused $50,234 in damages and 
displacement costs. 


Floodwaters and accompanying flood damage in the Robin's home had nearly become 
a way of life. 
In 1983, they had 3 feet of flood water in their home; in 1993, 3 to 4 inches; 
and in 1995, 
about 1 foot. Their home would surely be flood damaged whenever hurricanes or 
tropical storms struck Louisiana. 


HMGP funds, administered through the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness 
(LOEP), became available about 6 years ago for projects that included elevation, 
acquisition, structure relocation, and facility retrofitting. Under this 
program, the Robins' qualified and chose to take part in an elevation project. 
The federal government cost share was 75 percent and the Robins paid the 
remaining 25 percent. 


"When we learned about the grant program in 1995, we applied," said Mary Robin. 
"We received our grant in 1997 and began raising our home in 1998." 


"We are thrilled with the results. During the recent flood (June 2001), we had a 
foot of 
water under our home. Before raising our home, that water would have been 
inside! We were surrounded by water, but not flooded. Further, the construction 
was done very well and so our house also looks great," she said. 


"In the past, we were afraid of every storm, but now we feel safe. I don't know 
why more people don't take advantage of this grant program," Mary Robin 
concluded. Of the total project cost (approximately $143,000), the Robins paid 
approximately $37,730. 


Mrs. Marilyn Wensel's home at 1 Riverview Drive had received $68,000 worth of 
damages in two previous floods (1983 and 1995). The deepest the water had risen 
in her home was 2 feet. 
The home was valued at $125,000 and the cost to elevate it to the BFE of 13 feet 
was $65,000
. The future damages were estimated at $35,000 per event or $350,000 for the 
life of the structure. Therefore, future damages saved were estimated to be 
$285,000. The flooding from Allison would have been 1.7 feet and caused $23,761 
in damages and displacement costs. 


Mr. Philip Kitchen's home at 71 Bogue Falaya Drive had received $94,000 worth of 
damages in 
seven previous floods (1980, 1981, 1983, 1988, 1993, and 1995). The deepest the 
water had 
risen in his home was 5 feet. The home was valued at $200,000 and the cost to 
elevate it to 
the BFE of 13 feet was $60,000. The future damages were estimated at $20,000 per 
event or $400,000 



Page 20 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Covington 

 
for the life of the structure. Therefore, future damages saved were estimated to 
be $340,000. 
The flooding from Allison would have been 2.0 feet and caused $60,000 in damages 
and 
displacement costs. 


Mr. Charles Hurston's commercial structure at 626 East Gibson Street had 
received $65,000 
worth of damages in three previous floods. The deepest the water had risen in 
the structure 
was 2.5 feet. The building was valued at $75,000 and the cost to elevate it to 
the BFE of 18 
feet was $60,000. The future damages were estimated at $30,000 per event or 
$900,000 for the 
life of the structure. Therefore, future damages saved were estimated to be 
$820,000. 


"We have had almost a half dozen successful house-raising grant projects 
in Covington. Without exception, the homeowners have been very pleased 
with the results. In each case, the home owner has paid the 25% local 
share portion of the elevation costs." 
Quote from Jarme Martino, Manager of HMGP Grants for Covington. 



Page 21 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
CITY OF SLIDELL: ACQUISITIONS AND SECOND-STORY CONVERSION 


Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 9 
Population: 25,695 
Number of Repetitive Losses: 170 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison: 21.35 
Number of Insured Structures (reference footnote 1): 6,455 
Insurance in Force (reference footnote 1): $744,818,100 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $2,737,509 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 2,239 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $31,154,163 
Total Cost of Project(s): $460,000 
(Footnote 1) - As of December 31, 2000 


The City of Slidell is located approximately 30 miles north of New Orleans, 
Louisiana. Annual rainfall in Slidell, as in all of South Louisiana, exceeds 
that for most parts of the United States. Within the past 80 years there have 
been six storms in the Slidell area that have exceeded the "one hundred year" 
flood mark established by the U. S. National Weather Service. 


The Carollo Drive area experienced repetitive flooding through the 1980s and 
early 1990s. In April of 1995, homes had 6 inches of standing water. A month 
later these homes flooded again 
with up to 18 inches of water. 


