NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM FY 2004 BUSINESS PLAN

NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I. Introduction This business plan, prepared by the State of New York for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), describes how the New York State Floodplain Mapping Program (NYSFMP), overseen by the DOW at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will support FEMA s Multi-Hazard Flood Map Modernization (MHFMMP) over the next 5 years. The plan shows what the NYSFMP will achieve, and how it will support FEMA s objectives and Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) performance measures. New York State envisions incrementally transitioning responsibilities for program administration, management, and map production from FEMA to the NYSFMP. This transition will be accomplished by building on the program s in-place processes and capacity to expand hazard data development and Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) production to complete the initial statewide remapping of the State. Finally the plan addresses the start of the maintenance phase of the program. New York strongly believes that stewardship of the Map Modernization effort should be placed in the state s hands, for 3 primary reasons: The State is in the best position to assess hazard mapping needs for the State; The State has been successful and is uniquely positioned to develop partnerships between and among Federal agencies, State agencies, and local communities; and The State has in-place the experience and procedures to easily expand its capacity and to include capabilities for DFIRM production and program management. In April 2000, FEMA and NYSDEC signed a Memorandum of Agreement, establishing New York State as a full flood hazard mapping partner in the development and dissemination of flood data. New York s efforts have pushed the envelope of flood mapping, utilizing the latest technologies in automated Hydrology and Hydraulics and remote sensing applications. NYSDEC was the first partner to explore the use of laser altimeter technology, a.k.a. LiDAR, in developing elevation models, and paved the way for using LiDAR in flood hazard mapping across the nation. New flood hazard data produced by the NYSFMP are being developed as interactive, multi-hazard digital maps. Linkages are built into the mapping database that allow access to engineering backup material, such as hydrologic and hydraulic models, flood profiles, data tables, digital elevation models, and structure-specific data, such as digital elevation certificates and even digital photographs of bridges and culverts. The database also has links supporting a wide variety of existing and visionary water resource and environmental applications, including low flow hydrology which can be used for development of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of a pollutant burden in water bodies and for drought management. Innovation has been the hallmark of the NYSFMP. We are eager to build on our successes to deliver premier, accurate, and seamless flood hazard data for all New Yorkers. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page i

The Congress has recognized NYSDEC s initiative by providing over $5 million in direct funding for development of DFIRM capabilities and mapping. New York State is a national leader in the development of Map Modernization technologies and products. II. Vision for Supporting Multi-Hazard Flood Map Modernization The State s vision is for FEMA to entrust the fundamental components of Map Modernization in New York to the NYSFMP over the next 5 years. Specifically, NYSFMP s vision is that full responsibility for production and maintenance of the DFIRMs, all DFIRM data, and all aspects of floodplain mapping to be delegated to the NYSFMP. The program s objective is for complete wall-to-wall statewide mapping to be finished by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 and for map maintenance to begin in FY 2007. To accomplish these objectives, we recommend the following activities: Hire a qualified and experienced program manager to oversee project scope, schedule and budget and contracting management; Qualification and selection of, at a minimum, 3 Flood Hazard Mapping Contractors (LiDAR, survey, H/H analyses, DFIRM production, post-preliminary processing, LOMC review capabilities) by Fall 2004; and Create and convene the New York State Flood Map Advisory Committee to: o Update the statewide priority list; o Seek additional local partners to either develop their own CTP s or to work through the State CTP; and o Inventory available leveraged data. III. Five-Year Strategy New York s 5-year strategy to implement its vision and support the MHFMMP objectives begins with a commitment to its statewide mapping program. The State has demonstrated its commitment by providing close to $5 million since FY 2000 in a combination of funds dedicated to Floodplain Mapping activities ($1.5M), Lidar collection ($2.9M) and program capability building ($536,000). With FEMA and state support, the NYSFMP has completed DFIRMs for 22 communities within Schoharie County, developed flood data for two-thirds of the 34 communities within Cayuga County, 10 of the 19 communities in Greene County, and has developed framework data for the 36 communities within Onondaga County. Further, NYSFMP has conducted detailed scoping meetings with communities in 97 other communities (3 counties) in the state and initial coordination meetings with New York City, laying the groundwork for a scope of work for future funded activities. The NYSFMP has thought critically about how to support FEMA s Multi-Hazard Flood Map Modernization objectives of establishing and maintaining a premier data collection and delivery system, achieving effective program management, building and maintaining mutually beneficial partnerships, and expanding and improving the information available NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page ii

to the user community. It is clear that to achieve FEMA s goals NYSFMP must continue to forge partnerships and refine methodologies in its efforts to develop new data and mapping for New York. An example of the type of partnerships that the NYSFMP is envisioning is that with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). As a result of efforts to enhance and improve the quality of NYC s drinking water supplies, the NYCDEP sought out the NYSFMP to help them develop elevation data, new hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, new floodplain mapping, and training and outreach tools in communities within the western portion of New York City s water supply watershed, located west of the Hudson River. NYCDEP is willing to fund these activities and has offered to provide a $5 million leverage over five years through NYSDEC for FEMA. NYSDEC s regional floodplain management coordination structure is in place to continue to attract attention to the program and ensure the success of the statewide mapping program. This exhibits itself through ongoing communications, planning efforts and mapping coordination from Eastern Long Island to Buffalo. In addition to the capacity of existing staff, the NYSFMP is contracting and planning to contract work to private firms to provide necessary mapping services. FEMA s National Service Provider (NSP) will support the NYSFMP with various activities as the transfer of responsibilities proceeds over the 5 year period. The NSP will provide technical support as required, provide lead on data distribution and management, help resolve appeals for FEMA, and stitch New York s data into the seamless nationwide database. IV. Performance Measures and Goals With the FEMA support requested in this plan, the NYSFMP can greatly assist FEMA in achieving its GPRA goals. From the State s perspective the goal of providing GIS flood data online must be pursued while maintaining a balance between simply digitizing, often outdated, manual FIRM data, and conducting rigorous new engineering analyses. The successful achievement of this balance will, finally, determine the success of the MHFMMP. The NYSFMP recognizes that even with the significant increases in funding available through the Map Modernization program, there will not be enough money to undertake new flood studies everywhere they are needed. Therefore careful consideration must be given to prioritization of new flood studies while avoiding digital conversions of existing maps that may have erroneous information. The ultimate goal of Map Modernization is to improve flood protection in New York. This will not happen if erroneous flood hazard data is repackaged in a new mapping format. With the full funding support of FEMA requested in this plan, the NYSFMP will meet the goal of 100% of the State population with digital GIS flood data online by FY 2008, one year earlier than the FEMA Goal. Additionally, the NYSFMP will meet the goal of 90% of State population that have adopted final flood maps (goal 2). Finally, the NYSFMP is on target to exceed the FEMA goal of 20% leverage (goal 3) for the entire NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page iii

