Interagency Cooperation Facilitates Recovery from 2002 Flood at Roseau, MN

1. Interagency Cooperation Facilitates Recovery from 2002 Flood at Roseau, MN Good Morning I�m Bill Spychalla of Barr Engineering. At Barr, we have had several staff working with the City of Roseau since the June 2002 flood in their recovery efforts. Today, I would like to give you a brief status report on the recovery of Roseau, Minnesota from their devastating 500 year flood of June 2002 and discuss some of the key aspects of Interagency Cooperation that has been helping Roseau in their recovery. Good Morning I�m Bill Spychalla of Barr Engineering. At Barr, we have had several staff working with the City of Roseau since the June 2002 flood in their recovery efforts. Today, I would like to give you a brief status report on the recovery of Roseau, Minnesota from their devastating 500 year flood of June 2002 and discuss some of the key aspects of Interagency Cooperation that has been helping Roseau in their recovery.

2. First, a little background on Roseau. Roseau is in the very northwestern tip of Minnesota, only 10 miles from the Canadian border. The key industry for Roseau and the surrounding area is Polaris, a major manufacturer of Snowmobiles and All Terrain Vehicles. Although most of the City, including the Polaris Manufacturing facility is in the Regulatory floodplain, past flood fights have been successful in preventing flood damage in the City. The flood fight of June 2002, however, would be different.First, a little background on Roseau. Roseau is in the very northwestern tip of Minnesota, only 10 miles from the Canadian border. The key industry for Roseau and the surrounding area is Polaris, a major manufacturer of Snowmobiles and All Terrain Vehicles. Although most of the City, including the Polaris Manufacturing facility is in the Regulatory floodplain, past flood fights have been successful in preventing flood damage in the City. The flood fight of June 2002, however, would be different.

3. Over a 3 day period in early June 2002, a major rainfall event occurred over the Red River of the North drainage basin that would change the relationship of the residents of Roseau to the Roseau River which runs through the center of town. As you can see from the isohyetal lines on the map, several areas of the Red River basin received over 6 inches of rain during this event. Although the isohyetal lines in the vicinity of the Roseau River watershed generally show lower numbers, the City of Roseau actually received over 6 inches with some of the areas upstream of Roseau receiving up to 14 inches. This large amount of rainfall over the entire upstream watershed above the City of Roseau resulted in record setting flooding at the City.Over a 3 day period in early June 2002, a major rainfall event occurred over the Red River of the North drainage basin that would change the relationship of the residents of Roseau to the Roseau River which runs through the center of town. As you can see from the isohyetal lines on the map, several areas of the Red River basin received over 6 inches of rain during this event. Although the isohyetal lines in the vicinity of the Roseau River watershed generally show lower numbers, the City of Roseau actually received over 6 inches with some of the areas upstream of Roseau receiving up to 14 inches. This large amount of rainfall over the entire upstream watershed above the City of Roseau resulted in record setting flooding at the City.

4. This chart shows the river stage in Roseau as the continuous black line, the rainfall in increments of 6 hours at Roseau as the red columns, and the National Weather Service Forecasts in the white boxes. The rainfall event essentially occurred over a 48 hour period, with the most intense part of the storm occurring in the last 12 hours. The first forecast of river levels above flood stage came just before the heaviest rainfall occurred. By the time the heavy rain subsided, the forecast called for river levels to exceed a stage of 22 feet. This would be at or slightly above the top of Roseau�s patchwork levee system. Although the river crested at a stage of 23.3 feet about 36 hours after the forecast of record flooding was made, the river level was breaching the levee system within hours of the record forecast. The river stayed at very high levels for almost a week.This chart shows the river stage in Roseau as the continuous black line, the rainfall in increments of 6 hours at Roseau as the red columns, and the National Weather Service Forecasts in the white boxes. The rainfall event essentially occurred over a 48 hour period, with the most intense part of the storm occurring in the last 12 hours. The first forecast of river levels above flood stage came just before the heaviest rainfall occurred. By the time the heavy rain subsided, the forecast called for river levels to exceed a stage of 22 feet. This would be at or slightly above the top of Roseau�s patchwork levee system. Although the river crested at a stage of 23.3 feet about 36 hours after the forecast of record flooding was made, the river level was breaching the levee system within hours of the record forecast. The river stayed at very high levels for almost a week.

