September 2019 – First Colony Levee Improvement District 2

Weather Update 9/17/19

September 17, 2019 by FCLID 2

As you may be aware there is the potential for a heavy rainfall event and flash flood threat this evening through Thursday for SE TX. Based on National Weather Service local predictions, the heaviest rain is predicted to occur on Wednesday. Rainfall amounts of 5-7 inches are expected over much of the area with isolated totals of 10-12 inches. As a reminder to all residents, please keep your storm drains clear of debris and bring your trash cans in this evening. As the event continues through the next few days, we will continue to monitor rainfall levels and effects to the surrounding area.

The Board and consultants are monitoring the storm system closely and will provide updates as needed. The operator is available and has staff ready for any operational needs within the District. Based on the current predictions and the current Brazos River levels, we do not anticipate needing to utilize the pump station, however it is operational should it be needed.

We encourage residents to continue to monitor forecasts for the area and follow trusted weather sources for information, recommendations and changes to the forecast. (Houston/Galveston National Weather Service and West Gulf River Forecast Center)

Update on National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA 2.0)

September 10, 2019 by FCLID 2

The Board of Directors of First Colony Levee Improvement District No. 2 wants all of the residents of The Commonwealth to be aware that Congress is considering changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”) that could have a significant impact on what you pay for flood insurance.

Currently, the NFIP provides low-cost flood insurance to communities like The Commonwealth which are located outside the 100-year flood plain as determined by FEMA. The NFIP has been losing money for years, and FEMA has launched a program (“FEMA 2.0”) to more accurately determine which areas are likely to flood than others, with the intent to charge higher insurance rates to those who live in more flood-prone areas.

The concern of the Board is that some portions of the country are protected by agricultural levees, or levees which are not inspected and certified by FEMA as our levee is, and that in determining risk assessment and insurance premiums, FEMA may not differentiate between areas like The Commonwealth and communities with these other types of levees.

Our Board has written a letter to each Congressperson representing the District, a copy of which is on the website, and we encourage everyone in The Commonwealth to do the same.

We understand that individual letters are more effective than form letters, but please feel free to copy the text of our letter if it is easier for you – the important thing is for our congressional representatives to hear from as many of you as possible.