The project is located in the West Atlantic City portion of Egg Harbor Township and consisted of dune stabilization in three sections of shoreline along the north shore of Lakes Bay. Lakes Bay opens into the Atlantic Ocean via Great Egg Harbor Inlet and is thus vulnerable to tidal forces, particularly the extremes associated with hurricanes and other severe storms.

Prior to this project, the natural dunes along the shore of Lakes Bay were often breached by major storms, tidal surges, or high tides with a full moon. The result was that Bay waters not only inundated the adjacent residential and commercial properties along Black Horse Pike, but often flooded the highway itself, forcing it to close. This sometimes rendered it unusable as an emergency evacuation route in the event that Atlantic City would have to be evacuated. This put additional pressure on the other two coastal evacuation routes, the Atlantic City Expressway and the White Horse Pike.

Another result of coastal storms was that major amounts of sand, formerly part of the dunes and beach along the adjacent road (Bay Drive), would be left behind on the roadway itself. This meant large amounts of residual sand had to be moved back onto the breached dunes and beach by Township staff and equipment.

Working closely with FEMA and the State of New Jersey, Egg Harbor officials proposed and designed a dune stabilization project that would integrate gabion baskets into the rebuilt dune. The finished project was designed to provide a protective barrier that would be more flexible, absorbent and stable under storm conditions than the original proposed rigid bulkhead. This approach to solving the ongoing and recurring problem was reviewed and approved.

Funding became available through a financing package that included participation from FEMA, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and Egg Harbor Township. The total final cost for the project was $660,000. FEMA and NJDEP combined to provide 72 percent of the project cost and Egg Harbor Township provided 28 percent.

By the time project bids were awarded, budgetary limitations on available project funds made it impossible for the Township to complete the entire 4,000-foot dune stabilization project in one phase. Based on the anticipated costs for this project, it was determined that the Township had enough funding available to properly support and construct 2,000 linear feet, or roughly half of the originally proposed dune project.

Based on prior storm experience, the project was reduced in scope during the first phase to encompass the most vulnerable sections of the dunes. The decision to reduce the scope of the project meant deferring completion of the remaining shoreline until additional funding needed could be secured.

Completion of the project was accomplished in mid-June 2011, just 2 months before Hurricane Irene roared up the coast of New Jersey. In spite of the storms visit, the newly-stabilized dunes withstood the onslaught. The adjacent residential and commercial properties experienced minimal flooding.

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Carneys Point Township, located in Salem County, New Jersey, is situated along the eastern shore of the Delaware River opposite Wilmington, Delaware. In the past, the residential areas and infrastructure were frequently subjected to local flooding following heavy rains that caused extensive property damage.

The original Plant Road pumping station was built in the 1970s. As time went by, the community began experiencing an increase in flooding of its residential areas due to new development in the area coupled with the age, condition, and limited capacity of the older, existing pumping station. In 2003, Township officials embarked on a new program as a means of mitigating the more frequent flooding events. The new program included renovating and upgrading the original pumping station and adding a new stormwater pumping station. These improvements would further protect residential properties and adjacent community infrastructure. Township officials recognized the need and urgency of this project to safeguard the community before a flooding disaster occurred.

Mr. Gene Gilbert, the Carneys Point Township Director of Public Works, was in charge during storm events following the pump stations upgrade and expansion projects. His responsibilities include oversight of pumping station operations. His vision of what could happen in the way of floods, and what could be done to mitigate such potential events, provided much of the impetus for the pump station project.

The first major test of the new system came in August 2008. A sudden 9-inch rainfall inundated Salem County, including Carneys Point. Damages from the devastating storm totaled more than 2 million dollars in Salem County alone. Substantial local flooding ensued and threatened community housing areas and roads. The pumps performed as envisioned and designed. Community streets became relatively dry within 4 hours after the storm, thus avoiding major flooding throughout the area. Enlightened mitigation planning prior to the storm saved the community untold amounts of damages to private dwellings and public infrastructure.

The next major test occurred in August 2011. As Hurricane Irene swept up the east coast of the United States, leaving devastation in its wake, it delivered heavy rains and river flooding to most of New Jersey. The Delaware River was expected to crest at 15 feet during this event. Local officials were concerned that the river would overflow its banks. Officials ordered an evacuation of residential areas.

