9.3 city of amsterdam - montgomery county, ny
TRANSCRIPT
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-1 June 2016
9.3 City of Amsterdam
This section presents the jurisdictional annex for the City of Amsterdam.
9.3.1 Hazard Mitigation Plan Point of Contact
The following individuals have been identified as the hazard mitigation plan’s primary and alternate points of
contact.
Primary Point of Contact Alternate Point of Contact
Richard Miller, P.E.
61 Church St., Amsterdam, NY 12010
Phone: 518-841-4327
E-mail: [email protected]
Michael Whittey, Fire Chief Amsterdam Fire Department
10 Guy Park Ave. Ext., Amsterdam, NY 12010
Phone: 518-843-3556
E-mail: [email protected]
9.3.2 Municipal Profile
This section provides a summary of the community.
Population
According to the U.S. Census, the 2010 population for the City of Amsterdam was 18,620 with the population
of 2,944 for those over age 65. That is 15.8 percent of the population over age 65.
Location
The City of Amsterdam is located in the northeast portion of Montgomery County, about 30 miles west of
Albany, along the Mohawk River. It shares its boundaries with the Village of Hagaman to the northeast and
with the Town of Charleston to the southwest.
Brief History
The City of Amsterdam is located within the original “City of Caughnawaga.” The city was incorporated as a
village in 1830 and new charters throughout the nineteenth century increased the size of the village until 1885
when it became a city.
Governing Body Format
The City of Amsterdam is governed by a mayor and a five-member City Council. This governing body will be
responsible for the adoption and implementation of this plan.
Growth/Development Trends
The following table summarizes major residential/commercial development and major infrastructure
development that are identified for the next five years in the municipality. Refer to the map in section 9.2.8 of
this annex which illustrates the hazard areas along with the location of potential new development.
Table 9.3-1. Growth and Development
Property Name
Type (Residential or
Commercial) Number of Structures Parcel ID(s)
Known Hazard Zone* Description/Status
River Ridge
Housing Senior Living 12
Sandy Drive,
Amsterdam None Under Design
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-2 June 2016
Property Name
Type (Residential or
Commercial) Number of Structures Parcel ID(s)
Known Hazard Zone* Description/Status
Pedestrial Bridge Bridge 1 Bridge Street,
Amsterdam None Under Construction
* Only location-specific hazard zones or vulnerabilities identified.
9.3.3 Natural Hazard Event History Specific to the Municipality
Montgomery County has a history of natural and non-natural hazard events as detailed in Volume I, Section
5.0 of this plan. A summary of historical events is provided in each of the hazard profiles and includes a
chronology of events that have affected the County and its municipalities. The table below presents a
summary of natural events that have occurred to indicate the range and impact of natural hazard events in the
community. Information regarding specific damages is included if available based on reference material or
local sources. For details of events prior to 2008, refer to Volume I, Section 5.0 of this plan.
Table 9.3-2. Hazard Event History
Dates of Event Event Type
FEMA Declaration # (If Applicable)
County Designated? Summary of Damages/Losses
August 26 –
September 5,
2011
Hurricane Irene DR-4020 Yes
The City was without power due to Irene. The
power outages shut down communication
between the DPW and the DPW supervisor, city
hall and other government entities. Numerous
residents were evacuated and/or sheltered. Many
roads and access to bridges was cut off. Parts of
the City flooded and impacted homes and
businesses, particularly on the west end along
Route 5. The Amtrak Station was flooded and
had to close and Canal Lock 11 was severely
damaged. Dove Creek experienced bank
erosion, undercutting its retaining wall which
placed St. Mary's Hospital facilities at risk. The
basement flooded at the hospital, forcing parts of
the hospital to evacuate. Two neighborhoods in
the City, hamlet of Port Jackson and the west
side along Route 5 sustained the majority of
flood damage from Hurricane Irene.
September 7-
11, 2011
Remnants of
Tropical Storm
Lee
EM-3341
DR-4031 Yes
Vulnerable areas from this event are discussed in
further detail below in the section, “Other
Vulnerabilities Identified by Municipality”.
Notes: EM Emergency Declaration (FEMA) FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency DR Major Disaster Declaration (FEMA) IA Individual Assistance N/A Not Applicable PA Public Assistance
9.3.4 Hazard Vulnerabilities and Ranking
The hazard profiles in Section 5.0 of this plan have detailed information regarding each plan participant’s
vulnerability to the identified hazards. The following summarizes the hazard vulnerabilities and their ranking
in the community. For additional vulnerability information relevant to this jurisdiction, refer to Section 5.0.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-3 June 2016
Hazard Risk/Vulnerability Risk Ranking
The table below summarizes the hazard risk/vulnerability rankings of potential hazards for the community.
Table 9.3-3. Hazard Risk/Vulnerability Risk Ranking
Hazard type Estimate of Potential Dollar Losses to Structures Vulnerable to the Hazarda,c
Probability of Occurrence
Risk Ranking Score
(Probability x Impact)
Hazard Rankingb
Drought Damage estimate not available Occasional 26 Medium
Earthquake 500-Year MRP: $3,970,448
Rare 12 Low 2,500-Year MRP $56,491,883
Extreme Temperature Damage estimate not available Frequent 18 Medium
Flood 1% Annual Chance: $1,789,000 Frequent 27 Medium
Severe Storm 500-Year MRP: $982,585 Frequent 48 High
Severe Winter Storm 1% GBS: $13,918,620
Frequent 51 High 5% GBS: $69,593,100
Notes: a. The general building stock valuation is based on the custom inventory generated for the municipality and based on
improved value. b. High = Total hazard priority risk ranking score of 31 and above
Medium = Total hazard priority risk ranking of 20-30+ Low = Total hazard risk ranking below 20
c. Loss estimates for the severe winter storm hazard is structural values only and do not include the value of contents. Loss estimates for the flood and earthquake hazards represent both structure and contents.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Summary
The following table summarizes the NFIP statistics for the community.
Table 9.3-4. NFIP Summary
Municipality # Policies (1)
# Claims
(Losses) (1)
Total Loss
Payments (2)
# Rep.
Loss Prop.