5. Sandbagging operations to raise the existing temporary levee system were underway throughout the City within hours after the forecast of record river levels.Sandbagging operations to raise the existing temporary levee system were underway throughout the City within hours after the forecast of record river levels.

6. Unfortunately the river rose too fast and too high. A peak flow of 16,100 cfs and a record stage of 23.3 was recorded 3 days after it first started raining.Unfortunately the river rose too fast and too high. A peak flow of 16,100 cfs and a record stage of 23.3 was recorded 3 days after it first started raining.

7. This is an aerial view at the peak of the flood. It is looking north and covers the portion of the City on the west side of the Roseau River, which includes the downtown business district on the right side of the photo and the Polaris manufacturing facility on the left. This was the Flood of Record for Roseau, with an estimated return frequency of once in 500 years.This is an aerial view at the peak of the flood. It is looking north and covers the portion of the City on the west side of the Roseau River, which includes the downtown business district on the right side of the photo and the Polaris manufacturing facility on the left. This was the Flood of Record for Roseau, with an estimated return frequency of once in 500 years.

8. This flood caused over $120 million dollars in damages. A truly devastating impact on this small community.This flood caused over $120 million dollars in damages. A truly devastating impact on this small community.

9. Canoes were found in many parts of the City during the flood.Canoes were found in many parts of the City during the flood.

10. In spite of efforts to sandbag entrances to many individual buildings, almost the entire downtown business district had basement and first floor flooding.In spite of efforts to sandbag entrances to many individual buildings, almost the entire downtown business district had basement and first floor flooding.

11. Water flowed freely through the city and Main Avenue had a much different look for several days.Water flowed freely through the city and Main Avenue had a much different look for several days.

12. Most of the small businesses in Roseau were affected; Some for weeks or months. The impact of flooding both at home and at work was widespread throughout Roseau.Most of the small businesses in Roseau were affected; Some for weeks or months. The impact of flooding both at home and at work was widespread throughout Roseau.

13. There were two sites where the sandbagging efforts were successful in preventing major damages. One was at the Roseau High School and the other was at the Polaris manufacturing plant. The prevention of major damage to the Polaris plant was extremely important to keeping their large workforce employed and with a steady source of income as the community worked at recovering from the flood event. There were two sites where the sandbagging efforts were successful in preventing major damages. One was at the Roseau High School and the other was at the Polaris manufacturing plant. The prevention of major damage to the Polaris plant was extremely important to keeping their large workforce employed and with a steady source of income as the community worked at recovering from the flood event.

14. It seems that most folks in Roseau have a Polaris ATV and many were being used during the flood.It seems that most folks in Roseau have a Polaris ATV and many were being used during the flood.

15. A number of homes suffered substantial damage and had to be demolished. A number of homes suffered substantial damage and had to be demolished.

16. Although most of the damages occurred in the business section of town on the west side of the Roseau River, the homes that suffered the deepest flooding were located on the east side of the river.Although most of the damages occurred in the business section of town on the west side of the Roseau River, the homes that suffered the deepest flooding were located on the east side of the river.

17. The floodwaters affected Roseau in several ways: There was overland flow that entered the City from the West. The water in the river backed up through the storm sewer system on both the east and the west sides of the river. and finally the most dramatic and damaging way was from the river overtopping and breeching the levee system and flowing through the City both to the east and west of the river.The floodwaters affected Roseau in several ways: There was overland flow that entered the City from the West. The water in the river backed up through the storm sewer system on both the east and the west sides of the river. and finally the most dramatic and damaging way was from the river overtopping and breeching the levee system and flowing through the City both to the east and west of the river.

18. Recover from the effects of the June 2002 Flood as quickly as possible for the overall good and well-being of the residents of Roseau, including their major employer and the employees of Polaris. Recovery activities should be accomplished with the objective of reducing future flood damages and the ultimate goal of removing the City of Roseau from the 100 year floodplain. Roseau�s Strategy for Recovery had two main objectives: - to recover from the effects of the flood as quickly as possible for the overall good and well-being of the residents, including getting businesses reopened as quickly as possible and minimizing the time away from work for the employees of Polaris. and, - that all recovery activities should be accomplished with the objectives of reducing future flood damages and of removing the City of Roseau from the 100 year floodplain.Roseau�s Strategy for Recovery had two main objectives: - to recover from the effects of the flood as quickly as possible for the overall good and well-being of the residents, including getting businesses reopened as quickly as possible and minimizing the time away from work for the employees of Polaris. and, - that all recovery activities should be accomplished with the objectives of reducing future flood damages and of removing the City of Roseau from the 100 year floodplain.

