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Miami Conservancy District to Launch Expedited Benefit Assessment Study

Method of defining and calculating flood control benefits to be updated

The Miami Conservancy District has contracted with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to conduct an expedited review and evaluation of the Miami Conservancy District’s flood protection benefit assessment methods. This study represents the initial phase of a broader effort to update the Miami Conservancy District’s flood protection benefit appraisal methodology. Stantec is a nationally recognized firm specializing in assessments and best practices for conservancy districts. 

The study aims to improve the current flood protection benefit assessment methodology used by the Miami Conservancy District. The scope of work includes evaluating current procedure, exploring additional direct and indirect benefits to the broader community, benchmarking against similar agencies, and assessing alternative funding strategies. 

In May, the Miami Conservancy District Board of Directors carefully considered public feedback and the need to address evolving economic and environmental challenges. The Board moved to pause the Seventh Readjustment of Benefits. They also committed to evaluate the method of defining and calculating flood control benefits to ensure fairness and sustainability for property owners and communities served by the Miami Conservancy District. During the pause, the benefits that were approved in 2012 will continue to be used to calculate flood protection assessments. 

“The Miami Conservancy District is committed to serving the region's residents, businesses, and communities and we pledge to work collaboratively with stakeholders”, said MaryLynn Lodor, general manager.  “We urge the affected homeowners and businesses to remain patient as we work to analyze and update the benefits provided by the flood protection system that protects the region's interests.” 

To cover the costs of necessary, ongoing maintenance and periodic rehabilitation of the dams, levees, storage basins, and related parts of the flood protection system, the Miami Conservancy District has relied on an approach that calculated a benefit value to each property identified to be protected from high water based on the footprint of the Great Flood of 1913. That benefit value was used to determine a flood protection assessment for each protected property. 

This study will identify and quantify the significant indirect benefits provided by the Miami Conservancy District ’s flood control measures, such as access to vital services and infrastructure inside and outside the 1913 flood inundation area. 

The multi-year process will also engage stakeholders from across the area to ensure all perspectives and impacts are considered. 

The Miami Conservancy District’s flood protection system protects more than 47,000 properties, more than $10B worth of buildings and land, eleven hospitals, nine water treatment plants, nearly 60 schools and colleges, 814 miles of public roads, and 14 wastewater treatment plants. One million people use or rely on these facilities.

Stantec, alongside Miami Conservancy District and the Board of Appraisers, will recommend next steps toward an updated funding approach in a final report expected to be complete by the end of the year. Additional phases over several years will include additional technical analysis, stakeholder involvement, and legal and administrative procedures.

About Miami Conservancy District

The Miami Conservancy District is a regional water management agency dedicated to protecting communities in the Miami Valley from flooding and ensuring the region’s water resources are managed and preserved. For more information, visit www.mcdwater.org

 About Stantec

Stantec is a global design and delivery firm that works in architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting. They employ over 31,000 people in more than 450 locations across six continents. Stantec's projects include large-scale developments, neighborhood projects, hospitals, schools, roadways, and waterways. Their approach to problem-solving is collaborative and inventive, and they strive for outcomes that go beyond the challenges they solve.

 

Posted on: Jul 23, 2024