(1)
# Severe
Rep. Loss
Prop. (1)
# Policies in
100-Year
Boundary (3)
City of
Amsterdam 23 9 $245,181.71 *0 *0 3
* NFIP LEGACY SYSTEMS SERVICES RL FOR
SELECTED COUNTY AS OF 5/31/2013 DOES NOT
LIST ANY REPETITIVE LOSS PRPERTIES FOR
THE CITY OF AMSTERDAM
Source: FEMA Region 2, 2013 (1) Policies, claims, repetitive loss and severe repetitive loss statistics provided by FEMA Region 2, and are current as of May 31,
2013. Please note the total number of repetitive loss properties includes the severe repetitive loss properties. The number of claims represents claims closed by 5/31/2013.
(2) Total building and content losses from the claims file provided by FEMA Region 2. (3) The policies inside and outside of the flood zones is based on the latitude and longitude provided by FEMA Region 2 in the policy file. Notes: FEMA noted that where there is more than one entry for a property, there may be more than one policy in force or more than one
GIS possibility. A zero percentage denotes less than 1/100th percentage and not zero damages or vulnerability as may be the case.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-4 June 2016
Critical Facilities
The table below presents HAZUS-MH estimates of the damage and loss of use to critical facilities in the
community as a result of a 1- and 0.2-percent annual chance flood events.
Table 9.3-5. Potential Flood Losses to Critical Facilities
Name Municipality Type
Exposure Potential Loss from
1% Flood Event
1% Event
Percent Structure Damage
Percent Content Damage
Days to 100-
Percent(2)
Florida Avenue Amsterdam, City of Highway
Bridge X - - -
RTE 5 Amsterdam, City of Highway
Bridge X - - -
RTE 30 Amsterdam, City of Highway
Bridge X - - -
Amsterdam Pump Station
3 Amsterdam, City of WW Pump - 40 NA NF
Source: HAZUS-MH 2.1 Note: NP Not provided by HAZUS x Facility located within the DFIRM boundary. - No loss calculated by HAZUS NA Not calculated in HAZUS NF HAZUS estimate the facility will not be functional WW Pump Wastewater Pump Station WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant Please note it is assumed the wells have electrical equipment and openings are three-feet above grade. (1) HAZUS-MH 2.1 provides a general indication of the maximum restoration time for 100% operations. Clearly, a great deal of effort is
needed to quickly restore essential facilities to full functionality; therefore this will be an indication of the maximum downtime
(HAZUS-MH 2.1 User Manual).
(2) In some cases, a facility may be located in the DFIRM flood hazard boundary; however HAZUS did not calculate potential loss. This may be because the depth of flooding does not amount to any damages to the structure according to the depth damage function used in HAZUS for that facility type.
(3) Dams located in the floodplain are not listed in the table above. HAZUS does not calculate potential losses to a dam as a result of a flood event.
Other Vulnerabilities Identified by Municipality
The following describes vulnerable areas within the City of Amsterdam.
Flood
Rain events, large or small, continue to be an issue for the City of Amsterdam as flooding occurs easily. The
west end on the south side of the City flood frequently and are continuous problem areas. The City is
reviewing its options in establishing a flood mitigation plan to remediate, prepare, and be cognizant of where
flooding risks exist. Those buildings continuously damaged by flooding are being reviewed for repurposing
and establishing a new park.
The following water sources have caused flooding throughout the City during previous events: Brookside
Reservoir Dam, Chuctanunda Creek (North and South), and Bunn Creek. Currently, the City is seeking to
repair damages at both creeks and remove the Brookside Reservoir Dam.
Hurricane
Within a span of a week, two damaging storms impacted the City of Amsterdam. The close timing of the
storms caused extended power outages, road closures, delays in the provision of critical services, and
infrastructure damage.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-5 June 2016
Structural Damage
Homes, city-owned property, roads, the Water Treatment Plant, and the Wastewater Treatment Plant all
sustained damage during Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Due to stream channels filling with debris,
extensive erosion occurred throughout the City. Flooding throughout the City was so severe that a business
was forced to relocate outside of the City limits to continue operating. The City is looking into the
construction of a new stormwater system along Route 5 to mediate previous damages.
Life Safety
During both Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, residents were evacuated and sheltered. The provision
of medical services after a storm remains an issue. St. Mary’s Hospital becomes inaccessible when the road
floods, and the road is impassible. City officials are investigating establishing emergency shelters throughout
the City.
Loss of Service
Continuity of services remains a problem during and after storm events. Following Hurricane Irene and
Tropical Storm Lee, power was out on the south side of the City for about a week. West end roads were closed.
The biggest concern was St. Mary’s Hospital losing power – forcing it to close and be evacuated. Schools
within the City were also closed for several days. Maintaining power to critical City buildings during and after
a storm remains an issue.
City Department Losses
The Police, Fire, and Department of Public Works all incurred overtime costs to address the city-wide issues
and damages associated with both Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Some DPW machinery and
equipment was also damaged and lost during these storms.
New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program
Montgomery County was selected to participate in the statewide competitive program, New York Rising
Community Reconstruction Program. Projects addressing flooding vulnerabilities of infrastructure, homes,
and the continuity of utilities in the City of Amsterdam were identified. Issues and concerns of this nature
were also addressed specifically by the City of Amsterdam in Letters of Intent (LOI) submitted for the FEMA
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Action Worksheets located at the end of this annex provide detail on the
projects.
9.3.5 Capability Assessment
This section identifies the following capabilities of the local jurisdiction:
Planning and regulatory capability
Administrative and technical capability
Fiscal capability
Community classification
NFIP
Integration of mitigation planning into existing and future planning mechanisms
Planning and Regulatory Capability
The table below summarizes the regulatory tools that are available to the community.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-6 June 2016
Table 9.3-6. Planning and Regulatory Tools
Tool/Program
(code, ordinance, plan)
Do you
have
this?
(Y/N)
Authority
(local, county,
state, federal)
Dept./Agency
Responsible
Code Citation and Comments
(Code Chapter, date of adoption,
name of plan, explanation of
authority, etc.)