19. In spite of this major disaster to the City, Roseau was the beneficiary of the flood disaster experiences of other communities in Minnesota. After the floods of 1993, the State of Minnesota established a structure for the MINNESOTA RECOVERS DISASTER TASK FORCE to assist local communities recover from the effects of flooding. The Task Force is led by the Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (MN DHSEM) and has several subcommittees that have grouped the State and Federal Agencies by their authorities, programs and abilities to assist local governments in the recovery from flood events. Two of the key subcommittees for Roseau were Infrastructure and Economic Development, and Hazard Mitigation and Flood Control. The key agencies involved are listed by their acronyms in the diagram with the lead agencies shown in the Yellow Boxes. You will recognize most of the agencies listed but several that you may not recognize include - MN DEED � Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - MN DHSEM � Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management - MPCA � Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - MN BWSR - Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources - MHFA � Minnesota Housing Finance Agency The Task Force met frequently to discuss the needs of the communities affected by the flooding. As the applications for assistance in repair of damaged areas and for recovery needs came in from Roseau and the surrounding affected area, the Task Force members would discuss which agency�s programs would be best suited to address the problem. In this manner, the agency that could serve the citizens of Roseau in the most efficient and expeditious manner for a particular problem or need was assigned that Task. Since Roseau�s disaster occurred at a time when the economy was not doing well and money was really tight in all agencies, the continuous coordination by the Task Force was critical to getting the scarce agency resources used to the best advantage to help Roseau in their recovery.In spite of this major disaster to the City, Roseau was the beneficiary of the flood disaster experiences of other communities in Minnesota. After the floods of 1993, the State of Minnesota established a structure for the MINNESOTA RECOVERS DISASTER TASK FORCE to assist local communities recover from the effects of flooding. The Task Force is led by the Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (MN DHSEM) and has several subcommittees that have grouped the State and Federal Agencies by their authorities, programs and abilities to assist local governments in the recovery from flood events. Two of the key subcommittees for Roseau were Infrastructure and Economic Development, and Hazard Mitigation and Flood Control. The key agencies involved are listed by their acronyms in the diagram with the lead agencies shown in the Yellow Boxes. You will recognize most of the agencies listed but several that you may not recognize include - MN DEED � Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - MN DHSEM � Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management - MPCA � Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - MN BWSR - Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources - MHFA � Minnesota Housing Finance Agency The Task Force met frequently to discuss the needs of the communities affected by the flooding. As the applications for assistance in repair of damaged areas and for recovery needs came in from Roseau and the surrounding affected area, the Task Force members would discuss which agency�s programs would be best suited to address the problem. In this manner, the agency that could serve the citizens of Roseau in the most efficient and expeditious manner for a particular problem or need was assigned that Task. Since Roseau�s disaster occurred at a time when the economy was not doing well and money was really tight in all agencies, the continuous coordination by the Task Force was critical to getting the scarce agency resources used to the best advantage to help Roseau in their recovery.

20. Roseau�s Road Map to Recovery Immediate Response to Disaster Trailers provided by FEMA as Temporary Housing Several hundred to individuals on a short term basis (several months) About 50 in a trailer park constructed by the Corps of Engineers (for an 18 month period) Damage Assessments Needed to document flood damages to streets, sewers, homes, businesses, etc. for applications to the various Federal and State agencies for assistance There are many stops along Roseau�s road map to recovery, but I will only list some of the major items. A key to the immediate response was the provision of temporary housing by FEMA. Trailers were provided on a short term basis and also a longer term basis, up to 18 months to needy individuals and family. Another key item was the damage assessments that documented the damages which then supported the applications by the City to the various agencies for assistance. These damage assessments were critical to the functioning of the Minnesota Recovers Disaster Task Force in the allocation of the scarce agency resources.There are many stops along Roseau�s road map to recovery, but I will only list some of the major items. A key to the immediate response was the provision of temporary housing by FEMA. Trailers were provided on a short term basis and also a longer term basis, up to 18 months to needy individuals and family. Another key item was the damage assessments that documented the damages which then supported the applications by the City to the various agencies for assistance. These damage assessments were critical to the functioning of the Minnesota Recovers Disaster Task Force in the allocation of the scarce agency resources.

