Development of a Flood Management Plan

Abstract

A comprehensive flood plain management plan was developed for the City of Keene, New Hampshire, reflecting the policies of Section 73 of Public Law 93‐251. Community attitudes were investigated through questionnaires, interviews with community leaders, and interaction with a community advisory committee. A full range of available nonstructural and structural flood damage reduction measures was surveyed. An initial set of measures was selected based on physical, economic, and political feasibility in Keene given the existing stream conditions, available stage‐damage estimates and community attitudes. These initial measures were evaluated in detail, and three alternative flood plain management plans were developed and analyzed using benefit‐cost and environmental assessment procedures. The recommended flood plain management plan for Keene included: (1) A technical assistance program to aid homeowners with flood‐proofing; (2) small dikes to protect selected structures or groups of structures from flooding; (3) channel improvements at constrictions; (4) enhancement of existing storage by restoration and modification of a damaged dam; and (5) development of a flood warning and emergency preparedness system. (6) The experience in Keene represents a prototype study implementing the requirements of Section 73 and can serve as a useful model for future nonstructural flood plain management studies.