Building Code Y Local Code
enforcement Chapter 90, Adopted 7/17/2007
Zoning Ordinance Y Local Planning Board Chapter 250, Adopted 4/21/1992
Subdivision Ordinance Y Local Planning Board Chapter 210
NFIP Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance (FDPO) Y Local City Engineer Chapter 129 adopted 9/15/1987
NFIP-Freeboard N
State mandated BFE+2ft for residential
construction. BFE+1ft for all other
construction.
NFIP-Cumulative Substantial
Damage N
Growth Management N
Floodplain Management/
Basin Plan Y State DEC Chapter 90, Adopted 7/17/2007
Stormwater Management
Plan/Ordinance Y Local Planning Board Chapter 250, Adopted 4/21/1992
Comprehensive Plan/Master
Plan Y Planning Board Planning Board 2004
Capital Improvements Plan Y Local City Comptroller Annual Update
Site Plan Review Requirements Y Local Planning Board Chapter 250, Adopted 4/21/1992
Habitat Conservation Plan N
Economic Development Plan N
Emergency Response Plan N
Post Disaster Recovery Plan N
Post Disaster Recovery
Ordinance N
Real Estate Disclosure
Requirements Y State Realtor State mandated
Other [Special Purpose
Ordinances (i.e., critical or
sensitive areas)]
N
Open Space Plan N
Stream Corridor Management
Plan N
Watershed Management or
Protection Plan Y County NYSDOS
Mohawk River Watershed
Management Plan, 2015
Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below summarizes potential staff and personnel resources available to the community.
Table 9.3-7. Administrative and Technical Capabilities
Staff/Personnel Resources
Available
(Y or N) Department/Agency/Position
Planner(s) or Engineer(s) with knowledge of land development
and land management practices
Y Engineer
Engineer(s) or Professional(s) trained in construction practices
related to buildings and/or infrastructure
Y Engineer
Planners or engineers with an understanding of natural hazards Y Engineer
NFIP Floodplain Administrator Y Richard Miller, City Engineer
(per NYSDEC records)
Surveyor(s) N
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-7 June 2016
Staff/Personnel Resources
Available
(Y or N) Department/Agency/Position
Personnel skilled or trained in “GIS” applications Y Engineer
Scientist familiar with natural hazards in the municipality N
Emergency Manager Y APD, AFD, Engineering
Grant Writer(s) Y Urban Renewal Agency Consultant
Staff with expertise or training in benefit/cost analysis N
Professionals trained in conducting damage assessments N
Fiscal Capability
The table below summarizes financial resources available to the community.
Table 9.3-8. Fiscal Capabilities
Financial Resources Accessible or Eligible to Use (Yes/No/Don’t Know)
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Yes, have used
Capital Improvements Project Funding Yes, have used
Authority to levy taxes for specific purposes Yes, have used
User fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric service Yes, have used
Impact fees for homebuyers or developers of new development/homes No
Incur debt through general obligation bonds Yes, have used
Incur debt through special tax bonds Yes, never used
Incur debt through private activity bonds No
Withhold public expenditures in hazard-prone areas No
Other Yes, have used
Mitigation grant programs Yes, have used
Community Classifications
The classifications listed below relate to the City’s ability to provide effective services to lessen its
vulnerability to the hazards identified. These classifications can be viewed as a gauge of the City’s capabilities
in all phases of emergency management (preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation) and are used as an
underwriting parameter for determining the costs of various forms of insurance. The Community Rating
System (CRS) class applies to flood insurance while the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
(BCEGS) and Public Protection classifications apply to standard property insurance. CRS classifications range
on a scale of 1 to 10 with class 1 being the best possible classification, and class 10 representing no
classification benefit. Firewise classifications include a higher classification when the subject property is
located beyond 1,000 feet of a creditable fire hydrant and is within five road miles of a recognized fire station.
The table below summarizes classifications for community program available to the community.
Table 9.3-9. Community Classifications
Program Classification Date Classified
Community Rating System (CRS) NP NP
Building Code Effectiveness Grading
Schedule (BCEGS)
N/A NP
Public Protection N/A 2006
Storm Ready NP NP
Firewise NP N/A N/A = Not Applicable
NP = Not Participating
__ = Unavailable
TBD = To Be Determined
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-8 June 2016
Criteria for classification credits are outlined in the following documents:
The CRS Coordinators Manual
The BCEGS
The ISO Mitigation online ISO’s Public Protection website at
http://www.isomitigation.com/ppc/0000/ppc0001.html
The National Weather Service Storm Ready website at
http://www.weather.gov/stormready/howto.htm
The National Firewise Communities website at http://firewise.org/
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The following section provides details on the NFIP as implemented within the municipality:
NFIP Floodplain Administrator
Richard Miller, City Engineer
Program and Compliance History
City of Amsterdam joined the NFIP on July 16, 1984 and is currently an active member of the NFIP. The
current effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps are dated June 19, 1985. The City’s Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance (FDPO), found at Chapter 129 of the local code, was last updated on September 15, 1987.
As of May 31, 2015 there are 17 policies in force, insuring $5,614,200 of property with total annual insurance
premiums of $25,265. Since May 31, 2015, nine claims have been paid totaling $269,084.70. As of May 31,
2013, there are no Repetitive Loss or Severe Repetitive Loss properties in the community.
The community is currently in good standing in the NFIP and has no outstanding compliance issues. City of
Amsterdam has completed Community Assistance Visits (CAV).
Loss History and Mitigation
Since May 31, 2015, nine claims have been paid totaling $269,084.70. As of May 31, 2013, there are no
Repetitive Loss or Severe Repetitive Loss properties in the community.
Thirty-five residential and commercial structures sustained flood damage following Hurricane Irene and
Tropical Storm Lee. No Substantial Damage determinations were made. Only one property is currently
pursuing a mitigation project. Grant funding has been the primary source of funding for the one mitigation
project.
Planning and Regulatory Capability
The City’s FDPO was last updated on September 15, 1987, and is found at Chapter 129 of the local code.
