In Montana, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), is responsible for the management of floodplains. The DNRC has indicated they would like to use the Silver Jackets floodplain study to update the floodplain maps for Ekalaka.  Updating the maps poses a potentially severe problem for Ekalaka. Why?  Because the Town cannot provide documentation to DNRC or FEMA that the “levee” meets federal requirements, so the new floodplain maps will not reflect the protection from the levee.  It would  be as if the levee doesn’t exist, and the maps will show that much of Ekalaka is in the floodplain. Residents or businesses with federally-backed loans on their property would be required to purchase flood insurance; other lenders may also require flood insurance. Furthermore, development (e.g., new buildings, remodels, etc.) within the floodplain would be severely limited or even disallowed by the enforcement of local floodplain regulations. The economic implications could be drastic for a community that is already struggling to grow.

Great West is currently underway on a study that will evaluate the feasibility of certifying the levee. In order to certify the levee, it must meet a host of federal requirements, ranging from hydraulic adequacy, foundation stability, sufficient right-of-way, and the list goes on. This study will give the Town a solid starting point for determining the next steps for the “levee,” which for Ekalaka, relates directly to the future economic vitality of the community.

Want to talk funding for your next project?  Get in touch with our funding experts today!