Background/Discussion
The City of Council Bluffs owns or sponsors multiple levee segments which encompass the City Federal Levee System, providing flood protection from the Missouri River, Mosquito Creek, and Indian Creek. These levee systems are currently shown on FEMA floodplain maps as being accredited and are identified as providing protection from the 100-year flood or 1% annual chance flood event.
In order to maintain the level of protection identified on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, it is necessary to provide documentation to FEMA that complies with the requirements of 44 CFR 65.10. If the levees are not certified, they will be de-accredited and FEMA will begin the process of updating maps. Areas previously protected by the levees will be identified as flood-prone.
In order to meet the criteria for levee certification, improvements to each of the levee systems will be necessary. The purpose of the Geotechnical MR_3 project is to resolve levee seepage and stability deficiencies. The project improvements extend beyond the existing levee easement and require the acquisition of additional lands.
In discussions with Council Bluffs Water Works, it was determined that it would be mutually beneficial to swap lands. CBWW has a desire to expand their well fields and the City desires to expand the levee footprint. The Real Estate Exchange Agreement documents the exchange in real estate.
The property owned by the City, to be transferred to CBWW was acquired using FEMA funding as part of a flood buyout program. The land is subject to certain restrictions which shall remain in effect with the deed transfer. FEMA is in agreement with the transfer.