The floodplain management ordinance meets the requirements set forth by FEMA and New York State. There
are no other local ordinances or plans that further support the implementation of the FDPO in the City.
Administrative and Technical Capabilities
The City’s FDPO identifies the City Engineer as the local NFIP Floodplain Administrator, currently Richard
C. Miller, P.E., for which floodplain administration is an auxiliary duty.
The City Engineer/NFIP Administrator is responsible for completing permit reviews.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-9 June 2016
A list of flood-damaged homes was started by the City following Hurricane Irene. However, this list does not
identify those homeowners interested in mitigation. Substantial Damage estimates are not made by the
floodplain administrator.
Richard C. Miller, P.E. feels that to better fulfill his duties as the City’s floodplain administrator, he needs
additional training. Richard C. Miller, P.E. is not certified in floodplain management, however, attends regular
continuing education programs for code enforcement and building construction.
Public Education and Outreach
In the City of Amsterdam, the following educational and/or outreach activities related to the NFIP:
identification of property on latest flood map.
The City Engineer/NFIP Administrator is responsible for completing permit reviews.
Actions to Strengthen the Program
There were no barriers identified to running an effective floodplain management program in the community.
Additional training opportunities on both floodplain management and CRS would be welcomed and attended
by City personnel. Though the City is not currently a participant in CRS, after receiving more information,
there could be an opportunity to join.
Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Existing and Future Planning Mechanisms
It is the intention of this municipality to incorporate hazard mitigation planning and natural hazard risk
reduction as an integral component of ongoing City operations. The following textual summary identifies
relevant planning mechanisms and programs that have been or will be incorporated into City procedures,
which may include former mitigation initiatives that have become continuous/on-going programs now
considered mitigation “capabilities:”
Hazard Mitigation – The City actively supports this Hazard Mitigation Plan by implementing,
monitoring, and updating its implementation as defined in Section 7.0 of this plan. County-wide
initiatives identified in the County annex are also supported throughout the life cycle of the plan.
Floodplain Management – The City continues to pursue its options of membership in the CRS
program. Efforts have been made as well to ensure compliance with and good standing in the NFIP.
Building Code, Ordinances, and Enforcement - The City is continuing to incorporate hazard
information and recommendations from this Hazard Mitigation Plan into pending updates and
revisions to be made to Zoning, Subdivision, and Site Plan Review ordinances.
Emergency Response Plan – The City continues to develop, enhance, and implement existing
emergency plans. There is currently an emergency response plan for the City. Having this plan
affords the City the opportunity to outline in detail the functions and responsibilities of each City
department during a large scale natural or man-made emergency, so that response to emergencies
lessens the severity of a disaster on property and the population. This plan includes many pre-event
actions that both mitigate disaster losses and directly supports recovery efforts.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-10 June 2016
9.3.6 Mitigation Strategy and Prioritization
This section discusses past mitigations actions and status, describes proposed hazard mitigation initiatives, and
prioritization.
Past Mitigation Initiative Status
The following table indicates progress on the community’s mitigation strategy identified in the 2008 Plan.
Actions that are carried forward as part of this plan update are included in the following subsection in its own
table with prioritization. Previous actions that are now on-going programs and capabilities are indicated as
such in the following table and may also be found under ‘Capability Assessment’ presented previously in this
annex.
Table 9.3-10. Past Mitigation Initiative Status
Description Status Review Comments
1: Where appropriate, support retrofitting,
purchase, or relocation of structures located in
hazard-prone areas to protect structures from
future damage, with repetitive loss and severe
repetitive loss properties as priority.
Continuous
Progress continues to be made on appropriate
projects throughout the City. This initiative will
be carried over into the updated mitigation
strategy.
2: Consider participation in incentive-based
programs such as CRS. Continuous
This is a programmatic and operational action,
and will be moved to the Capabilities section,
Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Existing
and Future Planning Mechanisms.
3: Continue to support the implementation,
monitoring, maintenance, and updating of this
Plan, as defined in Section 7.0.
Continuous
This is a programmatic and operational action,
and will be moved to the Capabilities section,
Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Existing
and Future Planning Mechanisms.
4: Strive to maintain compliance with and
good-standing in the NFIP. Continuous
This is a programmatic and operational action,
and will be moved to the Capabilities section,
Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Existing
and Future Planning Mechanisms.
5: Continue to develop, enhance, and
implement existing emergency plans. Continuous
This is a programmatic and operational action,
and will be moved to the Capabilities section,
Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Existing
and Future Planning Mechanisms.
6: Create/enhance/maintain mutual aid
agreements with neighboring communities. Continuous
This is a programmatic and operational action,
and will be moved to the Capabilities section,
Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Existing
and Future Planning Mechanisms.
7: Support County-wide initiatives identified
in Section 9.1 of the County Annex. Continuous
This is a programmatic and operational action,
and will be moved to the Capabilities section,
Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Existing
and Future Planning Mechanisms.
8: Consider flood-proofing efforts for St.
Mary’s Hospital which is in the 500-year
floodplains.
Continuous
The City continues to investigate the feasibility of
this project. This initiative will be carried over
into the updated mitigation strategy.
9: Consider flood-proofing, or elevating
Amsterdam WW Pump Stations 1 and 3 which
are in the 100-year floodplain.
Continuous
The City continues to investigate the feasibility of
these projects. This initiative will be carried over
into the updated mitigation strategy.
10: Pursue continuing professional education
and certification (e.g., Certified Floodplain
Manager under the Association of State
Floodplain Managers) of Code Enforcement
Officers and NFIP FPAs in floodplain
management and hazard risk reduction.
Continuous
This is a programmatic and operational action,
and will be moved to the Capabilities section,
Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Existing
and Future Planning Mechanisms.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-11 June 2016
Completed Mitigation Initiatives not Identified in the Previous Mitigation Strategy
No projects have been identified by the community as being completed.
