Subject:
Title
Annual update to the Pinellas County’s Community Rating System program for Public Information and Pinellas County’s Local Mitigation Strategy.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Receive and file the annual report to the Floodplain Management program for Public Information (PPI) and the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS).
• The PPI is a comprehensive approach to flood hazard outreach and its purpose is to, improve communication to citizens regarding critical aspects such as, flood hazards, flood safety, flood insurance, and protection of natural floodplains, in a systematic step-by-step manner.
• The LMS is a countywide hazard mitigation plan. It also serves as the County’s and many municipalities’ Floodplain Management Plan. This plan must be in accordance with the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. Maintaining this plan, helps us meet the eligibility for Federal hazard mitigation grants.
• Both the PPI and LMS are developed through a multi-agency effort.
• Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) requires the adoption of a Floodplain Management Plan.
• Submittal of the PPI and LMS annual updates to the Board are required as part of the County’s participation in the CRS.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to create and enhance a safe, secure, and healthy community.
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets.
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources.
3.5 Foster a sustainable and resilient community that is prepared for sea level rise and a changing climate.
Deliver First-Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach.
Summary:
Summary
The PPI is a step-by-step coordinated approach to flood hazard outreach. The County’s purpose in developing this plan is to improve communication with citizens, and to provide information about flood hazards, flood safety, flood insurance, and ways to protect property and floodplain functions to those who can benefit from it.
The LMS is a countywide hazard mitigation plan that includes the County and participating municipalities, as well as several agencies and non-governmental stakeholders. LMS is a plan developed to reduce and/or eliminate the risks associated with natural and man-made hazards. These plans must be in accordance with the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. Without an approved LMS, the County would be unable to apply for various Federal hazard mitigation grants. The current LMS also serves as the County’s and many municipalities’ Floodplain Management Plan. Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System requires the adoption of a Floodplain Management Plan.
Submittal of the PPI and LMS annual updates to the Board are required as part of the County’s participation in the CRS which results in almost $8 million savings per year to residents, in the unincorporated area who purchase flood insurance through the NFIP.
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Background Information:
N/A.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works.
Partners:
Pinellas County LMS Working Group
CRS PPI members of participating municipalities, various governmental agencies, local non-profits, universities, and neighborhood associations as well as real estate, insurance, and mortgage industry stakeholders.
Attachments:
LMS Annual Update Report