Rush Creek,

Levy, &

Creekside

Park

Flood of August 18Flood of August 18--19 2007 19 2007

17” of rain in 24 hrs + 7” in days preceding17” of rain in 24 hrs + 7” in days preceding�� Over 50% of city covered with 4Over 50% of city covered with 4--6 ft of “water”6 ft of “water”

�� 490 of 766 homes and businesses received substantial flood damag490 of 766 homes and businesses received substantial flood damagee

�� 79 structures (mostly homes) red79 structures (mostly homes) red--tagged as totally destroyed.tagged as totally destroyed.

�� 463 of 600 local jobs negatively impacted463 of 600 local jobs negatively impacted

�� 300 private unsealed wells contaminated300 private unsealed wells contaminated

�� Both of city’s major potable wells rendered unusableBoth of city’s major potable wells rendered unusable

�� WWTP overrun by 6 feet brackish flood waterWWTP overrun by 6 feet brackish flood water

�� Levee system compromised….Levee system compromised….

�� Only one fully destructive residential fireOnly one fully destructive residential fire

�� No fatalities!No fatalities!

The Immediate Challenges on

August 19, 2007, included"

�No viable communications—except for law enforcement’s radio system!

�No operational sewer system!

�No fresh water system!

�No electricity in most of the city!

�No basic services—such as fuel, food, drink, room, etc.!

�None of this, none of that—the facts were fairly consistent and depressing!

The Initial Response…The Initial Response…��Communicate as best as possibleCommunicate as best as possible——bulletin boards, bulletin boards,

scheduled public announcements by mayor, etc.scheduled public announcements by mayor, etc.

��Remain fully committed to an ultimate recoveryRemain fully committed to an ultimate recovery

��Maintain a spirit of “not giving up”Maintain a spirit of “not giving up”

��Accept help when and where offeredAccept help when and where offered

��Follow the NIMS concepts and Rushford’s Emergency Follow the NIMS concepts and Rushford’s Emergency

Management PlanManagement Plan

��Maintain complete faith in our emergency Maintain complete faith in our emergency

management teammanagement team——know your NIMS! know your NIMS!

�� The flooding happened fast “The flooding happened fast “we went from talking about we went from talking about

sandbagging to evacuating people in a twosandbagging to evacuating people in a two--minute time minute time

frame” (a local authority)frame” (a local authority)

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Rushford’s Story Rushford’s Story –– In Cubic Feet Per Second In Cubic Feet Per Second

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Eng.According to the U.S. Army Corps of Eng.

��Existing 100Existing 100--year flood flow = 16,200 CFSyear flood flow = 16,200 CFS

��Existing levee plus freeboard = 22,500 CFSExisting levee plus freeboard = 22,500 CFS

��Existing 500Existing 500--year flood flow = 35,400 CFSyear flood flow = 35,400 CFS

��Estimated 2007 flood flow = 39,500 CFSEstimated 2007 flood flow = 39,500 CFS

Day #1 Day #1 -- Status of the City’s Public Status of the City’s Public

Infrastructure & PropertyInfrastructure & Property��Water system Water system –– totally polluted & unsafetotally polluted & unsafe

��Waste water system Waste water system –– totally inoperable utilitytotally inoperable utility

��Storm water collection system Storm water collection system –– plugged plugged

everywhereeverywhere

��Electric utility system Electric utility system –– 70% shut70% shut--down initiallydown initially

��Levee system Levee system –– inoperable pumps & overruninoperable pumps & overrun

��City buildings City buildings –– only City Hall/Library remained only City Hall/Library remained

