| OCR Text |
Show FLOOD CONTROL Flood control and flood damage-prevention consist of structural measures and nonstructural programs performed by Federal agencies, states, and local organizations. Structural measures include reservoirs, channel improvements, levees and dikes, channel stabilization, and sediment control. Nonstructural programs include flood forecasting and flood plain regulations. Flood Control Structures The locations of 25 of the more significant existing flood control and flood damage-prevention projects are shown on the map following page 38 • Many other smaller projects provide varying degrees of local flood pro- tection, although they are not shown on the map. Floodwater detention basins and reservoirs with flood control storage existing in the Region, in 1965 have a total storage capacity of 10.7 million acre-feet. Also existing in 1965 were 1^3 miles of levees and 120 miles of channel improvements. In addition to the flood control structures described above, land treatment and management practices under existing programs, while smaller in scope, have significant offsite effects in reducing erosion and sedi- mentation, controlling runoff, and prolonging the life of detention and storage facilities. Flood Forecasting Currently, there are 1^ river gage locations within the Region for which forecasts of runoff are made. Flood warning systems have been developed and affected urban and agricultural areas are alerted of impending flood situations. Flood Plain Regulations Flood plain regulations would limit the types of development and use of lands in flood plains, thus limiting potential damages in flood-prone areas. Guidelines for establishing such regulations have been made avail- able, but have been adopted by very few communities. Accomplishment of Existing Flood Control Program The existing flood control program had prevented an estimated $11O.U million in flood damages through 1965> based on historic flood data. Protection has been provided to about 238 miles of rivers and streams and 73^,000 acres of land. Based on the 1965 economic conditions and the existing flood control program, residual damages are estimated to total 37 |
