How to cope with flooding in your community | Shauna Urlacher, PE, CFM posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2024)

⏳ Ready to start your FEMA BRIC or FMA sub-application?In Illinois, pre-applications open on Monday, June 10th!Two annual FEMA grant programs can help local governments with flood reduction projects:📍 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)📍 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)If your community is outside Illinois, check your State's deadline. Even without a set deadline, it’s wise to start preparing your sub-application now.As always, I’m here to help if you have questions or need assistance.

4

4 Comments

An ineligible project made it shockingly far through the FEMA review process - all because of poor communication. This poorly written sub-application with minimal documentation advanced while meticulously detailed ones were swiftly rejected. The truth? An unclear project description led to a misunderstanding. A community’s FEMA sub-application requires more than technical expertise; effectively translating technical details is equally as important.Don’t let your community's hard-won grant fail during the technical review. Message me to secure your space in my 2024 grant schedule.

7

FEMA selected an ineligible project for further review. I couldn’t believe it. But I’d take a quick rejection over a delayed denial any day.Last February, just as I finished my last FEMA sub-applications for fiscal year 2023, a plea for help appeared in my inbox. He needed assistance navigating FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program for a fire station project.As I waded into the year-old, murky sub-application I found that their claim of flooding was not supported, and the proposed project was ineligible.How could this vague sub-application advance? As I dug deeper, I realized that the project scope was vague and confusing.Eventually, we received an email from the state reviewer, citing the project's ineligibility and lack of documentation. EXACTLY WHAT I FOUND! The community was required to withdraw their sub-application, setting them back 2 years.This experience reminds me that understanding the technical aspects is only part of the equation. Clear communication is equally important.Read the full story on my website.https://lnkd.in/dU96yGHQ

9

I'm switching things up with my latest blog!Instead of diving into technical details, this one is a little more personal.In this blog, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing my own journey towards becoming a better communicator. You'll get a glimpse into the 'why' behind my passion for breaking down barriers and making my ideas accessible to everyone.https://lnkd.in/ef3y7dru

8

Has vague or incomplete documentation derailed your community's FEMA grant application? In this blog, I tell the story of a community that had to withdraw their sub-application after over a year's work.Imagine the frustration and disappointment!These cases underscore why meticulous detail is crucial in FEMA grants. A skilled grant writer is vital in catching errors, ensuring compliance, and maximizing your funding.If you need help with your FEMA grant sub-application, feel free to contact me!https://lnkd.in/dU96yGHQ

7

2 Comments

Securing FEMA grant funding can be intimidating, but with the right approach, it's within reach. Here are some tactical steps to help you navigate this process effectively.☎ Coordinate with Your State: Forge strong partnerships with state agencies to ensure your project aligns with their priorities and deadlines.💡 Know the Eligibility Criteria: Familiarize yourself with FEMA's eligibility requirements to tailor your application accordingly.📅 Meet State Deadlines: Pay close attention to state deadlines. Missing them can jeopardize your chances of securing funding.✍🏼 Leverage Expertise: Enlist the help of an experienced grant writer to ensure your application meets all requirements and stands out.By following these tactical steps, you can improve your chances of securing FEMA funding.To learn more, subscribe to my weekly newsletter at www.UrbanHydroEng.com, where I share funding, planning, and policy insights tailored to the unique challenges facing small suburban communities like yours.

12

Something surprising is happening in a small Illinois community of only 8,000 people.Two years ago, the Village Manager sent a simple email to his congresswoman detailing the flooding plaguing his small community. Little did he know that one email would set the wheels in motion for a remarkable transformation.This small community is experiencing rapid growth, but flooding has hindered the expansion of its downtown area. The flooding occurs along the railroad tracks, which are elevated and between the downtown area and the river, blocking overland drainage. To reduce the flooding, the community’s engineer developed a solution to install a new storm sewer under the railroad tracks to the river. Unfortunately, the project is too costly for the community to complete.Armed with a concept plan and cost estimate, the Village Manager sought help.Fast forward one year, and their project was hand-picked to receive Congressionally Directed Spending funds. With this funding, the community can complete the project and reduce flooding at this critical intersection, allowing them to expand the downtown area.Like the fateful email that kickstarted this project, transforming your community starts with a single step.To learn more, subscribe to my weekly newsletter at www.UrbanHydroEng.com, where I share funding, planning, and policy insights tailored to the unique challenges facing small suburban communities like yours.

5

Ever started a project, thinking it would be a breeze, only to find an unexpected challenge? A while back, I dove into a FEMA BRIC sub-application for a community. They had all their paperwork in order: an exhaustive engineering study, complete with modeling and estimates, and ample evidence of flooding, backed by photos and community meetings. But, when I went for a site visit, the project took an unexpected turn. The proposed solution didn't make sense - There was already a drainage swale in the exact location where they planned to install one. Luckily, we had time on our side. The community surveyed the existing swale, and I took their survey data and marked up the engineering study to reflect the current conditions. Because we kicked things off in the summer, we had enough time to sort everything out before the fall deadline. Lesson learned? Start early and don't just trust the data you have been given. Verify it makes sense before proceeding. If you like my posts, I have a weekly newsletter that provides funding, planning, and policy insights tailored to your unique needs and challenges as a small suburban community. Subscribe at www.UrbanHydroEng.com.

6

4 Comments

The journey to securing grant funding isn't always a straight path; it's filled with unexpected twists and turns.Several years ago, I was preparing a FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation sub-application for a local community. As I was finishing up, my state contact called me with an idea. It was unconventional, but, if it worked, the City would receive 4 times the funding we were originally seeking.Turns out, there was unused Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding allocated to the state, just waiting for the right project. And guess what? Our project was the perfect fit!Instead of stubbornly sticking to our original plan, we pivoted. Thanks to the City's flexibility and our tight partnership with the state, we secured $15 million in federal funds.The lesson? Stay connected with your state partners and be ready to pivot if they spot an opportunity for you. If you like my posts, I have a weekly newsletter that provides funding, planning, and policy insights tailored to your unique needs and challenges as a small suburban community. Subscribe atwww.UrbanHydroEng.com.

12