Flood Mitigation Project Provides Training Opportunity for Fire Department

By Office of Communication

Posted on February 05, 2018, February 05, 2018

The City of Arlington is committed to continually improving the quality of life for of Arlington residents. Part of that ongoing process includes the flood mitigation efforts of the Stormwater Floodplain Division of the Public Works and Transportation Department. This division is responsible for managing comprehensive studies to accurately identify flood risk and developing potential solutions to flooding concerns.

As part of the City's flood mitigation efforts, Public Works and Transportation provides outreach to residents to ensure they are aware of their risk and the various measures they can take to protect themselves. One measure available is the voluntary acquisition of flood-prone properties and restoration of land back to its natural state. By purchasing these properties and reducing the number of flooding claims within the City, residents benefit from potentially lower flood insurance premiums.

The City is currently working on a $1.9 million project to acquire nine flood prone properties throughout Arlington. Usually after reaching an agreement with the property owners and taking ownership of the property, the City conducts environmental testing to ensure structures are safe to tear down and then it demolishes the properties. However, this project marks a departure from the City's usual process. Prior to demolition, the department will allow the Arlington Fire Department and Habitat for Humanity access to the properties.

Habitat for Humanity to Humanity will be allowed access to the properties to collect salvageable building materials such as lumber, cabinets, doors, windows, and flooring; gently used appliances, furniture, and air conditioning window units. Collected materials will then be made available for purchase in Habitat for Humanity ReStores. The Fire Department will use the properties to conduct training to ensure they continue to provide the residents of Arlington excellent service.

This project is made possible, in part, by a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Through this project, the City hopes to ensure less property losses among residents, facilitate a unique training experience for the Arlington Fire Department, and provide Habitat for Humanity the some of the supplies needed to impact lives in a positive way.