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 ...
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