operationaloperational

��Parks and recreation spaces Parks and recreation spaces –– damaged & damaged &

unusableunusable

Immediate Impact and Issues with Immediate Impact and Issues with

ResidentsResidents

��Rapid growth of moldRapid growth of mold

��Little or no homeowner’s insuranceLittle or no homeowner’s insurance

��Loss of personal property & treasuresLoss of personal property & treasures

��Limited and inadequate housing optionsLimited and inadequate housing options

��Limited ability to cook or cleanLimited ability to cook or clean

��Constant fear of disease and germsConstant fear of disease and germs

��Shortened patience with the system Shortened patience with the system

Impact to Public InfrastructureImpact to Public Infrastructure

��Waste Water Utility = $9,047,407Waste Water Utility = $9,047,407

��Water Utility = $272,724Water Utility = $272,724

��Streets & Parks = $774,350Streets & Parks = $774,350

��City Buildings/Equipment = $1,317,517City Buildings/Equipment = $1,317,517

��Police/Fire/Ambulance = $1,284,983Police/Fire/Ambulance = $1,284,983

��Debris Removal = $1,766,974Debris Removal = $1,766,974

��Assistance = $1,500,000Assistance = $1,500,000

��TOTAL CITY COST = $15,963,956TOTAL CITY COST = $15,963,956

Community Impact Included…Community Impact Included…

��Residential losses = ($35M)Residential losses = ($35M)

��Business lossesBusiness losses = ($20M)= ($20M)

��Public infrastructure loss = ($16M)Public infrastructure loss = ($16M)

��Student population loss in the RStudent population loss in the R--P Schools P Schools

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HOUSINGHOUSING

�� 133 total dwelling units in jeopardy133 total dwelling units in jeopardy−− 8 units remain open or unknown8 units remain open or unknown

�� 66 FEMA Trailers in city limits; all removed in 18 mos.66 FEMA Trailers in city limits; all removed in 18 mos.�� 59 house demo permits issued59 house demo permits issued

−− 44 homes rebuilt; 8 spots purchased by neighbor or other 44 homes rebuilt; 8 spots purchased by neighbor or other usesuses

�� 37 trailer court demos37 trailer court demos−− 2 new homes on revamped site (new owners)2 new homes on revamped site (new owners)−− Conditional Use Permit for campers/trailersConditional Use Permit for campers/trailers

�� 12 unit apt. building demolished12 unit apt. building demolished−− Newly constructed 6 units by SEMCAC; lowNewly constructed 6 units by SEMCAC; low--income family income family

housinghousing�� 16 unit apt. building repaired16 unit apt. building repaired�� 8 unit apt. repaired8 unit apt. repaired�� 4 unit apt. building4 unit apt. building--replaced with Habitat for Humanity replaced with Habitat for Humanity

DuplexDuplex�� Shortage of modern singleShortage of modern single--family dwellings…have not kept family dwellings…have not kept

pace with comprehensive plan outline.pace with comprehensive plan outline.

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One of many shipments of supplies from Hearts & Hands Alliance

Business Recovery

�� 80 80 -- businesses received recovery loans through businesses received recovery loans through

State of MN totaling $17 mil.State of MN totaling $17 mil.

�� Tireless efforts by many to reopen businesses as fast Tireless efforts by many to reopen businesses as fast

as possible to provide, jobs, groceries, gas, hardware as possible to provide, jobs, groceries, gas, hardware

and health care.and health care.

�� TriTri--County Electric CoCounty Electric Co--op moves to City of Rushford op moves to City of Rushford

Village.Village.

�� Owners of rental properties learn in dismay, not Owners of rental properties learn in dismay, not

classified as a “business” in qualifying for assistance.classified as a “business” in qualifying for assistance.

�� EDA working with new local startEDA working with new local start--up businesses by up businesses by

granting development loansgranting development loans

�� 9 new businesses in operation since August 079 new businesses in operation since August 07

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�My Pictures\2010_10_05

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WATERSHED

&

LEVEE SYSTEM

� RushPine Watershed Conservancy initiated covering 136 sq miles - 2009

� Coordinator hired with grant dollars; operating through SWD Winona County-2010-2011

� DNR Flood Mitigation Grant funding for levee prep work in recertification/restoration process. (2010)

� 1.2mil. bond issue from state for levee work. Max city obligation is $630,000. Completed summer 2012.

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City Equipment;City Equipment;

Utilities;Utilities;

Well & Water Well & Water

Treatment FacilitiesTreatment Facilities

�� $1.2 mil received through insurance for lost city $1.2 mil received through insurance for lost city property, equipment and vehiclesproperty, equipment and vehicles

�� Well # 3 closed because of contamination.Well # 3 closed because of contamination.�� 300 + sand points/private wells sealed300 + sand points/private wells sealed�� New well drilled (#5) built next to new water New well drilled (#5) built next to new water

treatment facility on North end (above flood path)treatment facility on North end (above flood path)�� Engineering firm worked on Municipal Improvement Engineering firm worked on Municipal Improvement

Project for 2011 (undersized/old water & sewer Project for 2011 (undersized/old water & sewer mains, streets and curb/gutter). Funding mains, streets and curb/gutter). Funding –– PFA, PFA, FEMA, user fees.FEMA, user fees.

