In 2017, the City of Prior Lake hired Barr to prepare a FEMA letter of map revision (LOMR) application, using the calibrated PCSWMM model Barr completed in 2016 for the Prior Lake-Spring Lake watershed flood mitigation study. The PCSWMM model showed a two-foot reduction in the flood elevation of Upper and Lower Prior lakes. With an approved LOMR, numerous properties and homes would no longer be in the floodplain, and property owners would no longer be required to purchase flood insurance.
Barr obtained the Inter-Agency Hydrologic Review Committee’s approval of the PCSWMM model, prepared and submitted the LOMR paperwork (including the four required versions of the PCSWMM model), responded to FEMA questions, prepared materials for and attended a public open house, and helped the city answer questions from property owners. The LOMR took effect in July 2018.
Barr also assisted with subsequent work, including analyzing the potential impact on flood elevation of filling the remaining parcels in the floodplain with homes, as well as notifying individual property owners regarding their flood insurance status.