Strategic study proves valuable with
modern results for region
New comprehensive maps help model floodplain
In June of 2001 Tropical Storm Allison pounded 28 Texas counties for five days, leaving Southwest Texas with more than 3 feet of rain and in excess of $5 billion in property damage, the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and FEMA Region VI jointly initiated the Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project (TSARP) to restudy Harris County. Two ACEC Texas firms were selected by FEMA Region VI to team up on the project.
The TSARP combined various elements such as scope, schedule and technical challenges to restudy the region. It covered a large geographical area (1,700 square miles), with 1,200 stream miles to study in 22 watersheds. Harris County has a population of more than 4 million, encompassing 34 communities, each with its local floodplain administrator. The volume of data and stakeholders, and the associated coordination effort, were tremendous. The schedule was extremely accelerated for the complex study area, requiring preliminary flood data 18 months into the study. The TSARP also involved considerable technical challenges such as the existing benchmark network and flood elevation data. The data was based upon 1973 elevation datum, thus, requiring frequent adjustments due to Harris County area's subsidence. It was decided to modernize all related data in order to deliver highly accurate and functional maps.
As a result of the 1700 square mile TSARP study, covering one of the largest areas ever mapped under a single contract using LIDAR technology, the area engineering community has the benefits of valuable deliverables.
Prior to this project, relatively few flood insurance rate maps had been produced in digital format. This project produced 147 individual maps. The new models developed under TSARP provide greatly enhanced tools which will enable the engineering community to model the effect that any proposed developments will have on the floodplain.
In the face of a vast geographic area and outdated data, the team still managed to produce first class results including the use of newly used, modern technology. TSARP provides another case study of a ACEC Texas member applying its expertise and judgment to the specialized need of an individual client, while ensuring a finished project reflecting quality and value.
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