Proposed Hazard Mitigation Initiatives for the Plan Update
The community identified mitigation initiatives that they would like to pursue in the future. Some of these
initiatives may be previous actions carried forward for this plan update. These initiatives are dependent upon
available funding (grants and local match availability) and may be modified or omitted at any time based on
the occurrence of new hazard events and changes in City priorities. Table 11 identifies the City’s updated
local mitigation strategy.
As discussed in Section 6, 14 evaluation/prioritization criteria are used to complete the prioritization of
mitigation initiatives. For each new mitigation action, a numeric rank is assigned (-1, 0, or 1) for each of the
14 evaluation criteria to assist with prioritizing actions as ‘High,’ ‘Medium,’ or ‘Low.’ The table below
summarizes the evaluation of each mitigation initiative, listed by Action Number.
Table 12 provides a summary of the prioritization of all proposed mitigation initiatives for the plan update.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-12 June 2016
Table 9.3-11. Proposed Hazard Mitigation Initiatives
Init
iati
ve
Mitigation Initiative
Applies to New and/or
Existing Structures*
Hazard(s) Mitigated Goals Met
Lead and Support Agencies
Estimated Benefits
Estimated Cost
Sources of Funding Timeline Priority M
itig
atio
n
Cat
ego
ry
CR
S C
ateg
ory
City of
Amsterdam-1
Where appropriate, support
retrofitting, purchase, or
relocation of structures
located in hazard-prone areas
to protect structures from future damage, with
repetitive loss and severe
repetitive loss properties as priority. Assure that any
mitigation addresses the 500-year flood event or “worst
damage scenario”.
Existing
Flood,
Severe Storm
All City engineer High High HMGP Long-
term Medium SIP PP
City of
Amsterdam-
2
Pursue continuing
professional education and
certification (e.g., Certified
Floodplain Manager under
the Association of State Floodplain Managers) of
Code Enforcement Officers
and NFIP FPAs in floodplain management and hazard risk
reduction.
New and Existing
Flood 2, 4 City
Administration Medium Low
Local Budget
Short-term
High LPR P I
City of
Amsterdam-
3
Consider flood-proofing efforts for St. Mary’s
Hospital which is in the 500-
year floodplains. Assure that
any mitigation addresses the
500-year flood event or
“worst damage scenario”.
Existing Flood 1, 4 St. Mary’s
Hospital High High HMGP
Long-
term Medium SIP PP
City of
Amsterdam-4
Consider flood-proofing, or elevating Amsterdam WW
Pump Stations 1 and 3 which
are in the 100-year floodplain. Assure that any
mitigation addresses the 500-year flood event or “worst
damage scenario”.
Existing Flood 1 City Engineer High High HMGP Long term
Medium SIP PP
City of
Amsterdam-
5
Establish an emergency
shelter location and a supply
of portable generators
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-13 June 2016
Table 9.3-11. Proposed Hazard Mitigation Initiatives
Init
iati
ve
Mitigation Initiative
Applies to New and/or
Existing Structures*
Hazard(s) Mitigated Goals Met
Lead and Support Agencies
Estimated Benefits
Estimated Cost
Sources of Funding Timeline Priority M
itig
atio
n
Cat
ego
ry
CR
S C
ateg
ory
City of
Amsterdam-
6
Establish an emergency
communications protocol
and implement a formal
multi-lingual
communications system.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
7
Provide emergency
communications in Spanish
and work with community leaders to identify best paths
of communication for those
with limited technology.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
8
Protect and reinforce the
Dove Creek retaining wall
which sits adjacent to the St.
Mary's Hospital computer
systems and hospital records.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
9
Establish pre-positioned
EMS resources on the south side of the River. There is
currently no services in this
location and emergency responders are unable to
reach populations across the
river during severe storms.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-10
Conduct a detailed property
inventory and analysis of
existing conditions of buildings that have been
damaged by floods,
especially in the East End and South Side
neighborhoods in the City.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-11
Maintain the Mohawk River
and Schoharie Creek tributaries through debris
clearance.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
12
Relocation of the Amtrak station away from an
extremely high risk area to
mitigate and recover from interstate transportation
disruptions.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-14 June 2016
Table 9.3-11. Proposed Hazard Mitigation Initiatives
Init
iati
ve
Mitigation Initiative
Applies to New and/or
Existing Structures*
Hazard(s) Mitigated Goals Met
Lead and Support Agencies
Estimated Benefits
Estimated Cost
Sources of Funding Timeline Priority M
itig
atio
n
Cat
ego
ry
CR
S C
ateg
ory
City of Amsterdam-
13
Complete infrastructure
improvements for storm
drains in the west end of the
City of Amsterdam
(NYSDOT project in planning) to mitigate
drainage issues for key areas
known to flood.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
14
Stabilize the streambank
along South Chuctanunda Creek
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
15
Stabilize Cleveland Avenue Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
16
Identify and purchase
floating dock designs for Riverlink Park
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
17
Construct the Riverwalk and Chuctanunda Trail which
will provide opportunities for
streambank stabilization and other mitigation features.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
18
Development of a marina
which will provide a shelter
for vessels and floating structures out of the main
current.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
19
Relocate the City's DPW garage and storage facility
which is currently located
within the Mohawk River floodplain.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-20
South Side Floodwall
Certification Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
21
Dove Creek Restoration and
Medical Facility Retaining
Wall Reinforcement
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-15 June 2016
Table 9.3-11. Proposed Hazard Mitigation Initiatives
Init
iati
ve
Mitigation Initiative
Applies to New and/or
Existing Structures*
Hazard(s) Mitigated Goals Met
Lead and Support Agencies
Estimated Benefits
Estimated Cost
Sources of Funding Timeline Priority M
itig
atio
n
Cat
ego
ry
CR
S C
ateg
ory
City of Amsterdam-
22
Combined Sewer Overflow Diversion Structure Screens
Project
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-23
East Side Pump Station
Mechanical Bar Screen Replacement Project
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
24
Removal of Old Brookside Reservoir Dam and repair
Bunn Creek Bypass
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
25
Acquisition of Properties Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-26
Gateway Park – demolish the
Carpetland building that was severely damaged during
Hurricane Irene and
repurpose property for public recreational use.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
27
Streambed and Retaining Wall Inspection and Repair
North Chuctanunda Creek
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
28
Streambed and retaining wall
inspection and repair Bunn
Creek
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
29
Stormwater System
Installation at Guy Park Avenue between State Route
5 and Steadwell Avenue
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
30
Identify appropriate green infrastructure measures and
flood mitigation techniques,
develop enhanced
stormwater and other
regulations that will require
and/or incentivize green infrastructure throughout the
urban core, and flood
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-16 June 2016
Table 9.3-11. Proposed Hazard Mitigation Initiatives
Init
iati
ve
Mitigation Initiative
Applies to New and/or
Existing Structures*
Hazard(s) Mitigated Goals Met
Lead and Support Agencies
Estimated Benefits
Estimated Cost
Sources of Funding Timeline Priority M
itig
atio
n
Cat
ego
ry
CR
S C
ateg
ory
mitigation measures in areas
prone to flooding.