21. Roseau�s Road Map to Recovery Infrastructure Reconstruction Comprehensive Reconstruction of Roads and associated infrastructure has been/is being done 6 miles of roads & highways 5 miles each of water mains & sanitary sewers 3 miles of storm sewer Structure Buyouts & Removal Sixty-Five structures have been bought out and removed (about 55 residences & 10 commercial properties) Almost all were purchased with State funding. Other key items included the reconstruction of infrastructure and also structure buyouts. The infrastructure reconstruction includes: 6 miles of streets, roads and highways 5 miles each of water mains and sanitary sewers and, 3 miles of storm sewers The structure buyouts included about 55 residences and 10 commercial properties. No FEMA funds were used for the buyouts. About 50% of funds came from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the other 50% came through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Other key items included the reconstruction of infrastructure and also structure buyouts. The infrastructure reconstruction includes: 6 miles of streets, roads and highways 5 miles each of water mains and sanitary sewers and, 3 miles of storm sewers The structure buyouts included about 55 residences and 10 commercial properties. No FEMA funds were used for the buyouts. About 50% of funds came from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the other 50% came through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.

22. Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan Plan was required by Federal & State agencies before funding would be approved for flood mitigation projects Conceptual Plan based mainly on Preliminary Analysis and Existing Information Identified Overall Plan with Immediate Action, Short Term and Long Range Components Prepared by Barr Engineering for City of Roseau with MN DNR funding Another critical aspect of the recovery effort was the development of a Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan for Roseau. Agencies were somewhat reluctant to fund a major repair project without seeing how that project would fit into an overall plan for the reduction of flood hazards in the City. The plan was developed based on the analysis of existing data and information. With the information gathered from the June 2002 flood event, the need for a comprehensive plan that addressed both short term and long range implementation considerations was readily acknowledged by the community. Another critical aspect of the recovery effort was the development of a Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan for Roseau. Agencies were somewhat reluctant to fund a major repair project without seeing how that project would fit into an overall plan for the reduction of flood hazards in the City. The plan was developed based on the analysis of existing data and information. With the information gathered from the June 2002 flood event, the need for a comprehensive plan that addressed both short term and long range implementation considerations was readily acknowledged by the community.

23. The following several projects are some of the major items involved in preventing the recurrence of damages from future floods. The first project was the repair to a levee and riverbank failure in the northwest part of town. The flood had caused a major subsidence of the riverbank over a several hundred foot reach in the vicinity of the Roseau�s low head dam. This repair project was placed on the list of �immediate� needs.The following several projects are some of the major items involved in preventing the recurrence of damages from future floods. The first project was the repair to a levee and riverbank failure in the northwest part of town. The flood had caused a major subsidence of the riverbank over a several hundred foot reach in the vicinity of the Roseau�s low head dam. This repair project was placed on the list of �immediate� needs.

24. When discussed at the Minnesota Recovers Disaster Task Force meetings, the Natural Resources Conservation Service had a program that could handle this repair project in an expeditious manner. This is a view of the completed repair project one year after the flood event. When discussed at the Minnesota Recovers Disaster Task Force meetings, the Natural Resources Conservation Service had a program that could handle this repair project in an expeditious manner. This is a view of the completed repair project one year after the flood event.

25. An upgrade to County Road 120 which had been desired for sometime became more critical after occurrence of the 2002 flood. The design for the road upgrade was modified to raise the road and assure that it could function as an effective barrier for future flood events. This was constructed in 2004 with major assistance from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.An upgrade to County Road 120 which had been desired for sometime became more critical after occurrence of the 2002 flood. The design for the road upgrade was modified to raise the road and assure that it could function as an effective barrier for future flood events. This was constructed in 2004 with major assistance from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

26. The reconfiguring of the storm sewer system on the west side of the Roseau River was designed to keep the river from backing through the storm sewer system. The components of this system included connecting five storm sewers into one ponding area with a permanent pump station and an upgraded levee section. This reduces the number of storm water outfalls on the west side from 5 to one and provides a much more reliable system in the event of major flood events. The Plans and specifications are complete and construction is planned for 2005 and 2006 at an estimated cost of $5 million.The reconfiguring of the storm sewer system on the west side of the Roseau River was designed to keep the river from backing through the storm sewer system. The components of this system included connecting five storm sewers into one ponding area with a permanent pump station and an upgraded levee section. This reduces the number of storm water outfalls on the west side from 5 to one and provides a much more reliable system in the event of major flood events. The Plans and specifications are complete and construction is planned for 2005 and 2006 at an estimated cost of $5 million.