The Carollo Drive area drainage problem was linked to undersized culverts and 
ditches and inadequate pump stations. To remedy this problem, the City 
determined that the four most repetitively flooded properties should be acquired 
and demolished. The vacant lots were then 
used to construct a retention pond that would drain to Carollo Drive when the 
water level 
would allow. The retention pond provides the capacity to contain heavy rainfall. 


Graphic image a retention pond.
Where four repetitive loss structures once stood, a retention pond was built to 
contain heavy 
rainfall. 


In addition to the retention pond, an interceptor ditch was constructed to 
divert surface 
runoff to an existing large pipeline that feeds into a nearby pump station. This 
ditch can quickly drain the surface runoff that created many of Carollo Drive's 
problems. 


Slidell applied through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to construct 
the retention pond and interceptor ditch and to acquire and demolish the four 
homes. The total project cost 
was $460,000. Of that, the City's share was 35 percent, or $161,000.



 
Page 22 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Slidell 


The success of this project can be measured by recent Tropical Storm Allison. 
Although the 
area received over 21 inches of rain, there was only one home on Carollo Drive 
that flooded. 
That home was located adjacent to the retention pond and is on the list to be 
acquired and demolished. 


The City of Slidell has now passed an ordinance that new homes built in the 
Carollo Drive area must be elevated above the BFE. This ordinance, along with 
the acquisition/ retention pond project, has significantly reduced the flooding 
problem in this area. 


Graphic image of a residential lot.
Residential lot being prepared for construction by the addition of fill 
material. 


Graphic image of a home.
A completed home, which was built above the BFE. 


Another innovative solution to repetitive flooding problems was first tested in 
Slidell. 
The process is described in FEMA's Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting and has been 
called a "second-story conversion." The second-story conversion process entails 
cutting the roof off 
the house, building a second story on top of the existing first story, placing 
the roof back on the house, and gutting the bottom floor. 


Graphic image of home undergoing construction.
An example of a second-story conversion 


Because of frequent flooding, Mr. Mike Kramer decided that he should elevate his 
living area.
Mr. Kramer, an experienced tradesman, drafted his own plans and did his own 
construction. 
Using FEMA funds, he built a second story and opened the first floor so that 
future floodwaters would not cause damage. 


Before his second story conversion project, Mr. Kramer had experienced three 
floods and incurred more than $45,000 in insured losses. Assuming Tropical Storm 
Allison would have caused no more than an average loss, the avoided damages of 
his mitigation project from Tropical Storm Allison exceeds $15,000. These 
savings will continue as flood damage is similarly avoided in the future. 


Palm Lake Subdivision had repeatedly flooded over the past 10 years due to 
wetland loss to the South. Many homeowners were interested in the second-story 
conversion and spoke with Mr. Kramer concerning his results. Mr. Kramer, in 
turn, offered to design and manage most of the jobs. 


To date, several homeowners have conducted second-story conversions with much 
success. Expanded use of this technique has been seen in St. Tammany Parish and 
will, most likely, be seen elsewhere. The cost of a second story conversion is 
comparable to an elevation.


 
Page 23
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
CITY OF MANDEVILLE: ELEVATIONS, ACQUISITIONS, AND ORDINANCES 



Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 9 
Population: 10,489 
Number of Repetitive Losses: 27 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison: 21.35 
Number of Insured Structures: 2,785 
Insurance In-Force (reference footnote 1): $438,347,000 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $1,142,609 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 365 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $3,346,484 
Total Cost of Project(s): $629,500 
(Footnote 1) - As of December 31, 2000 


The City of Mandeville is located in St. Tammany Parish on the north shore of 
Lake Pontchartrain. This area has many old homes and businesses that lend to the 
historic nature of the area. Approximately 80 percent of the City is mapped as 
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The 
outfall for all the streams in this parish is Lake Pontchartrain. The lake is 
subject to tidal influence as well as southerly winds that can cause flood 
waters to back up into the developed areas. The majority of flooding occurs when 
there is a strong southerly wind and intense 
rainfall over the land. When these two forces meet, the result is backwater 
flooding along all 
of the drainage arteries. 


A prosperous town on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Mandeville, 
Louisiana experienced 
two hurricanes and three major storms between the years 1991 and 2000. Hurricane 
Andrew, in 
1992, damaged primarily the older section of town. Following Hurricane Andrew, 
Mandeville obtained Federal funds to rebuild the lakeshore seawall. Major 
flooding occurred in Mandeville 
in 1993, 1994, and 1995, with flood waters exceeding 8 feet deep in many 
locations. In the 
Golden Glen community alone, 160 homes suffered damage. The City had over 
$300,000 in damages from a near miss by Hurricane Georges in the fall of 1998. 