mapping project. In addition to supporting FEMA s performance measures, the NYSFMP has developed its own program, schedule, budget, and quality performance goals. These goals are metrics which the program believes will provide information on the progress of the program in meeting its objectives and it is committed to utilizing all resources to meet or exceed each goal. The NYSFMP is very interested in engaging with FEMA s NSP to share information and technology for various, essential technical and programmatic components of the Map Modernization effort. Following the rollout of the Management Information Portal (MIP), the NYSFMP will work with the NSP to populate MIP according to agreed upon guidelines. The NYSFMP will likely contract an engineering firm to serve as the Preliminary and Post-Preliminary mapping contractor; this contractor might also be given the responsibility for updating all necessary information in the MIP database. Additionally the NYSFMP will work with FEMA Region II and the FEMA Lead to oversee and approve of project cost and progress. V. Program Funding There are three elements of the NYSFMP that will require funding from FEMA over the 5-year period FY 2004-FY2008. These are: Initial Remapping of the State; Map Maintenance; and Program Management and Administration. The projected annual costs for a fully funded program are summarized below. All costs are in millions of 2003 dollars. Should the NYSFMP be awarded full funding and be unable to leverage sufficient matching funds, then either fewer maps will be produced or mapping projects will proceed with a reduced proportion of detailed restudies. NYSFMP is continuously building on our relations with federal, state and local agencies to identify, coordinate and develop leveraged funds. The table below presents the request for direct FEMA funding as well as the total funding required to complete the state-wide mapping effort with high quality maps where they are needed: NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page iv

Program Element FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 Total Funding Requirement $29.55 $21.83 $24.19 $31.00 $0 $106.57 Initial Remapping Maintenance Additional Program Admin/Management Requested FEMA Funding to NYSFMP Funding Requirement Requested FEMA Funding to NYSFMP Funding Requirement Requested FEMA Funding to NYSFMP Total Requested FEMA Funding to NYSFMP $19.83 $14.07 $16.08 $20.03 $0 70.00 $0 $0 $0 $1.40 $0.83 $2.23 $0 $0 $0 $1.16 $0.67 $1.83 $0.55 $0.55 $0.55 $0.55 $0.55 $2.63 $0.41 $0.41 $0.41 $0.41 $0.41 $1.97 $20.24 $14.48 $16.49 $21.60 $1.08 $73.88 New York is requesting FEMA to provide the majority of program funding over the next 5 years through its Federal Map Modernization appropriations. The result of this will be high quality flood hazard data and a state-of-the-art platform for multi-hazard data that New York State requires. All funding requested from FEMA will be used to support the flood mapping program and the personnel required to implement the program. However, the information presented in DFIRM data layers and in Flood Insurance Studies is extremely useful for a wide variety of hazard mitigation and environmental protection uses. The NYSFMP will continue to leverage support from other Federal, state and local entities to increase the total funding for Map Modernization projects in New York and to increase the usability of the end products. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page v

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS CTP Cooperating Technical Partner DFIRM Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map DOW Division of Water EPA Environmental Protection Agency FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FIS Flood Insurance Study FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map GIS Geographic Information System GPRA Government Performance and Accountability Act H/H Hydrologic/Hydraulic IT Information Technology LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging LOMA Letter of Map Amendment LOMC Letter of Map Change LOMR Letter of Map Revision MAS Mapping Activity Statement MHFMMP Multi-Hazard Flood Map Modernization Program MIP Management Information Portal NFIP National Flood Insurance Program NGDC National Geographic Data Committee NHD National Hydrologic Dataset NSP National Service Provider NYCDEP New York City Department of Environmental Protection NYSOCSCIC New York State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination NYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation NYSFMAC New York State Flood Mapping Advisory Committee NYSFMM New York State Floodplain Management Map NYSFMP New York State Flood Mapping Program QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control RFP Request for Proposal TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USGS United States Geological Survey NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE..i SUMMARY ACRONYMS ABBREVIATIONS.v AND I. VISION FOR SUPPORTING MULTI-HAZARD FLOOD MAP MODERNIZATION...1 CURRENT NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM...1 NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM VISION...4 II. NYSDEC NEEDS AND 5-YEAR STRATEGY...8 III. IV. CURRENT WORKFLOW...8 Base Map Data...8 Program Management...11 NEEDS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY...13 Establish and Maintain a Premier Data Collection and Delivery System...16 Achieve Effective Program Management...16 Build and Maintain Mutually Beneficial Partnerships...16 Expand and Better Inform the User Community...19 FIVE YEAR MAPPING PLAN...19 NYSDEC PERFORMANCE GOALS...22 NYSFMP PERFORMANCE GOALS...22 FEMA GPRA Goal 1 Population of New York With GIS Flood Hazard Data Online...22 FEMA GPRA Goal 2 Population of New York With Modernized GIS Maps Adopted...26 FEMA GPRA Goal 3 Percent Leverage Towards GIS Flood Hazard Data...27 FEMA GPRA Goal 4 Map Modernization Funding Put Through to CTPs...31 NYSDEC PROGRAM FUNDING AND ALTERNATIVE FUNDING LEVELS...32 FULL FUNDING SCENARIO...32 Initial Remapping...33 Map Maintenance...34 Program Management and Administration...35 ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SCENARIOS...35 APPENDIX A: New York State Flood Map Advisory Committee Invite List APPENDIX B: NYSDEC Study Priority List APPENDIX C: Project Schedule APPENDIX D: Project Data APPENDIX E: Estimated Project Costs APPENDIX F: Partner Contributions APPENDIX G: Maintenance Costs NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page vii

I. Vision for Supporting Multi-Hazard Flood Map Modernization New York State has long supported FEMA s Multi-Hazard Flood Map Modernization Program (MHFMMP) within its own New York State Flood Mapping Program (NYSFMP), directed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Each of the activities that NYSDEC undertakes directly contributes to achieving the MHFMMP objectives: Establish and maintain a premier data collection and delivery system; Achieve effective program management; Build and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships; and Expand and better inform the user community. This plan discusses both how the NYSFMP has already contributed to these goals and how we anticipate our program will further foster these goals. Current New York State Flood Mapping Program In 1996, after floods impacted large portions of New York State, Schoharie County planners and emergency management officials approached NYSDEC, the State National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coordinating agency, about developing new flood maps that more accurately represented the threat from flooding. Schoharie County was planning a new GIS-based Emergency-911 system and was interested in incorporating updated flood hazard mapping data into the system. At the same time, FEMA was preparing a plan, eventually known as the MHFMMP, to modernize the flood hazard maps across the nation, using the latest technologies and collaborating with state and local partners to instill local ownership of the program. Thus, when NYSDEC approached FEMA for support in embarking on the Schoharie County project, it dovetailed well with FEMA s own direction for Map Modernization. In 1998, FEMA awarded to NYSDEC $350,000 to initiate a pilot project to build the capacity of developing flood hazard maps at the state level. The pilot project emphasized employing state-of-the-art technology to produce the highest quality products to represent multihazard data: LiDAR collection, digital elevation model development, automated hydraulic analyses and mapping tools, and other innovative flood hazard mapping ideas that were just starting to be explored at the time. NYSDEC was the first partner to explore the use of laser technology in developing elevation models, and paved the way for using LiDAR in flood hazard mapping across the nation. The pilot project was successful and the DFIRMs issued for 22 communities within Schoharie County were developed as a foundation for interactive, multi-hazard digital maps. Linkages were built into the mapping database that allow access to engineering backup data: hydrologic and hydraulic models, flood profiles, floodway data tables, digital elevation models, and structure-specific data, such as digital elevation certificates and even digital photographs of bridges and culverts. In coordination with FEMA, a prototype was developed for an Enhanced DFIRM for the 22 communities within Schoharie County and the product is essentially ready to meet FEMA s Enhanced DFIRM specifications when finalized. Also issued to the communities in conjunction with the DFIRM were New York State Floodplain Management Maps (NYSFMMs). NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 1

