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Flood Digest

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Mitigation awards, Tampa’s threat

Florida has released a list of $80 million in awards to communities to use in building storm resiliency projects, plus it’s not just the big hurricanes we have to worry about, but the smaller ones hitting the right place in the state at the wrong time.  It’s all in this week’s Flood Digest.

Governor DeSantis awards Broward County leaders $16.6 million for stormwater infrastructure projects to reduce future storm damages and flooding, January 28, 2022. Courtesy, Broward County Commission

Mitigation Awards: The $80 million awarded last week went to South Florida communities for various flood mitigation projects.  It’s part of an initial $150 million announced in 2020 under the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program.  The program provides money for large-scale activities that allow our communities to be more resilient to future disasters.  It’s part of a HUD-allocated $475 million allocation to Florida by its Community Development Block Grant–Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program formed in response to the hurricanes and other natural disasters of 2016 and 2017. Additional funding cycles are now underway.

The awarded projects are:

  • City of Miami ($19,859,977) to support flooding and right-of-way improvements including improved stormwater inlets and pipes and a new stormwater pump station in the Southwest Wynwood area.
  • City of Miami ($18,477,439) for flood improvements in East Little Havana to relieve repetitive flooding due to stormwater accumulation.
  • Broward County ($16,676,000) to replace the existing non-functional and insufficient stormwater infrastructure and add new green infrastructure for stormwater drainage.
  • City of Hallandale Beach ($14,879,219) for sewer system modernization.
  • City of Opa-Locka ($7,000,000) for complete renovation of the 127th Ave Canal, including expanding the depth of the canal and stabilizing the bank on both sides to enhance community flood protection.
  • City of North Lauderdale ($3,285,000) to fund a new stormwater pump station facility adjacent to the C-14 canal to mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall and tidal events on the regional drainage system and C-14 canal.

The same week of the Governor’s visit, the Miami Herald published an article on the changing face of risk in South Florida.  It includes the impact that natural disasters are having on the state, on property insurance rates (along with increased litigation), and on FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 federal flood insurance program.

Roadway flooding during Tropical Storm Eta, November 12, 2020. Courtesy, Pinellas County

Hurricane Risk: Speaking of news media, the Tampa Bay Times has published an impressive special project, appropriately titled, It won’t take the ‘perfect storm’ to wreak havoc across Tampa Bay.  With many of its communities situated near or surrounded by water, the area has the potential to become an extremely large claims event in the event of a direct hit by a hurricane.  In fact, the paper reports, Pinellas County has nearly $30 billion in built property that could flood in Category 1 storms – more buildings and risk value than even Miami-Dade County.  The highlight of the article is a quote by National Hurricane Center storm surge specialist Jamie Rhome.

“What’s going to be the Achilles’ heel of Tampa, what is going to really surprise Tampa, is not a Cat 5.  It’s not a Michael, it’s going to be a big, sloppy Category 1 or 2,” Rhome said.  

LMA Newsletter of 1-31-22

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Tags: FEMA, Flood Insurance, Florida Hurricanes, Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program, Resilience, Risk Rating 2.0, Ron DeSantis

“Thank you Lisa for staying on top of, as well as advocating, for Florida residents and legislative reform. Your newsletters are very informative and enjoy reading the points of view.”  

Shawna Miller, Sr. Claims Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager
Florida Peninsula Insurance Company
Jacksonville, FL

“Just a quick note to let you know how much I have appreciated your newsletter over the years and the assistance they offer for those in the field of claims. We depend on the information more than you will ever know!”

Laurie Rasberry, Chief Claims Officer
Acorn Claims
Prosper, Texas

“I have followed your weekly newsletter and podcasts and now have a full appreciation for what you bring to this industry.  You are an inspiring force, plain and simple.  I wanted you to know that you make a difference.  Thank you for all you do!”

Jeffrey Karam, CPCU
Bradenton, FL

“Lisa this is another great newsletter, and we appreciate the time and energy you put into these informative updates – you are on top of these topics!”

Mike Graham, CEO
Smart Vent Products, Floodproofing.com, & Risk Reduction Plus
Juno Beach, FL

“Great article on Risk Rating 2.0!”

Austin Perez, Senior Policy Representative for Federal Housing, Valuation, Insurance and Commercial Issues
National Association of Realtors
Washington, D.C.

“Another great Newsletter on Florida industry this week.  Your service and advocacy in Florida is very important to keeping me updated and apprised of the Florida insurance laws, trends and overall environment.  Something similar is very much needed in Louisiana, too.”

Jennifer Tedesco, Esq., Claims Director
Pharos Claims Services
Orlando, FL

“Just wanted to say that I thoroughly love your newsletter. It’s is always informative and insightful to the ins and outs of our industry.  You are an inspiration and an important asset in the insurance world.  Keep up the great work!” 

Cynthia Scott, President
University Insurance Group
Davie, FL

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Cynthia Hoehn, Independent Property & Casualty Personal Lines insurance agent
Clermont, FL

“Lisa Miller is a true champion for the insurance industry, with her regular updates! We appreciate all you do and keeping us up to date on priority issues!”

Gillian Lloyd, Account Executive
Zywave
Milwaukee, WI

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