The Region 11 Guadalupe Flood Planning Group (RFPG) has incorporated a virtual option into its pre-planning meeting to allow and encourage more public participation.
Hays County residents can participate in a virtual, interactive meeting that focuses on the planning process and allows the public to provide their suggestions and recommendations.
“Public input is extremely important to the success of this bottom-up planning effort,” said Doug Miller, chairman of the Region 11 Guadalupe RFPG.
Miller encouraged the public to participate and give feedback regarding the planning efforts.
“In this initial round of planning, our group will identify flood risks, establish flood mitigation and flood plain management goals,” Miller said.
Throughout the process, the planning group will also recommend strategies, evaluations and projects to reduce flood risks in the community.
The virtual meeting begins with giving those participating background on the planning process as well as a timeline with deadlines that have been set for the planning group.
Before submitting an official flood plan, the RFPG must gather data, identify flood risks, evaluate management practices and prepare a flood plan draft to send to the Texas Water Development Board for approval.
Flood mitigation plays a big part in planning and preventing flood risks.
“When we talk about flood mitigation, we are talking about the implementation of actions to reduce flood risks to protect against the loss of life and property,” said Adam Conner, assistant project manager at Freese and Nichols. “These actions can include structural and non-structural solutions.”
The planning group needs the community’s assistance in developing projects and plans that would best fit the region.
“The success of the planning process will depend on public and community input to help the Regional Flood Planning Group understand the community’s experience with flood issues,” Conner said.
The walk-through meeting is complete with an interactive map that allows participants to navigate through their region and find the areas on which they wish to comment on. Participants can also submit photos and answer questions about their flood concerns and experiences.
Comments from the public and Hays County residents are accepted at every RFPG meeting either in person or virtually. Those wishing to submit comments can do so by emailing [email protected] or mailing them to Lauren Williams at Attn: Region 11 Flood Planning Group Meeting 933 East Court Street, Seguin, Tx 78155.
To go through the interactive meeting, visit https://www.blantonassociates.com/GBRA_Pre-Planning_vpm/. The meeting will be available to view until Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m.
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