DATE: April 20, 2015
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
David Parker, City Engineer/CIP Executive
Paul Holzen, Director of Engineering
SUBJECT:
Presentation on the Harpeth River Watershed Feasibility Study and the Recommended Alternatives for the City of Franklin
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Purpose
The purpose of this memo is to provide an update to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on the Harpeth River Watershed Feasibility Study.
Background
The May 2010 flood event created devastation throughout the Harpeth River Watershed and caused four fatalities and over $480 million in direct economic impacts in the Harpeth River Watershed alone. For this reason the Department of the Army conducted a preliminary reconnaissance of the Harpeth River Watershed and found over 850 structures in the regulated floodplain within the basin located in the City of Brentwood, City of Franklin, Williamson County and Davidson County. In addition, they found aquatic ecosystem issues throughout the basin primarily involving stream bank erosion and loss of riparian buffers. On June 13, 2013 the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), City of Franklin, Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, City of Brentwood and Williamson County signed a Feasibility Study Agreement to analyze alternative flood risk management options. The feasibility study evaluated numerous flood risk management options and provided an analysis of cost and benefits associated with various projects. The USACE have determined that two projects are considered to be economically justified within the city of Franklin. These two projects include Franklin Road channel modifications and nonstructural home raisings. With support from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, one or both of these measures could become the Feasibility Study's recommended plan.
Finical Impact
The City of Franklin must decide if it supports implementation of the following two options:
Option 1: Franklin Road Channel Modifications
• The preliminary cost estimate provided by the USACE is approximately $1,000,000. The City would be responsible for 35% of the actual cost ($350,000).
• A portion of the Franklin Road Project (Harpeth River Bridge to Harpeth Industrial Ct) could be incorporated into this project allowing the City to utilize federal funds to help pay for some of the proposed roadway and pedestrian improvements. The estimated city and federal cost would need to be investigated and updated by City Staff and the USACE.
Option 2: Nonstructural Home Raisings
• The preliminary cost estimate provided by the USACE is approximately $2,500,000. The City would be responsible for 35% of the actual cost.
• This would be a voluntary program for the 24 homes that qualify.
• This cost could be paid out of the City of Franklin stormwater fund or come directly from the homeowners that decide to participate in the program.
• Construction could be managed by the USACE or the individual homeowner.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that we continue to work with the USACE to develop a new agreement to complete the feasibility study. The updated feasibility study would take approximately 1.5 years to complete. Staff supports additional investigation of Option 1 and would recommend incorporating elements of the Franklin Road Project (Harpeth River Bridge to Harpeth Industrial Ct) into the final project. Staff is requesting input from the BOMA on how to proceed with Option 2.