Following the 1995 flood, the city developed a Master Plan to address any type 
of natural disaster. A survey of 3,800 residents was conducted to determine 
problem flood areas and 
identify vulnerable neighborhoods. Maps of these areas were used in development 
of a Capitol Project program. 


Actual estimates of property damage caused by the May flood to five badly 
flooded homes totaled $605,000. One residence, not included in this project, had 
already been elevated. Residents indicated that they also lost workdays from a 
minimum of 7 days to a maximum of 30 days due to the flood. Among all of these 
households, 183 work days were lost, totaling approximately 
$28,000 in lost wages and work productivity. All of these families were 
displaced from their home, but only two had to pay rent. Rental payments totaled 
$7,800 for these two families. 


Mandeville applied for and received funds through the Hazard Mitigation Grant 
Program (HMGP) in 1995 in the amount of $379,662. These funds were used, along 
with a local match of $126,555, to mitigate 



Page 24
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Mandeville 


the repetitive flood losses of the Golden Glen neighborhood. Golden Glen, a 119-
lot subdivision, was developed in the early 1970s. Approximately half of the 
subdivision is located within a 100-year or 500-year floodplain. The scope of 
this project included elevating three homes and acquiring and demolishing 
another home. 


Graphic image of an elevated home.
Home in Golden Glen that was elevated above the BFE. 


Mr. and Mrs. Keith Craik were the first to have their home elevated. Their 
4,500-square-
foot home at 110 Katherine Parkway had flooded twice, in April and May of 1995, 
and they 
suffered $78,000 in flood damages. During the May flood, they had 3 feet of 
water in the house. 


Ms. Craik said that elevating their home was the best decision they ever made. 
Since elevating their home, they have not flooded once. Because two previous 
floods caused $78,000 in flood damages (or an average loss of $39,000), it is 
estimated that Tropical Storm Allison would have caused approximately $39,000 in 
damages to the Craik home if they had not elevated it. Through their mitigation 
efforts, this $39,000 loss was avoided. 


In addition to acquisitions and elevations, the City has adopted planning 
guidelines that establish spacious lot sizes with landscape requirements which 
were enacted to preserve 
existing trees and vegetation and to replace trees lost through development. 
Low-rise, 
landscaped monument signs have been adopted to minimize visual clutter. 


One of Mandeville's newest subdivisions, the Sanctuary Subdivision, is located 
between 
Interstate 12 and Lake Pontchartrain. 

"Not only did the value of our home double, but so did our useable 
space. We really enjoy the area under our house. It made a nice 
place to park our cars. It's so nice not to have to worry about picking up 
the furniture when it rains hard." 
Quote from Mrs. Diane Craik, Homeowner 


As one drives along the West Causeway Approach, it could be easy to miss the 
stately homes in this subdivision if not for the impressive business office and 
guardhouse at the entrance. 


Unlike most boulevards leading into upscale developments, the Sanctuary's main 
street is 
heavily treed and blends in nicely with the surrounding landscape. 


Graphic image of subdivision entrance.
Entrance to the Sanctuary Subdivision. 


Mr. Joe Mistich, Public Works Director for Mandeville, explained that just about 
the time that this development was being planned nearly 4 years ago, the City 
changed 




Page 25
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Mandeville 


its land use ordinances limiting the amount of fill that could be placed in the 
floodplain.
 
When fill is added to the floodplain, it reduces the flood storage capacity of 
the area and 
thus causes the flood waters to rise faster. 


Several options exist to avoid using fill to raise the floor elevation of newly 
constructed homes. These include construction on pilings and perimeter 
foundation construction over crawlspaces. 


Mr. Mistich said that it is not the City's intention to dictate the style of 
foundations 
used by developers. They just want to make sure that the floodplain is left 
open. The 
developer of the Sanctuary opted to use perimeter foundations. 


The typical method of hauling in a "mountain" of dirt to raise the height of the 
floor on new construction above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) causes other 
problems too. In addition to reducing the capacity of the floodplain, it causes 
more trees to be removed. By removing the trees, the associated leaf litter is 
reduced, thereby decreasing soil quality and stability. 