City of
Amsterdam-
31
Purchase and install
generators for City Hall and
DPW buildings
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
32
Waterfront Heritage Area Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
Notes: Not all acronyms and abbreviations defined below are included in the table. *Does this mitigation initiative reduce the effects of hazards on new and/or existing buildings and/or infrastructure? Not applicable (N/A) is inserted if this does not apply. Acronyms and Abbreviations: Potential FEMA HMA Funding Sources: Timeline: CAV Community Assistance Visit CRS Community Rating System DPW Department of Public Works FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FPA Floodplain Administrator HMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance N/A Not applicable NFIP National Flood Insurance Program OEM Office of Emergency Management
FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program PDM Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program RFC Repetitive Flood Claims Grant Program (discontinued 2015) SRL Severe Repetitive Loss Grant Program (discontinued 2015)
Short 1 to 5 years Long Term 5 years or greater OG On-going program DOF Depending on funding
Costs: Benefits: Where actual project costs have been reasonably estimated: Low < $10,000 Medium $10,000 to $100,000 High > $100,000 Where actual project costs cannot reasonably be established at this time: Low Possible to fund under existing budget. Project is part of, or can be part of an existing on-going program. Medium Could budget for under existing work plan, but would require a reapportionment of the budget or a budget amendment, or the cost of the project would have to be spread over multiple years. High Would require an increase in revenue via an alternative source (i.e., bonds, grants, fee increases) to implement. Existing funding levels are not adequate to cover the costs of the proposed project.
Where possible, an estimate of project benefits (per FEMA’s benefit calculation methodology) has been evaluated against the project costs, and is presented as: Low= < $10,000 Medium $10,000 to $100,000 High > $100,000 Where numerical project benefits cannot reasonably be established at this time: Low Long-term benefits of the project are difficult to quantify in the short term. Medium Project will have a long-term impact on the reduction of risk exposure to
life and property, or project will provide an immediate reduction in the risk exposure to property.
High Project will have an immediate impact on the reduction of risk exposure to life and property.
Mitigation Category:
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-17 June 2016
Local Plans and Regulations (LPR) – These actions include government authorities, policies or codes that influence the way land and buildings are being developed and built.
Structure and Infrastructure Project (SIP)- These actions involve modifying existing structures and infrastructure to protect them from a hazard or remove them from a hazard area.
This could apply to public or private structures as well as critical facilities and infrastructure. This type of action also involves projects to construct manmade structures to reduce the
impact of hazards.
Natural Systems Protection (NSP) – These are actions that minimize damage and losses, and also preserve or restore the functions of natural systems.
Education and Awareness Programs (EAP) – These are actions to inform and educate citizens, elected officials, and property owners about hazards and potential ways to mitigate them.
These actions may also include participation in national programs, such as StormReady and Firewise Communities
CRS Category: Preventative Measures (PR) - Government, administrative or regulatory actions, or processes that influence the way land and buildings are developed and built. Examples include
planning and zoning, floodplain local laws, capital improvement programs, open space preservation, and storm water management regulations. Property Protection (PP) - These actions include public activities to reduce hazard losses or actions that involve (1) modification of existing buildings or structures to protect them from
a hazard or (2) removal of the structures from the hazard area. Examples include acquisition, elevation, relocation, structural retrofits, storm shutters, and shatter-resistant glass. Public Information (PI) - Actions to inform and educate citizens, elected officials, and property owners about hazards and potential ways to mitigate them. Such actions include
outreach projects, real estate disclosure, hazard information centers, and educational programs for school-age children and adults. Natural Resource Protection (NR) - Actions that minimize hazard loss and also preserve or restore the functions of natural systems. These actions include sediment and erosion control,
stream corridor restoration, watershed management, forest and vegetation management, and wetland restoration and preservation. Structural Flood Control Projects (SP) - Actions that involve the construction of structures to reduce the impact of a hazard. Such structures include dams, setback levees, floodwalls,
retaining walls, and safe rooms. Emergency Services (ES) - Actions that protect people and property during and immediately following a disaster or hazard event. Services include warning systems, emergency response
services, and the protection of essential facilities
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-18 June 2016
Table 9.3-12. Summary of Prioritization of Actions
Mitigation Action / Project
Number Mitigation Action/Initiative Lif
e S
afe
ty
Pro
pe
rty
Pro
tect
ion
Co
st-E
ffe
ctiv
en
ess
Te
chn
ica
l
Po
liti
cal
Le
ga
l
Fis
cal
En
vir
on
me
nta
l
So
cia
l
Ad
min
istr
ati
ve
Mu
lti-
Ha
zard
Tim
eli
ne
Ag
en
cy C
ha
mp
ion
Oth
er
Co
mm
un
ity
O
bje
ctiv
es
To
tal High/
Medium/ Low
City of
Amsterdam-
1
Where appropriate, support retrofitting, purchase, or relocation of
structures located in hazard-prone areas to protect structures from future damage, with repetitive loss and severe repetitive loss
properties as priority.
1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 6 Medium
City of
Amsterdam-2
Pursue continuing professional education and certification (e.g., Certified Floodplain Manager under the Association of State
Floodplain Managers) of Code Enforcement Officers and NFIP
FPAs in floodplain management and hazard risk reduction.