Mr. Gilbert is also interested in any funding that could be available to help his community reach its goals. The fact that this potential mitigation project is included as a specific activity in the recently-approved Salem County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is evidence of how important this project is to the communitys preparedness. Carneys Points full participation in the Countys Hazard Mitigation planning process further attests to the communitys determination to mitigate against future natural hazards.

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The rural landscape along Loyalsock Creek, near Montoursville, Pennsylvania, is usually a place of peace and striking beauty. With its swimming holes and views of a historic stone barn, corn fields, and forested hills, families settle here and stay. Nature can be challenging, however, when heavy and sustained rain turns the creek into a destructive and dangerous force. In September 2011, the downpour from Tropical Storm Lee set a new standard for devastation in the neighborhood.

Bret and Amy Snyder and their young son are among the handful of residents who have learned, by hard experience, how to live with the threat of flash flooding. Their stories include the 2004 Hurricane Ivan storm that caused the creek to overflow its banks and flow into nearby homes. Twenty-two inches of muddy water in the Snyder home destroyed irreplaceable family photos, treasured musical instruments, etc., leaving a moldy mess.

After enduring months of cleanup and repair, the Snyders promised themselves, Never again! Fortunately, Bret explained, my National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy did more than help with repair expenses. Because my home had been severely damaged, the policy included an additional $30,000 Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) benefit to help us get the house elevated.

Updated local building codes require the lowest floor to be 2 feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), which is a carefully calculated estimate of a 1-percent annual chance flood height. Bret had an even better idea: I didnt want giant bobbing logs to come through my floor, so I designed the supports to provide for 2 additional feet above the minimum requirement. Now, at 12 feet off the ground, were safe. And we can see that beautiful barn from our deck. The air is better up here, too.

The Snyders achieved their margin of safety with extra height, installation of a steel beam framework under the house, enormous reinforced concrete pillars, and very solid connections. Bret kept the budget under control by doing much of the work himself. The wisdom of what some people called his overbuilding approach became evident when the recent flood uprooted huge trees, destroyed neighboring homes, eliminated roads, and gouged new channels. Through it all, the Snyder home was high and dry, and the well-constructed staircases came through with minimal damage. Bret smiled when he mentioned one more fact about his mitigation investment: Since we lifted the house our flood insurance premiums fell from nearly $700 to about $180 per year.

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“Hazard Mitigation” might be an inelegant term, but it works. Just ask the folks at Binghamton’s Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

A floodwall, built with hazard mitigation funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and New York State, protected this vital property from floodwaters that devastated other parts of the city, even as rising water from the Susquehanna River engulfed the hospital’s parking lot during Tropical Storm Lee. City officials estimated that as many as 2,000 buildings suffered flood damage from the storm.

When the Susquehanna River flooded in June 2006, the hospital suffered more than $20 million in losses. Floodwater breached an earthen dam, flooding the facility, and critical operations were shut down for 2 weeks. Patients were evacuated and relocated to two other area hospitals. Between 16 to 20 inches of contaminated floodwater covered the hospital’s entire ground floor, and the power plant and many essential components (e.g.,emergency generators, fuel tanks, and water supply) sustained severe damage.

After the June 2006 flood, the hospital could not be relocated from the floodplain. Damage was repaired and a floodwall, deemed the most cost-effective and reasonable solution, was built over a 5-year period at a cost of approximately $7 million. It was completed in June 2011.

The reinforced concrete floodwall extends 1,365 feet around the hospital between the parking lots and main rear entrance, and reaches heights of 14 feet. It has 10 control gates, which can be operated electronically or manually and accommodates both vehicle and foot traffic.

During Tropical Storm Lee, the hospital staff implemented its emergency plan and had time to manually close all 10 gates. The hospital operated at full capacity during and after the storm. Patients were not evacuated, although there was a contingency plan to do so in an emergency. Only elective surgeries were cancelled and a few services shut down.

The hospital, located in the picturesque city of Binghamton with a population of 47,376, and surrounded by rolling hills and rives, averted major storm damage thanks to hazard mitigation and its floodwall.

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This project involved retrofitting the elementary school building in the City of Lambertville, NJ, following Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The school structures include a 1-story brick classroom building and an attached “multi-purpose” building used as a gymnasium, cafeteria, and assembly area.