"This development is an excellent example of how, with proper planning, people 
can live in harmony with nature. Allowing the floodplains to serve their natural 
purpose just makes good sense." 
Quote from Joe Mistich, Public Works Director


The City's fill ordinance only allows up to 24 inches of fill under the roof-
shed area of 
a house or driveway. If more than 24 inches is needed, the fill must be retained 
in a perimeter foundation or the structure must be placed on piers. 


As a result of this ordinance, the homes in the Sanctuary are elevated above the 
BFE in a manner that protects the floodplain and retains valuable trees. 


Mandeville's citizens have also found a way to help themselves. A group of 38 
volunteers formed the City of Mandeville Drain Team. The Drain Team assists the 
Department of Public Works by monitoring over 150 miles of drainage arteries in 
their neighborhoods. 


These citizens lend assistance through physical efforts by cleaning debris from 
the ditches and catch basins during wet and dry weather. Members receive yellow 
rain suits with the City of Mandeville insignia on them to help keep them dry 
while monitoring the drainage. 



Graphic image of man in rain coat.
Congressman Vittor receives honorary Drain Team uniform as he lends his support 
to the 
program. 



Monthly and quarterly meetings are held with these members and members of the 
City Staff for regular updates. 



 
Page 26
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Mandeville 



Graphic image of man leading a meeting.
Drain Team members discuss ways to keep the drains flowing. 


The meetings consist of a presentation given by Mr. Glenn Craddock, Assistant 
Superintendent of Streets and Drainage, and Mr. Roy Geoghegan, Field Inspector 
for the City. These presentations show "hot spots" in the neighborhoods in an 
attempt to educate the members as to how they can help in their Zones. The 
members are also kept abreast of all current and upcoming events and projects in 
which the City is participating. 


During Tropical Storm Allison, Beau Rivage Subdivision was flooding. When the 
Drain Team began checking the ditches, they discovered a child's ball stuck in a 
critical drainage culvert. Once removed, the water began to recede. Once again, 
the drainage team had come to the rescue. 


Graphic image of flooded area.
Beau Rivage Subdivision flooding before a ball was removed from a culvert by a 
Drain Team 
member allowing the water to flow 


"You just wouldn't believe what an impact this team has on keeping the water 
flowing during storms. Their biggest job is keeping the balls and garbage can 
lids out of the culverts." 
Quote from Mr. Glenn Craddock, Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Drainage 


CITY OF MANDEVILLE: DRY FLOODPROOFING 

Regardless of acquisition and elevation programs that may be available in a 
community, some structures will inevitably continue to be located in hazardous 
locations. There should be alternatives available to avoid damages from floods 
for homeowners who, for numerous reasons, 
may not be able to participate in such programs. In some cases, a structure may 
not be structurally sound enough to be elevated or, for a variety of reasons, 
the homeowners may not want to sell. Fortunately, there is an alternative. 


Dry floodproofing is a process that completely seals the exterior of a building 
to prevent the entry of floodwaters. Dry floodproofing involves sealing all 
openings below the flood level and relies on the walls of the structure to keep 
water out. Because the walls are exposed to flood waters and the pressures they 
exert, dry floodproofing is 



Page 27
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Mandeville 


practical only where flood depths are low (no more than 3 feet). 


NOTE: Dry floodproofing a residential structure will not bring a substantially 
damaged or improved structure into compliance with the NFIP. 


Floodproofing is also an excellent choice for historic buildings and for areas 
in which the 
capital investment in the existing urban infrastructure requires continued 
occupation 
of a hazardous location. In these situations, floodproofing can be 
indispensable. 


Such was the case with two restaurants located on the lakefront of Lake 
Pontchartrain. Bechac's and RIP's restaurants were both historic structures and 
the State Historic Preservation Office had strict guidelines on what could be 
done to 
the structures. 


Graphic image of Rip's restaurant.
RIP's after floodproofing. A brick veneer was used to cover the waterproof 
membrane. 


The main cause of flooding on these two structures was heavy rain occurring 
along with a strong southerly wind on the lake. The water from the lake would 
"push" up into the rivers and bayous and not let the rainwater drain. This would 
result in ponding in the floodplain areas. Both of the structures had received 6 
to 12 inches of floodwaters on numerous occasions due to this type of rain 
event. Bechac's was a priority for some type of mitigation because it was one of 
the targeted 107 highly repetitively flooded structures in Louisiana. 