The NYSFMM reflected additional information than what is represented on the hardcopy DFIRM. For example, the NYSFMM includes flood inundation contour lines so that emergency planners and other end-users can better estimate how deep the flood waters will be at any given location. This information has been integrated into the county s Emergency-911 warning system. When upstream gages indicate that flood conditions are imminent in the Schoharie Creek basin, the county s GIS system computes the probable flood inundation situation and telephones potentially impacted homes and businesses. The NYSFMM reflects both the proven ability for the NYSDEC to produce flood inundation mapping and to innovate enhancements to the existing DFIRM format. In recognition of NYSDEC s technical and productive capacity, FEMA and NYSDEC signed a Memorandum of Agreement establishing NYSDEC as a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) in April 2000. Congressional support has enabled NYSDEC to continue working with FEMA Region II to scope and develop hazard data for areas of the state in need of restudy. Additionally, the Governor s Office of the State of New York fully New York State Environmental Conservation Law 36-0111 (3) The Department, pursuant to designation by the Governor, shall act as the state coordinating agency for the National Flood Insurance Program in order to assist in its review of state agency activities and to serve as a resource for local governments. supports the goals of the program by providing commitment and funding to the program. New York State Environmental Conservation Law specifically charges NYSDEC with the task of managing and regulating floodplain development. Recognizing the success of the pilot program and FEMA s high level of support of the NYSFMP, the State has steadily increased its funding directed toward the mapping program. This support at the Federal and State level has enabled the program to gain strength and recognition both within and outside the state. Thus, at present, other State and municipal agencies have approached NYSDEC regarding possible partnering opportunities. The most immediate of these partnering opportunities is a request from New York City NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 2

Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). NYCDEP has pledged $5 million over five years to NYSDEC for use in updating flood hazard data for its water supply watersheds west of the Hudson River and in supporting proactive implementation of the NFIP at the local level. New York State Environmental Conservation Law 36-0101 The Legislature finds and declares that: (1) It is in the interest of the people of this state to provide for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program as enacted by the Congress of the United States; (2) The essence of the National Flood Insurance Program is the regulation of land uses within areas identified by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as areas of special flood hazard. Land use regulation is principally a matter of local concern; therefore, local governments have the principal responsibility for enacting appropriate land use regulations that will meet Federal standards and permit the sale of flood insurance in such communities; (3) Providing for the availability of flood insurance for all residents of the State is the policy of the State; all local governments with land use jurisdiction over any area of special flood hazard must comply with all National Flood Insurance Program requirements so that the residents of such local communities may purchase flood insurance Though there is considerable work still to be accomplished in New York, NYSDEC has made significant progress in meeting the goals of FEMA s MHFMMP with the support it has received to date. In addition to the completed DFIRM for 22 communities within Schoharie County, NYSDEC has developed flood data for two-thirds of the 34 communities in Cayuga County and for the Schoharie Creek watershed affecting 8 communities in Greene County. NYSDEC has also begun mapping work for the Fishkill Creek watershed in 8 communities in Dutchess and Putnam Counties. Further, NYSDEC has conducted detailed scoping meetings in 97 additional communities in the state (36 communities in Onondaga County, 16 communities in Tompkins County, and 45 communities in Westchester County) and is actively planning the scoping meetings in the 24 communities in Ulster County, 30 communities in Monroe County, 24 communities in Rockland County and 29 communities in Delaware County, thus laying the groundwork for future funded activities. County level communications have also been held with Schenectady County, Chemung County, Lewis County and Orange County. Each of these counties has expressed strong interest in Map Modernization and have indicated interest in local cooperation. In summary, NYSDEC has used its initial pilot project and subsequent support to develop the processes and procedures needed to implement the MHFMMP in New York. With FEMA s funding support for NYSDEC and New York s vision of the NYSFMP, NYSDEC and FEMA can significantly push the envelope in flood hazard mapping technologies and products. By creating a synergy with other state and federal programs, NYSFMP will continue to develop more cost-effective and higher quality data, tools, and processes that will benefit all the citizens of the State. The data, tools, and processes developed will have significant benefits to other Department of Environmental Conservation programs, including stream restoration, stormwater management, low flow condition assessment, fish and wildlife management, spill response, and others. Other NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 3

New York State programs, such as the New York State Department of Transportation s (NYSDOT) highway and bridge projects, will also benefit by being able to utilize updated stream, shore, and flood hazard information in protecting the quality and quantity of New York s waterways. Flood damages continue to escalate and our shorelines and river fronts continue to develop. Hazard mitigation and management will be improved through enhanced ability to predict and identify specific hazards and risks. It is essential to public safety and economic development and protection that New Yorkers have the best possible flood risk information. This data will also help to protect and improve water quality and habitat throughout the state. New York State Flood Mapping Program Vision The NYSFMP vision is to incrementally take increased responsibility for production and maintenance of the state s DFIRMs. This document lays out a step-by-step approach through which the following activities for New York DFIRMs are entrusted to NYSFMP: Project Prioritization, Scoping and Outreach; Contracting and Management of Engineering Data Development; DFIRM Production; Independent QA/QC of engineering data and mapping; Preliminary and Post-Preliminary Processing; Warehouse for Backup Engineering Data and Framework Data; and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) and conditional LOMR Review and Processing. NYSFMP strongly believes that there needs to be a balance between upgrading the existing flood hazard information to increase the utility of DFIRMs and performing critically needed updated hydrologic and hydraulic (H/H) studies for most communities across New York. While the average age of FIRMs in New York is over 16 years, that number does not account for the age of the H/H analyses represented on the FIRMs. Such new H/H analyses would also contribute to the program s goals of the maps acting as a platform for multi-hazard data and environmental quality activities, including coastal erosion hazard data and low flow hydrology for Total Maximum Daily Load, drought management, and contaminant and sediment transport. NYSDEC is anxious to build on its progress in developing a full suite of flood hazard development, mapping, outreach, and training capabilities. In the long term, this will involve NYSDEC taking full responsibility for the project management, scoping, hazard data development, independent quality review, and map production and maintenance for all of New York s 1400+ NFIP participating communities. New York s jurisdictional structure differs from much of the country s in that the non- State or non-federal land use jurisdiction in the state rests solely at the municipality level. While county level agencies and authorities have been and will be important potential partners for outreach and cost-sharing on data development, e.g., elevation data, the NFIP s continued success in New York State hinges on its involvement and acceptance at the local community level. This fact underscores the need for developing a priority list at the state level that examines a multiplicity of community-level factors in prioritizing, NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 4