In 1999, with Hurricane Floyd in the weather forecast, staff and students followed the drill with sand bags and elevation, but the school was overwhelmed by the heavy rain delivered by the storm. Water depths within the school reached 24 inches as floodwaters poured into the school building through doors, windows, and heating vents. Teaching materials, books, equipment, cafeteria appliances, furniture, and photographs were destroyed.

The results of the event, in terms of both dollar cost and emotional impact, was dramatic. The insurance settlement alone was $1,000,000 (1999 dollars). Teachers and children were in tears and children were out of school for 5 days.

The first real test of the mitigation measures came in August of 2011 when Hurricane Irene slammed into New Jersey, bringing soaking rains and high winds across an already over-saturated ground.With recently installed drainage systems in place for nearby Ely Creek, plus waterproof and reinforced doors and windows, and raised heating units, coupled with overwhelming volunteer support, Lambertville’s preparation overcame previous fears.

Recently installed drainage systems for Ely Creek, plus waterproof and reinforced doors and windows, and raised heating units, coupled with overwhelming volunteer support, helped prevent damage to the school. Irene’s flash-flooding brought over 18 inches of street level flooding, but the floodwaters were unable to penetrate Lambertville’s Public School. The only water that managed to penetrate the building was a few small wet spots in one corner that were easily cleaned up by a custodian using a mop. Financial and emotional costs as a result of the storm and flooding were totally avoided.

Lambertville’s experience in mitigating a real threat to a facility critical to their identity, and working together as a community, sets an example for many other communities around the country that find themselves in similar circumstances. The community has demonstrated that recognizing the hazard, formulating a plan and persistently pursuing the assistance offered by FEMA can bring about increased safety and security for people and protect facilities vulnerable to natural and man-made hazards. The modest investment of $215,000 to mitigate a natural hazard threat yielded estimated avoided costs in excess of $1,000,000.

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William Marker owns and occupies a private dwelling situated in a low-lying area of Burlington County in the Township of Lumberton, New Jersey, on the South Branch of Rancocas Creek. A severe storm that struck central New Jersey in the summer of 2004 completely flooded his home, devastating the home and personal belongings.

Mr. Marker, using his own personal monetary resources, decided that he would proceed to elevate his home to avoid a recurrence of the experience. He has successfully completed his structural elevation project and recently survived a significant storm that severely tested the effectiveness of his project.

The Marker home and neighboring houses along the South Branch of Rancocas Creek are vulnerable to frequent flooding events. Heavy rains from passing storms contribute to the vulnerability. The home is a single-family dwelling of wood construction built on a concrete block foundation. The original structure on the site was built as a summer home in the 1950s or possibly earlier. The neighboring residential community consists of several other similar homes. All the homes are located very close to the Creek’s edge on a private non-Township road.

The event that precipitated Mr. Marker’s mitigation measures was a Presidential-declared disaster following a severe storm that hit New Jersey in July 2004. The ensuing floodwaters reached about 3 feet high in the main portion of the living area within the home. Mr. Marker stated that a searing memory for him, among many others of that event, was when he found “my refrigerator floating on its back across my kitchen.” After the flood, virtually all of the contents of his home were destroyed.

In early 2007, after assessing his situation and his options following the 2004 storm, Mr. Marker embarked on a committed effort to elevate his home to mitigate against the effects of future flood events.

His plan was to raise the home an additional 3 feet above the high water mark that had occurred in his home in the 2004 storm. His goal was to conform to, if not exceed, FEMA guidelines as outlined in FEMA’s Technical Bulletin 1-93 Openings in Foundation Walls. His standard was to elevate at least 2 feet above what was required under local ordinances. FEMA 1-93 has been replaced with FEMA Technical Bulletin 1 (August 2008), Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures. http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1579.

Elevation of the structure began in October 2007 and was completed shortly after. There have been several flooding situations in the area since completion of the elevation project and he has not suffered another loss.

The wisdom of his commitment and his tenacity in seeing the elevation project to completion paid big dividends in August 2011 when Hurricane Irene delivered torrential rains to New Jersey. Very quickly, the South Branch of Rancocas Creek was well outside and above its banks. In spite of 1.5 feet of floodwater in the vacant space below his elevated home, he suffered no significant damage.

Mr. Marker is not the only one pleased with the outcome of his mitigation measures. The neighbors intend to follow Mr. Marker’s lead by elevating their own homes.