RIP's, with an estimated value of $700,000, had a history of 11 flood claims 
totaling $94,055. RIP's was floodproofed using a waterproof membrane covered by 
bricks for a total project cost of $200,000. 


Bechac's, with an estimated value of $1.5 million, had a history of four flood 
claims totaling $35,175. Bechac's was floodproofed using a coating of a 
polyethylene material, which was painted to allow the structure to maintain its 
original appearance. The floodproofing was completed for a total project cost of 
$190,000. 


Graphic image of Bechac's restaurant.
Bechac's after floodproofing. After painting, the waterproof membrane could not 
even be seen. 


Since the floodproofing, both structures have avoided damages from at least two 
floods. When Tropical Storm Allison blew ashore, RIP's had approximately 1 foot 
of rising tide water outside its floodproofed doors, but the only water that got 
in was about an inch that blew in through a window and was mopped up. 


Another commercial structure that was successfully floodproofed in Mandeville is 
the Lake House, a guidance center for mentally handicapped adults, located just 
two blocks from the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

 
Page 28 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Mandeville  



Graphic image of commercial building.
The Lake House, a guidance center for mentally handicapped adults, was 
successfully 
floodproofed. 


This structure sat well below the crown of the road because the road was 
elevated after the building was built. As a result, all water drained into the 
building. It suffered flood damage 
in 1995 and 1998. The Lake House was floodproofed for a total project cost of 
$190,000. 

"After going through Tropical Storm Allison with no damage, I think I finally 
feel safe enough 
to take the file cabinets off the blocks we have kept them on for years." 
Quote from Ms. Sharon Miller, Lake House Director 

Mr. Vincent Laberto can sympathize with the Lake House. His home, located at 148 
Oakwood Drive, has flooded more times than he can count. 


In the flood of 1995, his home had 2 feet of water in it. On three other 
occasions after 1995, 
it received 5 inches of floodwater. Additionally, the enclosed garage on the 
front of the house has flooded on at least eight other occasions. And he has 
only lived in the house for 5 years! 


What was so frustrating to Mr. Laberto was that his house was the only house on 
his street 
that flooded. None of the homes around him received any water. His house is 
located on a street corner where all water drains to his home. 


"You know, 5 inches of rain in 2 or 3 hours is nothing here in south Louisiana. 
And that is all it would take for me to get 5 inches of water in the house." 
Quote from Vincent Laberto, Homeowner 


Mr. Laberto explained that he explored the possibility of elevating his home, 
but his 25 
percent share was approximately $20,000. This was not an option for him 
economically. Every 
time his home flooded, his claims to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
would total approximately $32,000. But, as he said, the hassle of moving out and 
cleaning up was just too much. He was looking for an economical alternative. He 
was thrilled when he learned about a floodproofing option. Mr. Laberto's home 
was floodproofed for a total project cost of $49,500. 


"We have flooded so much, we just can't seem to bring ourselves to take the 
flood doors and window barriers down. Mr. Dahlman said we could wait until the 
water starts to rise to put them up, but we leave all but the front door gate in 
place all the time. Now when it rains, all I 
have to do is get the flood door for the front entrance to the house and snap it 
in place. We 
are so relieved that we will never have to go through cleaning up a wet, 
stinking house again." 
Quote from Vincent Laberto, Homeowner 



Page 29
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
City of Mandeville 

 
During the feasibility assessment that was conducted to determine if it was cost 
effective to floodproof the home, the home flooded three more times. 


Mr. Laberto's house was one of the top 107 structures in the State of Louisiana 
that had 
been identified by FEMA as a priority to mitigate due to the repetitive losses. 


Graphic image of Mr. Laberto in front of his home.
Mr. Laberto demonstrates how easily he puts his front door gate into place. 