27. The Roseau River Watershed District is designing the �West Interceptor� project which will address the problems of overland flow from the west of Roseau. The overland floodwaters will be intercepted by the channel and diverted to Roseau River several miles to the north and downstream of the City. Construction on this project will start this summer, with an estimated cost of $4 million. The principal funding for the project is coming from the U.S. Economic Development Agency and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.The Roseau River Watershed District is designing the �West Interceptor� project which will address the problems of overland flow from the west of Roseau. The overland floodwaters will be intercepted by the channel and diverted to Roseau River several miles to the north and downstream of the City. Construction on this project will start this summer, with an estimated cost of $4 million. The principal funding for the project is coming from the U.S. Economic Development Agency and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

28. The Corps of Engineers is in the final stages of a feasibility study for flood damage reduction at Roseau. The proposed plan is a Flood Diversion Channel around the east side of Roseau. The diversion channel would divert a significant portion of major flood flows from the river, resulting in flood level reductions of about 2 feet through the City for the larger flood events. The project has a healthy Benefit-Cost ratio and would have multiple purposes of flood control and recreation. The Feasibility Study is scheduled to be completed in 2005.The Corps of Engineers is in the final stages of a feasibility study for flood damage reduction at Roseau. The proposed plan is a Flood Diversion Channel around the east side of Roseau. The diversion channel would divert a significant portion of major flood flows from the river, resulting in flood level reductions of about 2 feet through the City for the larger flood events. The project has a healthy Benefit-Cost ratio and would have multiple purposes of flood control and recreation. The Feasibility Study is scheduled to be completed in 2005.

29. Completed Items Temporary housing Buyouts of severely damaged homes & businesses Repair of Riverbank failure County Road 120 raise Items in Design or Under Construction West Interceptor West Side Stormwater system modifications Road, water & sewer reconstruction Items under study/evaluation Feasibility Study for Flood Diversion Channel A brief summary of some of the principal items that are occurring or have occurred in Roseau�s Recovery from the Record Flood of 2002 include: Temporary Housing was provided Severely Damaged homes and businesses were bought out A major riverbank failure was repaired Country Road 120 was repaired, upgraded and raised The West Interceptor project is designed and ready to be constructed Stormwater system modifications on the west side of the River are designed and ready for construction Street, water line and sewer system reconstruction has been and is being done A flood diversion channel is being studied and shows high promise for feasibility and recommendations for implementation A brief summary of some of the principal items that are occurring or have occurred in Roseau�s Recovery from the Record Flood of 2002 include: Temporary Housing was provided Severely Damaged homes and businesses were bought out A major riverbank failure was repaired Country Road 120 was repaired, upgraded and raised The West Interceptor project is designed and ready to be constructed Stormwater system modifications on the west side of the River are designed and ready for construction Street, water line and sewer system reconstruction has been and is being done A flood diversion channel is being studied and shows high promise for feasibility and recommendations for implementation

30. The Community of Roseau is recovering from their Record Flood and the cooperation of State and Federal Agencies has been key to the recovery process. Although the City of Roseau�s experience with the unforgettable 500 year flood is becoming more of a bad dream rather than a recurring nightmare, the residents are still concerned whenever major storms are predicted for the area and they continue to focus on implementing the remaining components of their flood hazard mitigation plan.The Community of Roseau is recovering from their Record Flood and the cooperation of State and Federal Agencies has been key to the recovery process. Although the City of Roseau�s experience with the unforgettable 500 year flood is becoming more of a bad dream rather than a recurring nightmare, the residents are still concerned whenever major storms are predicted for the area and they continue to focus on implementing the remaining components of their flood hazard mitigation plan.