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In 1997, following a history of floods that affected Belhaven elementary and junior high schools in Beaufort County, North Carolina, the Board of Education was faced with relocating these schools. An air quality survey confirmed that the two buildings housed airborne contaminants that posed a threat of respiratory problems to anyone entering the buildings. Given their location within the floodplain and the frequency of flooding, efforts to disinfect the buildings had been unsuccessful. County officials began the process of finding an alternative to the now condemned buildings.

The Beaufort County Board of Education applied for FEMA assistance and was encouraged to learn from FEMA officials that new buildings could be funded through a combination of Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds. FEMA would pay 75 percent of the cost, leaving 25 percent to Beaufort County’s responsibility. To qualify for FEMA assistance, Beaufort County would be required to demolish the existing schools and then relocate and rebuild on higher ground.

After 4 years of temporary housing, Belhavens elementary and junior high schools merged with Beaufort County Elementary School located in Pantego and began the 2001 school year in the newly completed Northeast Elementary School located in Pinetown, NC.

As Hurricane Irene bore down on the North Carolina coast in August 2011, it became apparent Beaufort County would likely be hit on the north side and then the wind would shift to strike the south. By 6 a.m. on Saturday, August 27th, power in the area was lost. Superintendent Dan Phipps ventured out to investigate potential damage to the other schools. While four other schools suffered substantial damage, to his relief Northeast Elementary had no apparent damage. There was no standing water, no missing siding, and no roof or window damage. Inside, the rooms had no power, but otherwise were dry and intact.

Expressing his gratitude for FEMAs assistance, Phipps said: FEMA folks have been wonderful. Mitigation, I think, is a wonderful thing to look at, where youve come from and what you want to do down the road so you dont have repeat problems, and this is a great example of that.

Phipps said he has learned that planning is important. You dont want to cry wolf and do a lot of false alarms, but you have to anticipate that every crisis is a potential disaster. You get yourself prepared for the worst case scenario. Then if it turns out not to be that bad, everyone goes home early and theyre glad they have a weekend free. But, if its like it was this time, were glad we prepared the way we did.

Unlike years past when storms flooded the Belhaven schools, this time, with the combined efforts of the community and FEMA, Belhaven students were able to continue their 2011-2012 school year without significant interruption. In addition, the land on which the Belhaven schools once sat has been transformed into a ballpark and Farmers Market for use by Belhavens citizens.

Were grateful, said Phipps speaking of the new school, I dont know if the building would have been here had it not been for the help we got from FEMA.

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Hurricane Fran overwhelmed much of eastern North Carolina with nearly 100 mph wind gusts and 8 to 10 inches of rain when it devastated the state in 1996. The storm caused an estimated $5 billion in damage in NC alone. River Bend, a town in Craven County, experienced massive flood damage so the town officials applied for Federal assistance for a project to relieve the town from future flooding.

Fran was a wake-up call for our town, said River Bend Mayor John R. Kirkland.

River Bend town officials applied to the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) for funds from FEMAs Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to assist with the project costs. River Bends stormwater system totaled $519,709 and FEMA funded $392,501, leaving the remaining $127,208 to the state. Under HMGP, eligible states and local governments can apply and be awarded grants for up to 75 percent of total project cost to complete mitigation measures following major disaster declarations.

River Bends project consisted of improving the towns existing stormwater management system. The improvements increased the capacity of the piping system and additional pipes were placed at each site as well, allowing more volume for the stormwater to flow through the town and not back up on properties. Five locations in the town have piping improvements and the residents in these areas will have less risk of flooding during future storms. Two sets of floodgates were installed and two detention ponds to catch the water as it flows through the area. The town also elevated a main road by 2 feet so that the piping could be increased.

Hurricane Irene brought considerable rain to the U.S. in 2011 and eastern NC was once again drenched with massive downpours and strong winds. This time River Bend was prepared for the flooding. The town officials were able to open the floodgates and allow the water to flow as it rushed through the town. The residents who live in the flood-prone areas parked their vehicles on higher ground and the project was a success.

The homes in the low-lying areas of River Bend that are elevated above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and have a 2-foot freeboard did not flood during these storms. BFE is the computed height to which floodwaters are anticipated to rise during a flood. Although not required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), freeboard is a safety factor used to express (in feet) a level of elevation above the BFE. Some communities adopt a requirement of freeboard for its residents in the high-risk areas in their Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Nearly 8 years ago, River Bend adopted a 2-foot freeboard requirement to ensure the homes do not flood. Freeboard often results in lower premiums for NFIP policyholders since every foot above the BFE lowers a structures flood risk.