developing and issuing new hazard data. These community-level factors can then be ranked and assembled into county-level or watershed level priority lists. Following FEMA MHFMMP objectives, this plan focuses on watershed restudies and countywide DFIRM production. However, in a large state such as New York, localized hazard mapping updates are also required. For example, a single community in a low priority county may have received a new flood control project from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The project may affect 3-4 effective panels and thus make it unsuitable for the Letter of Map Revision process. These situations require immediate action so that residents may see the benefit of the project and the protection it offers in their flood insurance policies. Our plan sets aside minimal funds per year to perform specific community and small watershed ad hoc study updates for these kinds of scenarios. While current work in the pipeline continues with FEMA and state funding, the NYSFMP has convened a New York State Flood Mapping Advisory Committee (NYSFMAC) to take a comprehensive look at the flood hazard mapping program in the state. The NYSFMAC, co-sponsored by the New York State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association and NYSDEC, is composed of representative municipal stakeholders, other state and federal agency representatives, private Architecture and Engineering (A/E) firm representatives, and private sector developers. Appendix A presents a list of committee invitees. The committee is tasked to report to the NYSFMP on the utility of current mapping products, including the format of the hardcopy FIRM and FIS, to NEW YORK STATE FLOODPLAIN AND STORMWATER MANAGERS ASSOCIATION recommend algorithms for use in prioritizing restudies, and to identify other partners with whom the program can collaborate. The committee will meet quarterly during the first year in order to expedite providing its recommendations to the program. The NYSFMAC will assist NYSDEC in defining a balance between updating DFIRMs by performing new H/H studies for outdated studies and developing DFIRMs using effective information. NYSFMAC will also assist in the prioritization of smaller, community-based (rather than county- or watershed-based) revision needs so that efficiencies are maximized across the state. These recommendations can then be incorporated into the NYSFMP s products as soon as possible. The first, kick-off meeting of the committee took place in March 10, 2004. The first follow up meeting to provide prioritization guidance is scheduled for June. The NYSFMAC will help create and expand partnerships. The group will also identify instances in which existing projects can be used to help develop DFIRM s, thus expanding leveraging opportunities and avoiding wasteful duplication of effort. The first meeting of the NYSFMAC verified the importance that many New York constituent groups place on new high quality flood mapping. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 5

The implementation of the fully funded scenario of the 5-year plan presented here will yield a quantum leap in the quality of multi-hazard flood data maps for New York State. This should significantly reduce the amount of Letter of Map Change requests received each year as new maps will be based on more accurate topography. NYSFMP would like to take charge of Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) reviews because the result of LOMR issuance is a physically changed map and NYSFMP wants to ensure that its map data is the most current and up-to-date reflection of existing conditions. Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) changes are a routine and high volume workload that NYSFMP would like FEMA to continue to process. However, the program is interested in exploring a surveyor certification program, whereby trained, certified surveyors in the state could prepare LOMA applications for expedited processing and approval. NYSFMP will consult with the New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors to determine the level of interest in developing such a program. To further develop the capabilities of NYSFMP and lay the groundwork for the Map Modernization work described in this plan, the following immediate activities are planned: Qualification and selection of, at a minimum, 3 Flood Hazard Mapping Contractors (LiDAR, survey, H/H analyses, mapping capabilities) by Fall-Winter 2004. At least one will have capabilities to be a State Mapping and Coordination Contractor (LiDAR, survey, H/H analyses, mapping, DFIRM production, postpreliminary processing, LOMC review, and program management capacity); and Continue coordination with the NYSFMAC to: Continue development of project prioritization factors; Update the statewide priority list; Seek additional local partners to either develop their own CTP s or to work through the State CTP; and Inventory available leveraged data. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 6

Timeline for NYSDEC Development of Additional Capabilities Over 5 Years Program Activity Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Remapping of New York State Data Distribution and Management Scoping/Needs Assessment Topographic Data Development Independent QA/QC of Topo Base Map Acquisition Flood Data Development Independent QA/QC of Flood Data Development. DFIRM Database Production Independent QA/QC of DFIRM Preliminary/ processing Appeal/Protest Resolution Hardcopy Printing & Distribution IT Infrastructure Backup Data Repository Program Administration and Management Outreach and Education Restudies Map Maintenance LOMC Processing (MT-1) LOMC Processing (MT-2) Primary Responsible Partner FEMA NYSFMP/FEMA NYSFMP NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 7

II. NYSDEC Needs and 5-Year Strategy Current Workflow Under the current NYSFMP, NYSDEC has been able to produce deliverables through our project management, technical oversight, surveying, and some engineering analyses capabilities within the DOW. The majority of engineering services have been the responsibility of a single contractor. To realize the full vision of the NYSFMP outlined previously in support of MHFMMP objectives, additional technical and program management capability and capacity will be needed. Presently, the program s workflow is initiated with an effective flood hazard area, flood source segment and flood study data pre-scoping excercise. This is followed with a detailed scoping meeting with the communities in a project area. The communities are then sent confirmation letters requesting their concurrence with needs that were discussed. NYSDEC then develops the priority list of reaches to be studied from this confirmed needs list. The confirmed results are combined with effective study information in a GIS environment, which is used to develop the project plan. Simultaneously or prior to the scoping process, the NYSDEC coordinates with the county or other potential partners to obtain digital elevation data. To date, the program has often been able to either partner on elevation data acquisition or use data that has already been obtained by the target project area. Base Map Data Both aerial orthoimagery and road coverage, for the program is available for the entire state, as part of New York State s Statewide Digital Orthoimagery Program and the New York Data Product Program. In 2001, New York State started the first phase of a new Statewide Digital Orthoimagery Program. The program's goal is to obtain imagery for the entire State on repeated 3-4 year cycles. The first cycle is complete, with high-resolution orthoimagery available for the entire state. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 8

In 2004, the program initiated the first update cycle of its digital orthophotography program. The orthophotography horizontal accuracy is 1/2 of a pixel size, and 2nd cycle and later collections will be co-registered at the pixel level with the 1st cycle collection: this means that base map updates will not require editing of labels, landmark signs, etc for those features which haven't changed. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 9

