University City, Missouri Wins 2022 James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management

The James Lee Witt Local Award recognizes outstanding programs or activities at the front lines of floodplain management — local programs where “the rubber meets the road.”

2022 Winner: City of University City, Missouri

Intense storms in 2008, 2015, and 2017 caused significant property damage and, sadly, loss of life in this Midwest suburb located on the banks of the River des Peres, prompting the City Council to re-examine stormwater system with renewed focus.

The city assembled a task force of volunteers that was later established as the Commission on Stormwater Issues. The group, which included two CFMs, knew first-hand what it was like to have flood waters enter their home and the attacked the issue with enthusiasm, dedication, and empathy.

In 2019, the commission authored a report to the City Council, recommending a course of action on the projects and policies needed to protect the community from stormwater harm and promote the public health, safety and welfare.

Since then, the city has made significant progress implementing the commission’s recommendations including:  Establishing a flood warning system, developing an ongoing communications and outreach program that educates the public on flood risk, creating a stormwater master plan, and participating in US Army Corps of Engineers’ Flood Mitigation Study.

Additional plans underway include video monitoring of the upper River des Peres and joining the FEMA’s Community Rating System.