Des Moines Achieves New Flood Protection Rating Through FEMA

Press Release

Des Moines, Iowa- Thursday, August 15, 2024 - The City of Des Moines proudly announces its advancement from a Class 6 to a Class 5 community in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS), a program officially verified by FEMA. Des Moines now joins Clive and Cedar Falls as the only Class 5 communities in the state, showcasing leadership in floodplain management and mitigation efforts.

"This advancement in our CRS rating is a significant milestone for the City. We are thrilled to receive this recognition from FEMA," City Manager Scott Sanders said. "Our continued dedication to enhancing flood resiliency and protecting our residents has been a top priority, and this new rating reflects those efforts."

After the 2008 and 2018 floods, the City of Des Moines accelerated its commitment to improving its infrastructure. The City has invested in major stormwater projects, with additional projects in the 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). At the same time, City staff began evaluating floodplain management practices to mitigate risk and increase resiliency. The improved Class 5 Community Rating System directly results from these combined efforts.

"Stormwater management is crucial for our community's safety and resilience," said Clean Water Administrator Patrick Beane. "It's an area that most people don't think about until it's actually impacting them."

Flood Resiliency and Prevention Projects
These represent projects with significant impact. They do not represent all projects planned or completed.

Des Moines Levee Alterations Program: In response to the 2008 Midwest flood, this multi-phase project addresses deficiencies in the levee system along the Des Moines and Racoon Rivers. The levee alterations, divided into eight phases, with the first completed in 2021, significantly reduce flood risks. The anticipated completion date for the entire project is 2028.

Closes Creek Storm Sewer Improvements: Following the severe flash flooding on June 30, 2018, the City accelerated construction on multiple high-priority projects. These improvements enhance stormwater drainage and increase the system's capacity and resiliency throughout most of Northwest Des Moines. Phases 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3 are complete.

Hamilton Drain Storm Sewer Improvements: In the Highland Park Neighborhood, which has a history of outdated storm sewers and residential flooding, the new storm sewer system is managed by multiple detention basins. These efforts reduced the number of properties required by FEMA to have flood insurance from 175 to 1.

Property Buyouts: Due to homes in the area experiencing frequent severe damage caused by flooding, the City invested $12.7 million in property buyouts in the Fourmile Creek watershed. This effort reduces future flood impacts for residents and begins the process of restoring the area to its natural habitat, called the Fourmile Creek Greenway.

"We continue to do our very best to understand the more frequent, intense rainstorms that are happening and figure out how to mitigate them when they happen to best protect the residents and businesses in our city," said Beane. "City Council and staff are committed to making sure that we are minimizing the chances of that happening in the future."

Residents interested in learning more about stormwater management programs and incentives can visit DSM.city/Stormwater.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.