The road data has been produced by the state under the Accident Location Information System (ALIS) project and will be available in the spring of 2004. The roads centerlines coincide with those in the aerial photography: NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 10

Street names, with local variants, and address ranges have been verified: The Street Centerline program continuously updates its database, with the collaboration of County and Municipal government. In the context of producing DFIRMs, this eliminates the cost of researching and adding street labels for new sub-divisions, etc. The quality of this base map data, coupling an aggressive update cycle with state-of-the-art accuracy characteristics, justifies the higher value (than FEMA s Blue Book value) attributed to it in the calculations presented in Appendix E. With framework data in place, a scope of work is ready to be drafted. Once a scope of work is developed, NYSDEC then begins to negotiate a detailed CTP Mapping Activity Statement (MAS) with the FEMA Region II Office. The MAS describes the flooding sources in the project area to be studied (driven from the community scoping process), methodologies to be employed, how topographic and survey data have been/will be acquired, QA/QC responsibilities and methods, and the format of final deliverables to FEMA. Program Management Presently, two individuals within NYSDEC DOW oversee current project scoping, scheduling, and budgeting: Mr. William Nechamen and Mr. Ricardo López-Torrijos. Mr. Nechamen is the Section Chief of the Floodplain Management Section and Mr. López- Torrijos is the Section Chief of the Watershed Geographic Information Technology Section; both sections are housed within DOW. Their career experience and program knowledge have helped the program focus on data collection and development, as well as outreach, needs assessment and user education. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 11

In addition to Mr. Nechamen s and Mr. López- Torrijos s leadership, NYSDEC utilizes its nine regional offices to bring DEC programs within the reach of all New Yorkers from Long Island to Buffalo. Each DEC region is headed by a regional director and is organized to serve the needs of communities within its boundaries. These regional offices are critical in bringing the needs of the local communities to FEMA s attention. NYSFMP will continue to rely on the essential role that these regional offices provide in flood hazard management. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 12

Needs and Implementation Strategy As the program looks to the future, the critical need is to add a program manager to oversee additional production and maintenance responsibilities that the NYSFMP will take on. The program manager s responsibility will be to coordinate between sections, including all in-house staff working on Map Modernization (through the Floodplain Management section chief and the Watershed Geographic Information Technologies section chief) and to manage outside contractors providing services to the NYSFMP. Project progress reporting to production stakeholders at FEMA Headquarters, FEMA Region II, other State agencies and local community officials across the state will be the task of the program manager as well. Program progress reporting to the Governor s office, the State legislature and high level State Agency and Local Government will continue to be handled by the current management. Specifically, the program manager will be responsible for: Coordinating with NYSFMAC to refine Statewide prioritization of mapping projects; Preparing MASs in coordination with FEMA; Managing program budget; Managing RFP/Contractor Selection/Contract Negotiations/Contract Management; and Updating the State Business Plan annually with input from NYSFMAC. The program manager will assist the NFIP coordinator with public outreach activities, and make the connections to Federal, State, and local agencies to support NYSFPM and MHFMM. By increasing the coordination resources assigned to the program and so raising the profile and visibility of the project, it is hoped that further opportunities for collaboration and cost-sharing will emerge. An example is the partnership currently being developed with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). The NYCDEP sought out the NYSFMP to help them develop elevation data, new hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, new floodplain mapping, and training and outreach tools in communities within the Western portion of New York City s water supply watershed, located west of the Hudson River. NYCDEP is willing to fund these activities and has offered to provide a $5 million leverage over five years through NYSDEC for FEMA. The data collected in the study will enable NYCDEP to better manage sediment loads and other sources of pollution, thus protecting the quality of its drinking water supply for over 8 million people. NYSDEC understands that to further the goals of the program and FEMA s Map Modernization program, a program manager is essential. The sharply expanded scope and breadth of the program necessary to achieve GPRA goals would be difficult to achieve without oversight of an experienced project manager. Therefore, NYSDEC is requesting that this position be funded by CAP-MAP funding. A 25% CAP-MAP match will be provided by the state With a program manager in place, however, the needs of an expanded program shift to additional technical staff, working under the corresponding section chiefs, to accomplish the following tasks: NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 13

Project Prioritization, Scoping and Outreach; Contracting and Management of Engineering Data Development; DFIRM Production; Independent QA/QC of engineering data and mapping; Preliminary and Post-Preliminary Processing; Warehouse for Backup Engineering Data and Framework Data; and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) and conditional LOMR Review and Processing. As discussed previously, this plan sets aside minimal funds per year to perform specific community and small watershed study updates for high priority communities within low priority counties. In addition to the contracted engineering and surveying work, NYSDEC wants to maintain technical capabilities within DOW for long-term statewide floodplain management and map maintenance. This will allow us to continue to perform community based map updates and LOMR review during the maintenance period. Therefore, NYSDEC will maintain engineering capacity within the DOW to develop limited scope flood hazard engineering analyses and mapping. Also, as part of the statewide geodetic control program, NYSDEC will maintain surveying capacity to provide geodetic control for its LiDAR and survey contractors. To accomplish the above tasks in an efficient manner and at the anticipated volume, NYSFMP has identified the need for: 2 survey team members; 1 scoping/gis data coordinator; 1 hydrologist; and 1 hydraulic engineer. These additional or re-allocated FTEs would supplement current staff allocation in the 2 sections of the program and allow the program to guide its engineering contractors so that the goal of producing GIS-based flood hazard data for the entire state can be accomplished in the next 5 to 8 years, from project start to effective map adoption. As these employees would be needed specifically to attain MHFMM objectives, NYSFMP is requesting FEMA funding to create and maintain these positions during the lifetime of the program. NYSDEC will also need an additional full time local law review coordinator under the CAP-SSSE program during the period of increased map production and local adoption. NYSDEC is in an excellent position to grow its capability and capacity for managing NYSFMP. As described in earlier sections of this document, NYSDEC has demonstrated its capability to carry out almost all tasks associated with DFIRM development, from prioritization of study areas to preparing DFIRM graphics and backup data according to DFIRM specification. NYSDEC is currently undertaking two efforts to build the program s capability to complete all DFIRM production tasks and to build its capacity to successfully provide GIS-based multi-hazard flood maps to the entire state. First, NYSDEC is embarking on the qualification and selection of two to four Flood Hazard Mapping Contractors. These contracts will have a broad scope to include all NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 14

flood hazard mapping tasks and have a high capacity limit to be able to handle tasks to be initiated over the next five years. These contractors will have technical expertise in LiDAR data development, survey development, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, and floodplain mapping. At least one will also have experience in DFIRM production, DFIRM graphic specifications, DFIRM database development, and Post-Preliminary processing. This effort will enable the program s capability and capacity to grow. Another major effort is to initiate training for NYSFMP staff on DFIRM specifications and production. This will provide the opportunity for program staff to familiarize themselves with current DFIRM specifications and give them the capability to assume DFIRM QA/QC functions in the future. Other training that NYSDEC staff would require from FEMA may be contracting and performance-based projects. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 15