�� $300,000 project for for downtown underground $300,000 project for for downtown underground utilities upgrade. Hazard Mitigation Grant (FEMA @ utilities upgrade. Hazard Mitigation Grant (FEMA @ 75%) in combination with Brownsfield Grant (DEED). 75%) in combination with Brownsfield Grant (DEED). City paid 25% of project. (2011 City paid 25% of project. (2011 -- council voted to council voted to return DEED grant which included <$16,000>for this return DEED grant which included <$16,000>for this upgrade.)upgrade.)

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Realities in 2008

� Minnesota Design Team donates a “visit” to help community envision our future.

� Farmer’s Market- new vendors; located on HWY 43 on city owned lot.

� Museum refurbished and improved.

� Process started for levee recertification…

� Trailer park bought by local entrepreneurs. New infrastructure. Alternate use given for public camping site in parts of park.

� Downtown businesses up and running!

� Committee established to revamp trailhead, trail access, and destination points in town.

Parks, Trails & Tourism

Creekside Park

�Careful evaluation of Creekside Park playground area reveals need to replace structure. New design adopted, and through fundraising efforts, community builds new structure in 5 days!

�Ribbon cutting May 2009.

Project Realities 2009 –2011�� Town Meeting Initiative (SMIF grant) awarded for trail Town Meeting Initiative (SMIF grant) awarded for trail

improvements/signage improvements/signage -- 20092009

�� Trails N’ Tourism Trails N’ Tourism nonnon--profit created to blend project ideas from MDT & profit created to blend project ideas from MDT & TMI…in attempt to keep process/ideas alive TMI…in attempt to keep process/ideas alive –– 2010. 2010.

�� MN Legacy Grant for $175,000 awarded & $125,000 in federal dollaMN Legacy Grant for $175,000 awarded & $125,000 in federal dollars rs extending trails, circling the city using levee tops (2011extending trails, circling the city using levee tops (2011-- phase 1) phase 1)

�� Plans underway for new library , motel, community center, with 4Plans underway for new library , motel, community center, with 400 seat 00 seat capacity . capacity .

�� USDA Rural Development Loan and Grant for 2.4 mil awarded for neUSDA Rural Development Loan and Grant for 2.4 mil awarded for new w library/city hall facility. (2010)library/city hall facility. (2010)

�� Land donated to city for trail use projects Land donated to city for trail use projects –– 20112011

�� 2.5 miles new hiking trails on bluff (city park) 20102.5 miles new hiking trails on bluff (city park) 2010

�� New canoe launch & primitive campsites proposed adjacent to LegaNew canoe launch & primitive campsites proposed adjacent to Legacy Trails cy Trails starting point…working with DNRstarting point…working with DNR

�� RR--P HS staff energizing youth development/leadership projects.P HS staff energizing youth development/leadership projects.

�� New facility studies underway by school district New facility studies underway by school district –– 2010, 20112010, 2011

�� Rushford Community Foundation offers grant to Area Chamber of Rushford Community Foundation offers grant to Area Chamber of Commerce for hiring partCommerce for hiring part--time coordinator time coordinator –– 20102010

Post Flood Recovery 2012

� Bike trail extension completed - $300,000 state and fed grants� New 6 unit T-hanger @ airport- $500,000; 95% FAA grant� Levee improvements completed – $2.3 mil. City share $630,360.� Rehab downtown elec. to underground – 75 % FEMA grant� Wastewater Plant rehab $1.5 mil – PFA loan, PFA/FEMA grants� Wastewater pump replacements - $39,000 PFA grant� Municipal improvements : replace water/sanitary/storm mains & streets.