The town council will now focus on public education of stormwater management and alleviate a few identified minor problems. The council is now committed to spend $30,000 a year of the towns funds to do small mitigation measures that will fix those minor problems. In fiscal year 2012, the town anticipates creating stormwater management systems to fix another drainage problem.

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An April 2007 spring noreaster brought severe storms and subsequent inland and coastal flooding to 12 of the 21 counties of New Jersey. Noreen Sweeney, a retired U.S. Navy veteran and high school history teacher, had owned her home for only 10 months when the storm hit.

Flooding came quickly to the community Township of Rochelle Park in Bergen County, New Jersey . The evening before the storm, her home seemed high and dry. When Ms. Sweeneys dog Storm excitedly awoke her early the next morning, she stepped out of bed and found herself standing in hip-deep floodwater. The home, a one-story, slab-on-grade structure was completely flooded.

Ms. Sweeney was not the only resident inundated with floodwater and sewage backup. Several blocks in her neighborhood were inundated with 4-5 feet of contaminated, debris-filled water. As a result of this experience, she was determined to change her situation in order to mitigate any future recurrence. By utilizing a combination of Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage, her National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance settlement, a low interest Small Business (SBA) loan, and other available FEMA resources, she was able to elevate her home and replace many personal items that had been destroyed in the flood.

Ms. Sweeneys home was elevated from a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) of 43 feet to an elevation of 48 feet,7 inches above sea level. She insisted that the new elevation exceed the legally required height, a decision that would prove to be a wise one. The original slab remained as the new foundation for eight courses of cinder blocks complete with the required flood openings. An additional 18 inches of subfloor was installed, with the original house sitting securely on top.

Although located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), alongside New Jerseys Saddle River, her decision to elevate paid big dividends during and after the arrival of Hurricane Irene in August 2011. While floodwaters invaded several of her neighbors homes, she remained secure from the rising waters caused by Hurricane Irene.

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The Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMAs) Hazard Mitigation (HM) staff recently reached out to students, teachers, and the administrator of Shenendehowa High School’s Construction Systems Technology Program, located in Clifton Park, New York, to introduce practices for building safer and stronger.

For the past 20 years, the Construction Systems Technology Program has been teaching students building techniques for strong construction. A house being built this year will be retrofitted using FEMAs best practices mitigation building techniques. Among these practices are strengthening framing connections and upgrading roofing materials. Shenendehowa High School also applied for a State Farm grant to improve the design and make it stronger and safer for homeowners.

The students are also incorporating features to strengthen the house’s doors and windows to make the building structure more resistant to wind and water damage. Each year students build an entire house from the ground up. They prepare the site, create the foundation, frame the house, put up sheetrock, install most of the wiring, and initiate plumbing work. The house is built in two sections so it can be moved to the home buyer’s site.

Each completed modular home is approximately 1,200 square feet, 44 feet long, and 28 feet wide, and undergoes an inspection process. The cost of each three-bedroom, two-bath home is approximately $27,000. There are no cabinets or sinks, the wiring has to be attached, and the plumbing has to be connected to a water supply.

A bidding process is conducted annually for the completed home and the highest bidder wins. The homes are sold to offset the cost of materials, which are initially covered by the schools Technology Club. The school district pays the salaries of the teachers and provides tools and equipment. The homes are usually sold before they are completed and the potential homeowner sometimes makes minor adjustments, without affecting the design and construction integrity.

The students gain hands-on home construction experience when they learn how to build strong homes using mitigation techniques with roofing, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry methods that meet Uniform Building Code requirements.

Ken McDermith, Shenendehowa’s Academic Administrator for Construction Systems Technology said “We are delighted that FEMA techniques will enhance our students’ experience of learning to build safer and stronger.” Joe De Rubertis, a Construction Systems Technology teacher, agrees.

The Construction Systems Technology Program is one of three technological programs found only in Project Lead the Way accredited schools. Started in Clifton Park, Project Lead the Way is a non-profit organization, established in 1997 to address the shortage of domestic engineers. It has evolved into a network of schools with more than 4,500 programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 4 countries.

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