Fundamentally, NYSFMP, through NYSDEC DOW, is well placed to achieve FEMA s four objectives for Map Modernization. Establish and Maintain a Premier Data Collection and Delivery System The program s goal is that 100% of developed data is accessible to the public. Using the NY State GIS Clearinghouse to serve up data allows the public to easily access framework layers (orthoimagery, digital elevation data, survey data, etc.) that NYS stores. NYSFMP will rely on FEMA s NSP to provide a data warehouse for delivering DFIRM data. However, within a year or two, NYSFMP, likely through NYSFMAC, will review how effective FEMA s delivery system is working and could potentially maintain a system to fill the gaps in FEMA s delivery system, to provide all flood hazard data layers, including the DFIRM backup data. Achieve Effective Program Management The NYSFMP has defined a role for a Program Manager at the NYSDEC DOW who will be responsible for contract management, and overall project (scope, schedule, budget) oversight. The program will recruit an experienced manager to add to its highly experienced technical staff. The program is also pursuing access and/or development of information sharing tools to allow an efficient project management and FIS project information dissemination to all stakeholders. NYSFPM hopes to be able to coordinate with FEMA s NSP in their MIP portal development efforts. Build and Maintain Mutually Beneficial Partnerships NYSFMP works closely with FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the New York State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination (NYSOCSCIC), NYSDOT, USGS and a number of other federal, state and local agencies to develop programs and/or data important to the program s objectives: NYSFMP maintains a seat in several of the NYS GIS Coordinating body committees and task forces; this allows the program to offer: Orthoimagery and state-wide digital elevation data (NYSOCSCIC); State-wide hydraulic obstruction information (NYSDOT and local partners); Coordination of area of interest and funding for elevation data procurement (local partners); Bathymetric LiDAR for storm surge coastal studies (USACE); Coordinated development of Flood Protection Feasibility Studies and Flood hazard areas (USACE); Developing ice-jam hydraulics and snowmelt hydrology (USACE); Updating NYS regression equations (USGS Water Division, Troy office); NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 16

Developing a Flood Warning System (Schoharie County Department of Planning); and Funding of about 50% of the state-wide stream gage network (USGS Water Division, Troy office). NYSDEC also maintains an active presence in several federal level data coordination committees: NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 17

Lastly, NYSFMAC will help to ensure information sharing among partners to identify local partners throughout the state. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 18

Expand and Better Inform the User Community Several initiatives already underway will be continued and strengthened to provide larger scale outreach to the end user: Providing software/hardware and training to local communities to use DFIRMs and other GIS tools for floodplain management; Using Regional Floodplain Management Coordinators across the state as local resources to facilitate better floodplain management and emergency response among local officials, engineers, and planners; Working with communities to update and adopt a model local ordinance; and Developing outreach and training modules. NYSFMAC will also play an important role in leading the discussion of how the program and its products/tools can be improved, in identifying training needs and working with the NYSFSMA to provide it. NYSFPM would also like to enhance its current website to include the following: Status of all Map Modernization projects in New York (current and anticipated schedule); Link to current newsletter mailed to all communities involved in active Map Modernization projects; Provide access to other State programs identified as contributing and partnering with NYSDEC in the NYSFMP so that they are better informed and can leverage other projects efficiently; and Location and data associated with Elevation Reference Marks. Advisory BFE s associated with limited detailed studies. Five Year Mapping Plan NYSFMP has made steady progress forging partnerships and refining methodologies in its efforts to develop new data and mapping for New York. In addition to the completed DFIRM for 22 communities within Schoharie County, NYSDEC has developed flood data for? of the 34 communities within Cayuga County and has developed framework data for 36 communities within Onondaga County. Further, NYSDEC has conducted detailed scoping meetings with communities in 97 other communities (3 counties) in the state and initial coordination meetings with New York City, laying the groundwork for a scope of work for future funded activities. With work currently scheduled and funded by FEMA and/or NYSFMP, 153 communities (10 counties) of the state s 1,554 communities (62 counties) [Onondaga (36 communities), Westchester (45 communities), Cayuga (34 communities), Greene (19 communities), Schoharie (22 communities), and New York City (5 counties)] will have current specification DFIRMs preliminary or adopted by 2006. These communities account for over 50% of the state s population. Additionally, FEMA Region II is currently discussing with USACE-New York District about providing flood hazard data for coastal hazards along the Atlantic and Long Island Sound Coasts of Long Island in Nassau and Suffolk County. FEMA s contractor would NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 19

build on the USACE model to develop new storm surge elevations for the southern (Atlantic) coast of Long Island and extend this analysis to the Long Island Sound. As these discussions are in their infancy, it is difficult to set a date for the preliminary DFIRMs for these communities; however, there are assurances from the USACE that data could be ready for mapping by mid-2005. Adding the communities affected in these Long Island communities would increase the percent of the state s population with current specification DFIRM preliminary or adopted by 2006 to over 60%. Geographically, as can be seen in Section III below, there is still much to accomplish to develop new mapping wall-to-wall for the state of New York. To fully evaluate the mapping needs in New York, the NYSFMP performed a mapping needs assessment in August 2002. This mapping needs assessment included the following tasks: Reviewing and updating the information in the FEMA Mapping Needs Update Support System (MNUSS) database; Soliciting mapping needs information from counties and communities; Reviewing available community-specific data; and Assigning map upgrade methods and priorities. These were then aggregated and normalized by county to respond to FEMA process requirements. This mapping needs assessment was undertaken in cooperation with, and with the support of, FEMA. The following data were collected and assessed on a community basis: Age of the existing maps; Population density; Known mapping needs as recorded in the FEMA MNUSS and in NYSDEC s own mapping needs database; Number of flood insurance policies in the community; Ongoing map updates, including updates being undertaken by regional agencies or communities under the CTP Program. In using the above data, NYSDEC developed an algorithm to rank each community, and then aggregated those communities into a county priority list. The following communities were given artificially low priority rankings: Communities that do not currently participate in NFIP, as listed in the community status book; Communities that do not currently have mapped special flood hazard areas, as listed in the community status book; Communities already in NYSDEC s Map Modernization pipeline ; and Communities already in the traditional FEMA pipeline, as listed in FEMA Region II Active Map Actions list. Additional factors that should be considered when developing a mapping priority list include: Existing or potential local mapping partners; Number of unmapped, floodprone communities; Number of communities; NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 20

