|
Title:
|
Approval of a Recommendation to Refrain from Pursuing FEMA Levee Accreditation at this Time.
|
Title
Approval of a Recommendation to Refrain from Pursuing FEMA Levee Accreditation at this Time.
Recommended Action
Move to recommend that Members of the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative refrain from pursuing FEMA Levee accreditation at this time.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recommend that Members of the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative refrain from pursuing FEMA Levee accreditation at this time
Staff Contact:
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, City Manager's Office, Climate Program, 360.570.5828
Presenter(s):
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Plan identified "Understanding the Implications of FEMA Accreditation" as a near-term informational adaptation strategy. On page 102 of the SLRP, it states: "In its flood hazard and risk mapping, FEMA only recognizes those flood protection systems that meet, and continue to meet, minimum design, operation, and maintenance standards that are consistent with federal requirements and local floodplain management ordinances. The implications of achieving FEMA accreditation, including cost, freeboard criteria, flood gate criteria, drainage, foundation requirements, and maintenance requirements, need to be understood and evaluated."
During the June 6, 2025 Olympia Sea Level Rise Collaborative Executive Committee Meeting, the Technical Workgroup provided background information and analysis of anticipated costs, benefits and impacts of pursuing FEMA accreditation for sea level rise adaptation measures.
The primary benefit of FEMA levee accreditation is reduced flood insurance costs for property owners within the affected Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). However, accreditation is a time and cost-intensive process, which requires ongoing management and certification to maintain the accreditation over time.
The cost and effort of pursuing FEMA accreditation - particularly at this stage - may not be justified given the limited number of properties that would benefit. Instead, staff recommend prioritizing resources toward the actual construction and enhancement of flood protection infrastructure, which would benefit a larger number of properties, infrastructure, and community members. The focus should be on building the physical protection needed to address sea level rise, with FEMA accreditation potentially pursued in the future once infrastructure is in place. Accreditation status does not affect the level or quality of flood mitigation that the Collaborative will implement.
More information on key considerations for accreditation can be found in the attached FEMA Levee Accreditation Memo.
Climate Analysis:
This item is not expected to impact climate mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While FEMA accreditation may reduce flood insurance costs for affected property owners, it does not affect the level or quality of flood mitigation strategies that may be implemented.
Equity Analysis:
It is likely that the SLR Collaborative partners would be responsible for all costs associated with pursuing and maintaining FEMA accreditation. However, the accreditation benefits would be limited to a small number of properties currently within the FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas in downtown Olympia.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is considerable community interest in sea level rise planning and implementation of flood protection measures in downtown Olympia.
Options:
1. Move to recommend that Members of the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative refrain from pursuing FEMA Levee accreditation at this time. The Members may pursue accreditation later.
2. Move to recommend that Members of the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative begin the process of seeking FEMA Levee accreditation for planned adaptation measures as soon as possible.
3. Move to recommend that Members of the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative further evaluate the benefits, costs, and implications of FEMA Levee accreditation.
Financial Impact:
While the exact costs are unknown, pursuing FEMA levee accreditation is anticipated to be a time and cost-intensive process, involving significant staff time and investment to achieve and maintain accreditation.
Attachments:
FEMA Levee Accreditation Memo