FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
Why is Floodplain Management Important?
While many areas have flood problems, floodplain lands can be valuable community assets. The natural resources that are contained in these areas, as well as the natural functions of these resources, can contribute to the overall quality of life. When floodplain areas are left in or restored to a natural state, they can not only reduce the severity of flooding, but better handle storm water runoff and help prevent pollution of the natural water system.
Floodplain or Floodway?
The floodway is a channel of a river or stream and those portions of the land adjoining the channel which area reasonably required to carry and discharge the peak flow of the regulatory (100-year) flood. The areas adjoining the channel which have been or may be covered by the regulatory flood is the floodway fringe. The floodplain includes both the floodway and the floodway fringe districts. Generally, the floodway should be kept clear of structures and other impediments to drainage flow. Floodway fringe areas may have drainage and damage to structures.