Availability of existing base map, topographic data, and/or flood hazard data (including data from other State agencies); Number of Letters of Map Change processed during the last 10 years; Population and population growth (U.S. Census and/or State-developed figures); Availability of State and/or local funding; Format of existing maps (countywide or community-based format); Areas with development pressures that have insufficiently mapped floodplains; Existence of other Federal dollars for flood protection; and Local communities with a strong mapping need in otherwise low priority counties. The results of the ranking and priority-setting process are summarized in Appendix B. All of the above factors are important in prioritizing projects to be initiated under the NYSFMP. NYSFMAC will also develop other factors, such as the availability of local and/or other federal or state partnerships, which may revise the prioritization list year by year. We anticipate that the prioritization of NYS communities and counties in this way will also complement FEMA s annual GPRA goals, whether tallied by county or by NFIP community, as is the desire of the state. As previously discussed, with the communities and counties that have already been prioritized and initiated through New York s prioritization, New York is able to significantly contribute to the national GPRA goals for FEMA. NYSFMP has developed a workflow process that will further expedite flood hazard data development and DFIRM production and adoption (described in Section III). Each of the projects outlined in the 5-year plan will be included in this workflow process and a preliminary schedule for the next five years has been developed. A project schedule is presented in Appendix C. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 21

III. NYSDEC Performance Goals Meeting New York s objectives and FEMA s goals for MHFMMP of providing 100% of the state s population with digital GIS flood data online by 2009 will require an aggressive, well-managed program to undertake the necessary data development and map production efforts. The NYSFMP can meet GPRA goals through detailed work planning and program management, parallel development of engineering analyses and DFIRM framework elements, large-scale cost efficiencies, streamlined scoping and postpreliminary processing and assertive performance goals, for both internal and contracted work. As a CTP, NYSDEC assists FEMA in meeting programmatic goals such as GPRA Goal 4, as all financial support to NYSDEC from FEMA from appropriated Map Mod funding would increase the percentage of Map Mod funding allocated through CTPs. Essentially, only through obtaining the resources described in this plan and implementing these resources with the greatest efficiencies of the marketplace and technology will the NYSFMP achieve the goals of MHFMMP. NYSDEC is confident that it can bring these efficiencies together through its partnerships and help all New Yorkers access premier digital flood hazard data. NYSFMP Performance Goals As mentioned, New York s jurisdictional structure differs from most other states in that the non-state or non-federal land use jurisdiction in the state rests solely at the local level with the incorporated towns, cities and villages. While county level agencies and authorities have been and will continue to be an important potential partners for costsharing on data development, i.e., elevation data, the NFIP s success in New York State hinges on local involvement and acceptance. Thus, at the state level the most important marker of success is providing New York communities with updated flood hazard data. The use of a community metric, which can be built into a county-wide metric, will allow the incorporation of high-priority community needs that have been forced to languish because they are not located within a high priority county. Fiscal Year Projection 2004 17% 2005 37% 2006 60% 2007 85% 2008 100% NYSFMP Goal: NYS Communities With New Flood Hazard Data FEMA GPRA Goal 1 Population of New York With GIS Flood Hazard Data Online New York is clearly on course to exceed FEMA s GPRA goal 1 in all years of the 5 year plan. With current work in the pipeline developed in coordination with FEMA Region II NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 22

and its IDIQ contractors, over 50% of the state s population in Year 1 and over 55% of the population in Year 2 will have preliminary GIS digital flood hazard data online. As the major population centers of the state are studied and DFIRMs are issued preliminary to communities, additional resources will be required to address less populated, but often actively developing, areas in order to complete a state-wide coverage. There are also many small but highly flood-prone communities within counties that otherwise are not a high priority for remapping. The state s project plan, described in Section II and Appendices C and D, presents an annual plan in which new projects are put into the NYSFMP production cycle. Completing these studies according to schedule will place New York in a position to continue to meet the GPRA goals in subsequent years. FEMA GPRA Goal 1: Fiscal Year Population with Digital Map Online NYSFMP Projection FEMA Goal 2004 42% 20% 2005 55% 50% 2006 81% 65% 2007 88% 75% 2008 100% 85% 2009 100% 100% NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 23

Cost and schedule metrics will be the path to this achievement. Reaching these metrics will be fundamental goals of the NYSFMP. Schedule Metrics In processing DFIRMs for a watershed, the most efficient scheduling will be accomplished through concurrent processing in all stages of data development. New York State is in the process of setting geodetic control throughout the State. This will allow LiDAR to be collected as soon as the Notice to Proceed is given and conditions are viable. While LiDAR is being collected, control points within the watershed can be set simultaneously, cross section surveys can begin, and hydrologic analyses can begin. As soon as survey data is collected for a stream reach, detailed hydraulic analyses for that reach can begin. (Similarly, approximate hydraulic analyses can commence once LiDAR and hydrology is complete) On a separate track, the DFIRM production can begin, with any redelineation efforts for the project also beginning at that time. The redelineation effort has actually already been defined and piloted in a number of areas, which are ready for map production once the final scope has been developed. The graphic below presents: Areas where FEMA has Q3 coverage; Areas with no Q3 data where NYSDEC has digitized effective flood hazard information areas for which no digital data is available; Areas where neither Q3 nor NYSDEC digitized data exists; and NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 24

Areas where the NYSDEC digitized data would be ready for use in a DFIRM upgrade. Over the next five years, we anticipate that our initial 3 contractors will be achieving process efficiencies and efficiencies of scale through further implementation of automation and improvements in technology. As the volume of work is increased, we will seek additional contractors to accomplish the work ahead. Whether the work to produce new DFIRMs is conducted by contractors or, on occasion by in-house staff, constant improvements in schedule will be sought. The table below presents the schedule goals the NYSFMP will achieve over the 5 year map mod program: Phase Current Average Timeframe Target Timeframe Scoping 4-6 months 3 months Hydrology (per watershed) Hydraulics (per watershed) Mapping to Preliminary DFIRM Preliminary to Effective Total DFIRM Project Timeline 6 months 4 months 6 months 4 months 6 months 2 months 18 months 12 months 42 months 25 months Comments Use appropriate scoping tools and contractor resources for data preparation/ finalization Concurrent DFIRM feature development and data production Streamline postpreliminary processing through more upfront coordination Cost Metrics As the NYSFMP increases the size and scope of its program and the technology for performing automated H/H studies is more widely used and available, the costs of performing and/or contracting these services are expected to decrease. NYSFMP has established costs for detailed H/H studies, approximate H/H restudies, and LiDAR costs. These metrics set a target for negotiating with contractors and underscore the cost efficiencies that will be essential to meeting the GPRA goals over the next 5 years. NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 25