1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 8 High
City of
Amsterdam-
3
Consider flood-proofing efforts for St. Mary’s Hospital which is in the 500-year floodplains.
1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 6 Medium
City of Amsterdam-
4
Consider flood-proofing, or elevating Amsterdam WW Pump
Stations 1 and 3 which are in the 100-year floodplain. 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 6 Medium
City of Amsterdam-
5
Establish an emergency shelter location and a supply of portable
generators Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-6
Establish an emergency communications protocol and implement
a formal multi-lingual communications system. Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
7
Provide emergency communications in Spanish and work with
community leaders to identify best paths of communication for
those with limited technology.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
8
Protect and reinforce the Dove Creek retaining wall which sits
adjacent to the St. Mary's Hospital computer systems and hospital
records.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
9
Establish pre-positioned EMS resources on the south side of the
River. There is currently no services in this location and
emergency responders are unable to reach populations across the river during severe storms.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
10
Conduct a detailed property inventory and analysis of existing
conditions of buildings that have been damaged by floods,
especially in the East End and South Side neighborhoods in the City.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-11
Maintain the Mohawk River and Schoharie Creek tributaries
through debris clearance. Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Relocation of the Amtrak station away from an extremely high Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-19 June 2016
Mitigation Action / Project
Number Mitigation Action/Initiative Lif
e S
afe
ty
Pro
pe
rty
Pro
tect
ion
Co
st-E
ffe
ctiv
en
ess
Te
chn
ica
l
Po
liti
cal
Le
ga
l
Fis
cal
En
vir
on
me
nta
l
So
cia
l
Ad
min
istr
ati
ve
Mu
lti-
Ha
zard
Tim
eli
ne
Ag
en
cy C
ha
mp
ion
Oth
er
Co
mm
un
ity
O
bje
ctiv
es
To
tal High/
Medium/ Low
Amsterdam-
12
risk area to mitigate and recover from interstate transportation
disruptions.
City of
Amsterdam-
13
Complete infrastructure improvements for storm drains in the west
end of the City of Amsterdam (NYSDOT project in planning) to
mitigate drainage issues for key areas known to flood.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
14
Stabilize the streambank along South Chuctanunda Creek Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
15
Stabilize Cleveland Avenue Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
16
Identify and purchase floating dock designs for Riverlink Park Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
17
Construct the Riverwalk and Chuctanunda Trail which will
provide opportunities for streambank stabilization and other
mitigation features.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
18
Development of a marina which will provide a shelter for vessels and floating structures out of the main current.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
19
Relocate the City's DPW garage and storage facility which is
currently located within the Mohawk River floodplain. Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
20
South Side Floodwall Certification Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
21
Dove Creek Restoration and Medical Facility Retaining Wall Reinforcement
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
22
Combined Sewer Overflow Diversion Structure Screens Project Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
23
East Side Pump Station Mechanical Bar Screen Replacement
Project Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-24
Removal of Old Brookside Reservoir Dam and repair Bunn Creek
Bypass Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Acquisition of Properties Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-20 June 2016
Mitigation Action / Project
Number Mitigation Action/Initiative Lif
e S
afe
ty
Pro
pe
rty
Pro
tect
ion
Co
st-E
ffe
ctiv
en
ess
Te
chn
ica
l
Po
liti
cal
Le
ga
l
Fis
cal
En
vir
on
me
nta
l
So
cia
l
Ad
min
istr
ati
ve
Mu
lti-
Ha
zard
Tim
eli
ne
Ag
en
cy C
ha
mp
ion
Oth
er
Co
mm
un
ity
O
bje
ctiv
es
To
tal High/
Medium/ Low
Amsterdam-
25
City of
Amsterdam-
26
Gateway Park – demolish the Carpetland building that was
severely damaged during Hurricane Irene and repurpose property
for public recreational use.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
27
Streambed and Retaining Wall Inspection and Repair North Chuctanunda Creek
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
28
Streambed and retaining wall inspection and repair Bunn Creek Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of Amsterdam-
29
Stormwater System Installation at Guy Park Avenue between
State Route 5 and Steadwell Avenue Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
30
Identify appropriate green infrastructure measures and flood mitigation techniques, develop enhanced stormwater and other
regulations that will require and/or incentivize green infrastructure
throughout the urban core, and flood mitigation measures in areas prone to flooding.
Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
31
Purchase and install generators for City Hall and DPW buildings Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
City of
Amsterdam-
32
Waterfront Heritage Area Please refer to the City and Town of Amsterdam and Town of Florida NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan
Note: Refer to Section 6 which contains the guidance on conducting the prioritization of mitigation actions.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-21 June 2016
9.3.7 Future Needs To Better Understand Risk/Vulnerability
None at this time.
9.3.8 Hazard Area Extent and Location
Hazard area extent and location maps have been generated for the community that illustrate the probable areas
impacted within the municipality. These maps are based on the best available data at the time of the
preparation of this plan, and are considered to be adequate for planning purposes. Maps have only been
generated for those hazards that can be clearly identified using mapping techniques and technologies, and for
which the community has significant exposure. These maps are illustrated in the hazard profiles within
Section 5.4, Volume I of this Plan.
9.3.9 Additional Comments
None at this time.
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-22 June 2016
Name of Jurisdiction: City of Amsterdam
Number: City of Amsterdam-31
Mitigation Action/Initiative: City Hall Back-Up Generator
Mitigation Action Worksheet
Assessing the Risk
Hazard(s) addressed Hurricane, Nor’Easter, Severe Storm, Severe Winter Storm, Earthquake
Specific problem being
mitigated
Power outages result in the closure of City Hall. This interferes with the
administration of services and handling of the event causing the power outage. All
departments have to be relocated and the general public is unable to communicate
with the local officials.
Evaluation of Potential Actions/Projects
Actions/Projects Considered
(name of project and reason
for not selecting)
1. Tree Trimming. Remove tree branches that may fall onto power lines causing
power outages. This is currently being done as existing City maintenance to
protect feeder lines but doesn’t help with primary or secondary lines off City
property.
