Moss Points Adopts Safer Future with Floodplain Ordinance
Release Date: August 15, 2007
Release Number: 1604-585
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BILOXI, Miss. -- For the city of Moss Point, key to sound rebuilding is economic redevelopment and planning. For Mayor Xavier Bishop, sound rebuilding also includes preparing for future disasters. Bishop and his community leaders have fostered a good partnership with state and federal officials to guide the community prudently as they rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.
Moss Point recently adopted a floodplain ordinance tailored specifically to meet the city's needs. The ordinance will protect the city in future disasters and serve as a foundation for rebuilding.
For the mayor, adopting the flood ordinance and taking other mitigation measures was a no-brainer for the welfare of his constituents. "Our first priority for the community is public safety. Adherence to flood elevation standards only underscores our commitment to the safety of the community. In fact, we were one of the first communities on the Coast to adopt the ABFE [Advisory Base Flood Elevations]," said Bishop. "We thought it was important to send a clear signal and remove any doubt, hesitation or confusion. Any delay to adopt those standards would've resulted in an unclear message."
Bishop and city engineer Jim Elliott worked with mitigation officials from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for nearly nine months to finalize the plan.
"I can't stress enough how this is a lifesaver for us. Without the help we received from MEMA and FEMA, we would have had our backs against the wall regarding further economic development," said Bishop. "The downtown building plan plays a key role in our rebuilding effort and in terms of taxes and bringing in businesses..."
Elliot wrote the city's original floodplain ordinance more than 30 years ago. He used a template provided by MEMA's Floodplain Management Branch to draft the city's updated version. The city council approved the ordinance in June.
"The process was a lot of give and take - we had a lot of discussions with Mr. Russo. But we needed to restore the city's tax base and get businesses to return," said Elliot. "We got a new ordinance and a window of opportunity for people to rebuild before the new maps come out."
Tim Russo, a Floodplain Manager for FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and Charles Stallings, MEMA Floodplain Management Branch deputy director, coordinated efforts to achieve the best possible results for Moss Point residents and resolve special issues in their area.
"The MEMA and FEMA floodplain management team always strives to assist communities in assessing their needs and floodplain management goals," said MEMA director Mike Womack.
"This partnership effectively served Mayor Bishop and the city to produce a document that addressed both the city's commercial development needs and protected its citizens' lives and property through floodplain management."
An enforceable floodplain ordinance gives more protection to residents. Moss Point's participation in the NFIP means the community may receive federal or financial assistance in the event of another declared disaster.
"The mayor and city manager have really pushed this project," said Russo. "The state and FEMA have to be on the same page. As far as floodplain management, we have a great working relationship."
"Our floodplain management specialists are here to assist the communities with any questions they may have about the National Flood Insurance Program and to show them how to make mitigation work for them," said Womack.
The city also will receive a grant of more than $188,000 from FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to hire more building inspectors and upgrade the city's computer systems. More inspectors will ensure the city uses correct construction methods, buildings meet proper codes and standards, and poor workmanship is identified. These precautions can aid in preventing significant building and structural damage and reduce subsequent repair costs during future storms.
In 2006, Moss Point made another investment in its future by updating its hazard mitigation plan. The plan, approved by FEMA and MEMA, will help the city address additional hazards and identify ways to minimize damages in future disasters.
Bishop said other communities in neighboring Harrison County asked him to share what mitigation measures could be adopted in their cities. He referred them to Russo and Stallings.
Bishop plans to continue using mitigation techniques in his community rebuilding and expansion efforts. "Economic development is a key component to our city's rebuilding. In this area, we can use mitigation. In the area of housing, we feel it would be to our advantage to utilize mitigation techniques. Moss Point has redefined itself as an ecotourism spot; we want residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of our city. We can even use local flora as a mitigation technique; we will use it and enjoy it. It's all about striking the right balance between nature and development."
To learn more about the NFIP and how to make floodplain management work for your community, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Aug-2007 15:55:49