Task Current Average Cost Target Cost Detailed H/H $14,000/stream mile $8,000/ stream mile Approximate H/H $3,800/stream mile $3,000 stream mile LiDAR $800/stream mile $350/square mile Quality Goal The final goal for the products of the NYSFMP is that every SFHA on the effective FIRMs will be assessed and validated by in-house staff during preliminary planning. Final project plans will also consider the results of the scoping process to ensure that the community s requests for study upgrades and extensions are being met to the maximum extent allowed by the allocated project budgets. FEMA GPRA Goal 2 Population of New York With Modernized GIS Maps Adopted New York s home-rule structure dictates that adoption of new maps is carried out at the local jurisdiction level. Counties in New York do not have any authority over land use; therefore, the effort to assist communities in New York with map adoption entails outreach and education. This is especially true in many rural communities in northern and western NY where the floodplain administrator and the community executive are often not full-time employees of the municipality. Nonetheless, after year one, New York will be able to meet the GPRA goals comfortably with the support requested in this plan. The graphic and table below present NYSDEC s projections over the next seven years. FEMA GPRA Goal 2: Fiscal Year Population with Modernized Maps Adopted NYSFMP Projection FEMA Goal 2004 <1% 10% 2005 42% 20% 2006 48% 35% 2007 60% 50% 2008 81% 70% 2009 90% 90% 2010 100% 100% NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 26

FEMA GPRA Goal 3 Percent Leverage Towards GIS Flood Hazard Data NYSDEC has sought support from Federal, State and local agencies to forge the partnerships necessary to achieve its vision. To date, NYSDEC has been able to form partnerships and utilize data and funding from a wide group of agencies. In furthering the vision of NYSFPM, New York State has included funding for this program in its authorization bill, even as funding throughout the State has been severely restricted. To date, NYSFMP has received the following funding, and anticipates that the funding will continue as FEMA continues to fund the program as requested. 2004-2005 New York State Operations and Capital Executive Budget Recommendations: Statewide Floodplain Mapping $834,000. State Fiscal Year NYSFMP Funding 2003 $500,000 2004 $803,000 2005 $800,000* 2006 $800,000* 2007 $800,000* 2008 $800,000* *-Anticipated Funding NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 27

There are opportunities for additional partnerships based on the value added of DFIRM products for other purposes. For instance, the data developed for DFIRMs can be used for a large number of hazard mitigation, environmental protection and planning purposes. The value of such other products gives a community an incentive to provide non-federal funds to the DFIRM. In other cases, a federal, state or local project, such as an NRCS stream restoration or flood control project, may provide the data needed to update the DFIRM. Such non-fema leverage would affect the prioritization of counties and communities for re-mapping. The New York State Elevation Data and Orthophotography Program, as described earlier, is well underway, and is completely funded to collect wall-to-wall data through New York State. The 1 st round of orthophotography collection was completed last year, and will be updated on regular intervals. This serves as a high quality base map for all DFIRMs to be developed in New York. In addition, NYSDEC has other layers that significantly enhance the utility of this base map and enable the MHFPMM program to truly achieve its goal of being a Multi Hazard program in New York. The investment in the first cycle of the NYS Digital Ortho Program was approximately $6.5 million, and update collections are budgeted at $2 to $2.5 million per year. The ALIS project, which produced the street centerline database, had an initial cost of $5.25 million. The statewide 10-meter gridded Digital Elevation Model, used for hydrologic analyses, was produced by NYSDEC at a cost of $350,000. And the high-resolution National Hydrography Dataset, used for project scoping, map production management and DFIRM distribution, was also produced by NYSDEC at a cost of $450,000 and $75,000 per year for maintenance. NYSDOT also contributes with digital as-built plans for 90% of State bridges over streams, as well as detailed hydraulic studies for all state-maintained bridges crossing streams. A minimum leveraged cost of this base map data with maximum features is approximately $3.3 million. This is based on the FEMA Blue Book value for a base map with maximum features of $430/panel. Given the additional value brought to the MHFPMM program by the data described above and by the coordination efforts carried out by NYSFPM, we consider this a very conservative estimate of the leverage brought to the program by NYS. We have therefore increased the cost contribution of this data to $550/panel in Appendix E. We developed a statewide paneling scheme, following the USGS DOQ paneling scheme for the state. DFIRM panel counts were generated by an automated GIS query of Q3 data. We assumed that any detailed flood hazard data would be shown at 1 =500 in the new paneling scheme with approximate flood hazard data shown at 1 =1000 scale. For communities for which no Q3 data was available, assumptions were made on the basis of land use, with more urban areas signaling the need for 1 =500 scale panels and rural area coverage provided by 1 =1000 scale panels. As discussed before, NYCDEP has approached NYSFMP with funding to develop updated flood hazard mapping for the New York City watershed west of the Hudson NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 28

River. We anticipate this $5 million to be transferred to NYSDEC over the next five years. Additionally, NYSDEC has partnered with, or been given access to, LiDAR data developed by communities throughout New York on a watershed or countywide basis. NYSDEC has over 3,000 square miles of LiDAR data that are/will be used by NYSFMP to update floodplain mapping. The following table and map show where LiDAR has been collected to date. New York State Areas with LiDAR Collected with State/Local Funding, as of Spring 2004 Collection Area Name Local Leverage Dollars Area (mi²) * Local Funding Sources Ausable/Boquet $50,000 211 NYSDEC Cayuga $525,000 734 NYSDEC, County Connecticut $20,000 21 NYSDEC Dutchess $525,000 824 County East of Hudson $150,000 166 NYSDEC, NYC Fulmer, Moyer, Steele Creeks $19,000 32 NYSDEC Greene $30,500 147 NYSDEC Lake Ontario Bathymetry LiDAR? 64 NYS New York City $350,000 468 NYC Onondaga 258 NYSDEC Schoharie 107 Tompkins/Owasco 61 Chemung/Seeley Creek $28,000 59 NYSDEC, County Westchester $360,000 500 County West of Hudson $175,000 287 NYSDEC, NYC Total $2,232,500 3939 sq mi NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 29

The value of this data has been input in the cost estimation calculations as Other/In- Kind CTP contributions. Estimated project costs are presented in Appendix E. Partner contributions to date information is provided in Appendix F. In considering all the data that we have been able to gather to this point, NYSFMP will be able to help FEMA meet its GPRA goal of increasing the leveraged effort towards GIS flood hazard data over the next 5 years. FEMA GPRA Goal 3: Non FEMA Map-Mod Funds Towards GIS Flood Hazard Data (millions of $) NYSFMP Contribution FEMA Fiscal Base Other LIDAR Scoping Investment Year Map Leverage % Leverage 2004 $0.91 $2.90 $0.26 $3.11 $29.55 24.3% 2005 $0.72 $3.12 $0.22 $1.67 $21.83 26.2% 2006 $0.76 $3.67 $0.28 $1.67 $24.19 26.4% 2007 $1.10 $6.46 $0.30 $0 $31.00 25.4% Total $3.49 $16.15 $1.06 $6.45 $106.57 25.5% NEW YORK STATE FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM Page 30