 
Page 33  
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
TERREBONNE READINESS & ASSISTANCE COALITION (TRAC): COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM 

Terrebonne Parish 

Hazard Mitigation Grant Recipient: Yes 
Community Rating System Rating: 9 
Population: 104,503 
Number of Repetitive Losses (unincorporated areas): 578 
Inches of Rain from T. S. Allison (3 days): 40.37 
Number of Insured Structures: 7,117 
Insurance In-Force (reference footnote 1): $640,198,400 
Annual Premiums Paid (reference footnote 1): $2,766,685 
Number of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): 4,422 
Amount of Claims Paid (reference footnote 1): $57,266,031 
Total Cost of Project(s): $1,000,000 
(Footnote 1) - As of December 31, 2000 


Terrebonne Parish is located 57 miles southwest of New Orleans and is the second 
largest Parish in Louisiana. It borders the Gulf of Mexico, and Lafourche, 
Assumption, and St. Mary Parishes. 
Despite its status as Louisiana's second largest parish, more than 90 percent of 
Terrebonne is wetlands or covered by open water (permanently or seasonally) -a 
true coastal wetlands environment. 


Traditional vocations in Terrebonne Parish are fishing, hunting, trapping, 
sugarcane farming, boat building, and more recently, oil and gas production and 
support activities. 


In the wake of Hurricane Andrew, which hit Louisiana in August 1992, thousands 
of South 
Louisiana residents were left with severely damaged homes  or no homes at all. 
The residents, especially those in Terrebonne Parish -needed help rebuilding 
their lives and preparing for future disasters. 


Peggy Case and Velma Watson, co-administrators of the Terrebonne Readiness and 
Assistance Coalition (TRAC), realized that to implement a successful disaster 
recovery effort, they would need to enlist the help of community organizations. 
To do so, they recruited 28 local community organizations, including emergency 
management associations, religious groups and hospitals, to serve as partners in 
their efforts. Together, TRAC and its partners focused on rebuilding the 
community and preparing residents for future emergencies. 


TRAC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist individuals, 
families, and 
communities to prepare for and recover from disasters through educational 
outreach 
activities provided in conjunction with a coalition of churches, governmental 
groups, 
and civic organizations. 


Traditionally, community-based and faith-based organizations such as TRAC 
dissipate after the long-term recovery issues have been achieved in a particular 
disaster-stricken community. 
What is remarkable about TRAC is that they have managed to fiscally keep their 
operations going for over 8 years. They continue to meet the unmet needs of the 
community's most vulnerable people. 


Just recently, after Tropical Storm Allison, TRAC was able to conduct an unmet 
needs meeting within days of the storm. Due to their year-around preparations 
and contacts, 26 people attended this meeting. In


 
Page 31 
SECTION 2 Mitigation Performance Analysis 
Terrebonne Parish 

 
addition, volunteer labor from local churches was immediately available. TRAC 
received 400 
boxes of groceries (each box fed a family of four for a week) and 300 clean-up 
kits within days of the disaster. 


In Louisiana, vulnerability is exhibited geographically, culturally, and 
economically. In the area served by TRAC, primarily coastal parishes, the 
coastline is eroding at a rate of 25 square miles every year. Many of the people 
in this area have language barriers and are poverty stricken. 


In 1993, TRAC launched the first annual Hurricane Disaster Preparedness 
Campaign. 


Graphic image of a sign.
TRAC uses various media to publicize their activities. Here, a billboard 
announces Hurricane Awareness Month 


In 1998, TRAC received a Hazard Mitigation Grant from the Hazard Mitigation 
Grant Program (HMGP) through the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness 
(LOEP) which allowed them to design autonomous yet simultaneous disaster 
preparedness campaigns in 12 southeast Louisiana parishes. The grant was for 
$750,000, while TRAC's in-kind match was $250,000. 


Using this grant, TRAC was able to conduct preparedness programs in local 
nursing homes, childcare centers, day camps, schools, Boy Scout troops, and 
church groups. In addition, they aired Public Service Announcements on the radio 
and prepared and distributed educational materials through various outlets. One 
of their most successfully distributed handouts is a 68-page National 
Preparedness Guide distributed through newspapers, hardware stores, and grocery 
stores. They have held numerous meetings with contractors and produced a video 
with local authorities. 


Corporate sponsors supported the production of printed materials to be 
distributed through 
their respective Offices of Emergency Preparedness. 


TRAC functions as the publisher, the media consultant, the producer, and 
fundraiser to see that these programs continue to grow in what we consider their 
early stages of development in now 12 southeast Louisiana parishes. That means 
that their disaster preparedness programs reach over 2 million out of the 4.6 
million residents living in the entire State. 


