COM 0176.043 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I also question whether it is really fair to ask fanners to dispose of all runoff whether or not their farming operations contributed to the nmoff. In many cases the majority of the runoff from fauns would have existed whether or not the land was farmed. Is it fair to force farmers to mitigate regional runoff issues or should that be done using government funding? The Flood Control Act of June 22, 1936 states " It is hereby recognized that destructive floods upon the rivers of the United States, upsetting orderly processes and causing loss of life and property, including erosion of lands, and impairing and obstn~eting navigation, highways, railroads, and other channels of commerce between the States, constitutes a menace to national welfare; that it is the sense of Congress that flood control on navigable waters or their tributaries is a proper activity of the Federal Government in cooperation with the States, their political subdivisions, and localities thereof; for flood control purposes are in the interest of the general welfare; that the Federal Government should improve or participate in the improvement of navigable waters or their tributaries including watersheds thereof, for flood-control purposes if the benefits to whomsoever they may accrue are in excess of the estimated costs, and if the lives and social security of the people are otherwise adversely affected." Subsequently it was recognized that despite spending billions of dollars, flooding continued to occur and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended was passed along with the Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as amended. Perhaps the County government could continue to seek federal funding to mitigate areas of severe and frequent flooding as it did after the severe flood of November 2000. For the citizens of this County this may be a more and equitable and responsible government approach to the flooding issue. i,astly, I would like to know if the Council has evaluated the cost to the taxpayers of the construction and maintenance of drainage facilities to contain the 100-year storm for County dedicable roadways, parks and other County facilities. It seems to me that the Department of Public Works and perhaps the Department of Parks and Recreation will need additional monies allocated as they seem to be stretched pretty thin trying to maintain the infrastructure that they currently have. Perhaps the Department of Public Works could advise you in this matter. With so many unanswered questions as to the impact of the extensive amendments proposed by members of the County Council, I ask that you defer approval of the council amendments. Perhaps an ad hoc committee could be formed to provide review and recommendations. I recommend approval of the amendments proposed by the Department of Public Works at the earliest possible date so that the County remains in compliance with FF.MA requirements. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony on the subject of Chapter 27.