$3,915,000 in two G.O. Bonds, PFA loans, assessments, levy and user fees.� New water treatment facility $1.2 mil. – PFA loan� New Community Center/motel project abandoned by council� Municipal liquor store built with $897,000 FEMA funds, closed by council

vote. Equipment sold. Use uncertain� New library project blocked by city council. USDA, FEMA and DEED

funding abandoned. � School district continues to seek funding for new building.� RushPine Watershed Conservancy progress stalled: leadership/funding

issues� <$41,000,000> into community from state, federal, donations.

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Proposed canoe launch/primitive

camp site.

The 2007 Flood Event taught several lessonsThe 2007 Flood Event taught several lessons:

��Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, Retain faith that you will prevail in the end,

regardless of the difficulties. And at the regardless of the difficulties. And at the

same time, confront the most brutal facts of same time, confront the most brutal facts of

your current reality, whatever they might be.your current reality, whatever they might be.

(J. Collins Good to Great, p.86)(J. Collins Good to Great, p.86)

��Encourage the city staff to complete NIMS Encourage the city staff to complete NIMS

training!training!

��Know and network within your watershed district Know and network within your watershed district

area and congressional districts!area and congressional districts!

��Live in gratitude. Inner strength and deep faith Live in gratitude. Inner strength and deep faith

were foundation.were foundation.

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Working in the “New Working in the “New

Normal”Normal”

MnWARNMnWARN establishedestablished-- collaborative efforts collaborative efforts

between WWOA, Dept of Health (MPCA), between WWOA, Dept of Health (MPCA),

City of Rushford, & assisted by Rural City of Rushford, & assisted by Rural

Water with lessons learned in Rushford Water with lessons learned in Rushford

flood.flood.

“to enhance the recovery of utility “to enhance the recovery of utility

systems from natural and declared systems from natural and declared

disasters.”disasters.”

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Positive Outcome MakersPositive Outcome Makers•• Right people with the necessary skills, worked together as a teaRight people with the necessary skills, worked together as a team.m.

–– Tireless efforts by city staff to get things “back to normal”Tireless efforts by city staff to get things “back to normal”

–– Thousands of outside volunteers, coordinated through managementThousands of outside volunteers, coordinated through management system for system for cleanclean--up help.up help.

–– 55,000 donated meals served in 55,000 donated meals served in MontiniMontini Hall@ St Joseph’s ChurchHall@ St Joseph’s Church

–– RADAR (Rushford Area Disaster Alliance for Recovery) establishedRADAR (Rushford Area Disaster Alliance for Recovery) established as a nonas a non--profit entity to handle donationsprofit entity to handle donations

–– Case management system established for home and business assistaCase management system established for home and business assistance. nce. (SEMCAC, SEMDC, (SEMCAC, SEMDC, PettipiecePettipiece and Assoc.)and Assoc.)

–– Social Service providers as resource to information for helpSocial Service providers as resource to information for help

–– DNR, BDM Consulting Engineers , DNR, BDM Consulting Engineers , OtomoOtomo Engineering, Barr Engineering, Fillmore Engineering, Barr Engineering, Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District, U.S. Army Corps of County Soil and Water Conservation District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Dept Engineers, Dept of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minnesota Pollutiof Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minnesota Pollution on Control Agency (MPCA), MN Dept. of Agriculture, MN Dept of HealControl Agency (MPCA), MN Dept. of Agriculture, MN Dept of Health, MNRG, th, MNRG, MMUA, USGS, MN Dept of Commerce and Industry, MRWA (Minnesota RuMMUA, USGS, MN Dept of Commerce and Industry, MRWA (Minnesota Rural ral Water), MN Public Facilities Authority (PFA), MN Housing AuthoriWater), MN Public Facilities Authority (PFA), MN Housing Authority, many MN ty, many MN municipalities, municipalities, MnDOTMnDOT, Fillmore CO., LMC, CGMC, Red Cross, National Guard, , Fillmore CO., LMC, CGMC, Red Cross, National Guard, FEMA, MN elected officials, Minnesota Design Team, Hearts & HandFEMA, MN elected officials, Minnesota Design Team, Hearts & Hands Alliance, s Alliance, all area churches, and many others.all area churches, and many others.

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Sharing a “lookSharing a “look--aa--like” day with one of favorite FEMA repslike” day with one of favorite FEMA reps