"By forming these types of committees, or coalitions, based upon a common goal, 
we hope it will guarantee continuation of this project beyond its original 
timeline and beyond the definition of public education." 
Quote from Peggy Case, Executive Director, TRAC 

Due to TRAC's various preparedness outreach programs, thousands of Terrebonne 
Parish residents have been exposed to hurricane preparedness messages through 
the widespread use of mass media 
and group presentations. 



Page 32 
SECTION 3 Determining Avoided Damages  A Summary 


The mitigation projects outlined in Section 2 were included because they were 
funded 75 percent 
by FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the properties were in the area 
affected by Tropical Storm Allison. To quantify the real savings of the HMGP 
mitigation programs, it is 
important to determine, after real events, what savings in fact accrued because 
of the HMGP project how an elevated house, a relocated building, or a 
floodproofed commercial structure 
was impacted less because of the project. Only when we compare real events to 
completed projects can we determine project effectiveness. 


A requirement of the HMGP regulations is that a benefit/ cost analysis must be 
performed for each project included in a grant application. The reason for this 
is to help the State of Louisiana 
set project priorities and to complete projects whose benefits exceed the 
project costs. The method used to determine avoided damages draws on much of the 
same information used in the 
benefit/ cost analysis, except actual flood depths and damages incurred for the 
real event are used to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measure in 
avoiding damages. 


For most of the specific projects included in this study, there were no flood 
elevations from Tropical Storm Allison available to use in determining avoided 
damages. To develop some level 
of confidence that the past projects were in fact beneficial in reducing 
damages, the project team: 

1. determined flood elevations for this tropical storm in a small neighborhood 
in Covington, Louisiana. This neighborhood was selected because the five 
properties were close together so 
they should have experienced nearly the same flood event from Allison. All five 
properties were on the same Flood Insurance Rate Map. There was substantial 
information available on 
these properties, such as value, elevation project cost, Base Flood Elevations 
(BFE) for each property, and the height to which each house was elevated. 
Surveyors also provided 
elevations of the original lowest floor (which was still visible) and the lowest 
adjacent grade. 

2. used anecdotal information from property owners about the depth of flooding 
and losses from past similar events before mitigation activities had been 
completed on their properties to determine the probable avoided damages from 
Tropical Storm Allison. This information was available from seven other 
communities, from which the team was able to assess 
avoided damages. 


Flooding from Allison at the properties analyzed for this report would have 
created water depths ranging from 1.2 feet (water would have been 1.2 feet 
below the original lowest floor, thus no 
flooding would have occurred) to +5 feet. Based on flood depth-damage history 
supplied by FEMA and the Federal Insurance Administration (FIA), calculated 
damages to these properties from Allison would have totaled over $7 million for 
building damage, content damage, and the cost of temporary housing for displaced 
residents. This one potential loss from approximately a 
20-year storm is more than twice the total mitigation costs for these projects. 


The following table shows the details of the avoided damages discussion above. 


Page 33
SECTION 3 Determining Avoided Damages  A Summary 
 
Property: 7 Riverbend Lane, Covington 
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 1.2 
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): 0
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $112,300 


Property: 8 Riverbend Lane, Covington
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 0.1 
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2):$50,234 
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3):$145,000

 
Property: 1 Riverview Drive, Covington
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 1.7 
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $23,761
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $65,000 
  

Property: 919 Old Landing Rd., Covington   
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 2.8
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $81,593
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $95,000


Property: 71 Bogue Falaya Dr., Covington    
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 2.0
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $41,945
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $60,000


Property: Mandeville - Craik    
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 1
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $39,000
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $87,000


Property: Slidell - Kramer   
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 1
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $15,000
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $80,000


Property: St. James  Margaret St.   
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 1
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $58,500
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $170,000 

 
Property: St. Charles  Ormond Pump    
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 1
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $7,150,000
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $2,192,520

 
Property:  Jefferson  4 properties    
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): N/ A
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $70,000
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $429, 000


Property: Ascension - Long   
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 4
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $7,000
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $10,000 


Property: East Baton Rouge  O'Reilly Auto Parts    
Depth of Flooding in feet (reference footnote 1): 5
Estimated Losses (reference footnote 2): $285,000
Mitigation Costs (reference footnote 3): $150,000
 

Total Estimated Losses: $7,822,033
Total Mitigation Costs: $3,595,820 


Footnote 1 - depth of flooding is the difference between the Tropical Storm 
Allison high water mark at or near the property and the top of the lowest floor 
of the pre-elevated house; elevations shown to only 1 significant digit are 
estimated from high water marks. 


