The Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Program (also referred to as the Roadside Pollinator Program) is an annual competitive grant program that awards grants to eligible entities to … Read more
Three Forks, Montana, is reducing flood risks with a FEMA grant by using nature-based solutions to divert water into a historic riverbed and enhance a pond for storage, protecting the community and restoring natural hydrology.
Project Location:
Three Forks, Montana
Contact:
Kristin Smith, kris@headwaterseconomics.org
Funding Programs:
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program
Project Description
Three Forks is a rural community of almost 2,000 people in southwestern Montana, sitting at the headwaters of the Missouri River. The community faces high flood risk, one major flood is projected to cause between $62 and $109 million in damages to the city’s residential structures. Through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant, $4.5 million was allocated for a nature-based solution to divert water into a historic riverbed for flood water storage. The project also enhances an existing pond to provide additional water storage.
Interview
What advice would you have for someone else applying to this grant program?
There are two things. First, understanding the cost of doing nothing. Three Forks’ proactive city council recognized the economic and growth risks of inaction, which strengthened their grant applications. Second, prioritize relationships. A trusted engineering team, technical assistance, and regular contact with FEMA and elected officials are crucial. Building and maintaining these relationships is key, even though it demands a significant time commitment.
What challenges did you come across and how did you navigate them?
Navigating challenges in this project involved several key issues. Building relationships is crucial but often underfunded, yet Headwaters [Economics] emphasizes it to aid community development through technical assistance. Securing funding was difficult, especially during high inflation. Additionally, securing a local match is always a challenge for any community. In particular, Three Forks faced a $1.5 million local match challenge, requiring a bond which added significant administrative burdens and costs, including creating a special improvement district. This process was complex, impacting city and county coordination, and highlights systemic challenges that many rural communities face.
What were the areas of support that helped you in the process (contractor, grant admin, project ID/planning, education, project design)?
Support for the project came from various areas, making it relatively straightforward. Only one engineering firm was needed, and the design was done in-house through the Montana Department of Natural Resources. Different alternatives for the conveyance channel were explored with significant community engagement. The project impacted only two landowners, with one initially hesitant but now willing to negotiate easements. The project will minimally alter the landscape, featuring a wide, shallow conveyance channel that remains usable for grazing.
Did/do you have a budget and/or plans for monitoring and measuring project success?
Currently, there are no definite plans for monitoring and measuring project success, though Headwaters [Economics] is very interested in developing them. Ice jams, poorly understood and difficult to model, complicate this work in the region. While it is challenging to rigorously estimate avoided costs from future ice jams, the project aims to address flood risk primarily from the Jefferson River. There are residual flood risks from the Madison River, which may require additional measures like levee raises. Continued technical assistance will likely address these ongoing challenges.
Any other lessons learned or takeaways?
In a small community like Three Forks, capacity constraints are significant, and partnerships are crucial for success. Local leaders were vital, demonstrating how essential it is to empower local communities with resources. Three Forks’ proactive approach to flood mitigation and strong community leadership enabled them to tackle their risks effectively. This project highlights the importance of not just identifying risks but also providing the necessary resources and support to address them. It underscores the need for a collaborative approach in rural areas to achieve successful outcomes.
Project Photo Gallery