Footnote 2 - losses include building damage, contents damage, and displacement 
costs caused by the flooding, and were determined from FIA depth-damage charts.

Footnote 3 - costs are in 1996 dollars used in the original benefit/cost 
analysis. 


Losses were determined by using percent losses for the given depth of flooding 
from the FIA depth-damage chart. This loss was multiplied by the replacement 
value of the house. The 
replacement value was obtained from the Marshall & Swift Residential Cost 
Handbook. This calculated loss was then compared with previous losses for 
similar depths of flooding to 
determine if the calculated loss was in line with experience. 


The calculation sheet that follows is from FEMA's benefit/cost computer program. 
The costs and avoided damages from this one 20-year event have been aggregated 
into a project total. If, 
as a whole, all of the projects have been elevated or protected such that they 
are 80% effective for a 100-year event, then the lower-bound project benefit/ 
cost ratio is greater than 1.00. In other words, for all of these projects, 
based on the limited data used in this analysis, the project benefits exceed the 
costs. 



Page 34 
SECTION 3 Determining Avoided Damages  A Summary 
Federal Emergency Management Agency Benefit-Cost Analysis of Hazard Mitigation 
Projects 
Riverine Flood: Very Limited Data Module Flood Mitigation Projects 
Version 5.2.2 December 31, 1998 

Graphic of computer screen print out

Project Description: HMTAP Task 103 Mitigation Performance Analysis -LA Analyst 
WLC 
Date: February 4,2002
Mitigation Project Cost: $3,595,820
Project Useful Lifetime (years): 30
Discount Rate: 7.00% 
Present Value Coefficient: 12.41 


Observed Damages At This Site in Declared Flood Event Are at Least: $7,822,033

Frequency of Declared Flood Event (years):  20

Mitigation Project 100% Effective to Flood Event (years): 80
  
Project Cost-Effective if Cost is Less Than: $3,639,897 


Project Benefit Cost Ratio is Greater Than: 1.01 
This is a Lower Bound Analysis. 


Projects with BCRs greater than 1.0 are cost effective. Projects with BCRs less 
than 1.0 
require further analysis and may be cost effective. 


Benefit-cost analysis is based on current data and is subject to revision if 
project costs 
or project design change significantly. 


FEMA Disclaimer: The results produced by this analysis are neither conclusive 
evidence that a proposed project is cost effective, nor a guarantee that a 
project is eligible for any 
government grant for whatever purpose.


 
Page 35
SECTION 4 Acknowledgements 

Brian Harmon, Director, Department of Public Works Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge 
Parish, LA 

Paul Allain, Manager, O'Reilly Auto Parts Baton Rouge, LA 

Diana Brooks, Homeowner Baton Rouge, LA 

James DeLaune, Mayor, City of Denham Springs Denham Springs, LA 

Charles "Chuck" Vincent, Building Official Denham Springs, LA 

Melanie Brumfield, Administrative Assistant Denham Springs, LA 

Evan Long, Homeowner Prairieville, LA 

Steven M. Fall, P. E. Director of Department of Public Works/ Wastewater St. 
Charles Parish, LA
 
Lawrence "Lee" Zeringue, Assistant Engineer, Department of Public Works St. 
Charles Parish 

Jody Chenier, Director of Operation St. James Parish, LA 

Mr. and Mrs. Leicester Landon, Homeowners Covington, LA 

Mr. and Mrs. John Robin, Homeowners Covington, LA 

Jarme Martino, Manager of HMGP Grants Covington, LA 

Martin Bruno, Planning Director Slidell, LA 

Joseph Mistich, Director, Department of Public Works Mandeville, LA 


 
Page 39 
SECTION 4 Acknowledgements 
 
Wayne Berggren, Building Inspector/ Floodplain Coordinator Mandeville, LA 

Mr. Glenn Craddock, Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Drainage Mandeville, 
LA 

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Laberto, Homeowner Mandeville, LA 

Mr. and Mrs. Keith Craik, Homeowner Mandeville, LA 

Peggy Case, Co-administrator, TRAC Terrebonne Parish, LA 

Velma Watson, Co-administrator, TRAC Terrebonne Parish, LA 

Aegis Innovative Solutions, LLC Baton Rouge, LA 



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