2. Bury Power Lines. This option is not being pursued as it is cost prohibitive due
to the long run and the City does not have the legal authority to bury the lines.
3. Urge Special Treatment from Power Company-Meet with the executive team
and urge them to take steps necessary to prevent power failures to City Hall
This is not the best alternative because it relies on others to address the
problem. The solution remains outside the control of the City.
Though we do get priority, the system is complex and does not provide a
direct connection to a sub-station.
(Another alternative could be to install a secondary electrical feed from an
independent section of the local grid – this is typically technically infeasible and
cost-prohibitive.)
Action/Project Intended for Implementation
Description of Selected
Action/Project
Install a back-up generator and associated electrical connections to maintain the
City Government during a power outage and provide the general public a place to
go for comfort, warmth and electrical power (charging phones and computers).
This project was also addressed separately by the City of Amsterdam in a Letter of
Intent for the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Mitigation Action/Project
Type SIP
Goals Met 1, 4
Applies to existing
structures/infrastructure,
future, or not applicable
Existing
Benefits (losses avoided) High
Estimated Cost $150,000 (LOI estimates $150,000)
Priority* High
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-23 June 2016
Plan for Implementation
Responsible Organization City Engineer
Local Planning Mechanism Municipal Budget-Funds will be requested during the next budget cycle for
matching funds for a FEMA grant.
Potential Funding Sources FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, New York Rising Community
Reconstruction Program
Timeline for Completion 8 months (after funds are approved)
Reporting on Progress
Date of Status Report/
Report of Progress
Date:
Progress on Action/Project:
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-24 June 2016
Prioritization
Criteria
Numeric
Rank
(-1, 0, 1) Provide brief rationale for numeric rank when appropriate
Life Safety 1 Will allow this critical facility to remain operational during power outages.
Property Protection 0 This project will have no significant effect on reducing damage to the Village Hall
structure.
Cost-Effectiveness 1 This project is considered highly cost-effective.
Technical 1 There are no technical issues associated with the project, and with routine
maintenance will provide long term protection against power interruptions.
Political 1 This project is supported both publically and politically.
Legal 1 The municipality has full legal authority to implement this project.
Fiscal 0 The City can currently fund the local match if a grant were awarded.
Environmental 1 There are no environmental constraints associated with this project.
Social 1 This project benefits all sectors of the community equally.
Administrative 1 The City has all administrative and technical resources necessary to implement
this project.
Multi-Hazard 1 This project provides protection against multiple hazards.
Timeline 1 The project can be implemented within one year once funding is secured.
Agency Champion 1 The City Supervisor and Emergency Management Coordinator are the leads for
this critical project.
Other Community
Objectives 1
This project supports the City’s commitment to provide uninterrupted critical
services to their residents, particularly in times of natural disasters and other
emergencies.
Total 12
Priority
(High/Med/Low) High
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-25 June 2016
Name of Jurisdiction: City of Amsterdam
Number: City of Amsterdam-31
Mitigation Action/Initiative: Department of Public Works Back-Up Generator
Mitigation Action Worksheet
Assessing the Risk
Hazard(s) addressed Hurricane, Nor’Easter, Severe Storm, Severe Winter Storm, Earthquake
Specific problem being
mitigated
During a power outage the Department of Public Works (DPW) losses all
communication between the Department Supervisor and City Hall plus local area
goverments. The garage doors must be opened manually, heating system will not
function and the repair facility.
Evaluation of Potential Actions/Projects
Actions/Projects Considered
(name of project and reason
for not selecting)
1. Tree Trimming. Remove tree branches that may fall onto power lines causing
power outages. This is currently being done as existing City maintenance, to
protect feeder lines, but doesn’t help with primary or secondary lines off City
property.
2. Bury Power Lines. This option is not being pursued as it is cost prohibitive due
to the long run and the City does not have the legal authority to bury the lines.
3. Urge Special Treatment from Power Company-Meet with the executive team
and urge them to take steps necessary to prevent power failures to City Hall
This is not the best alternative because it relies on others to address the
problem. The solution remains outside the control of the City.
Though we do get priority, the system is complex and does not provide a
direct connection to a sub-station.
(Another alternative could be to install a secondary electrical feed from an
independent section of the local grid – this is typically technically infeasible and
cost-prohibitive.)
Action/Project Intended for Implementation
Description of Selected
Action/Project
Install a back-up generator to provide power during an outage. This will maintain
the operational capabilities of the DPW and allow the City to keep its fleet of
vehicles operational. This project was also addressed separately by the City of
Amsterdam in a Letter of Intent for the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Mitigation Action/Project
Type SIP
Goals Met 1, 4
Applies to existing
structures/infrastructure,
future, or not applicable
Existing
Benefits (losses avoided) High
Estimated Cost $150,000 (LOI estimates $150,000)
Priority* High
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-26 June 2016
Plan for Implementation
Responsible Organization City Engineer
Local Planning Mechanism Municipal Budget-Funds will be requested during the next budget cycle for
matching funds for a FEMA grant.
Potential Funding Sources FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, New York Rising Community
Reconstruction Program
Timeline for Completion 8 months (after funds are approved)
Reporting on Progress
Date of Status Report/
Report of Progress
Date:
Progress on Action/Project:
Section 9.3: City of Amsterdam
DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Montgomery County, New York 9.3-27 June 2016
Prioritization
Criteria
Numeric
Rank
(-1, 0, 1) Provide brief rationale for numeric rank when appropriate
Life Safety 1 Will allow this critical facility to remain operational during power outages.
Property Protection 0 This project will have no significant effect on reducing damage to the Village Hall
structure.
Cost-Effectiveness 1 This project is considered highly cost-effective.
Technical 1 There are no technical issues associated with the project, and with routine
maintenance will provide long term protection against power interruptions.
Political 1 This project is supported both publically and politically.
Legal 1 The municipality has full legal authority to implement this project.
Fiscal 0 The City can currently fund the local match if a grant were awarded.
Environmental 1 There are no environmental constraints associated with this project.
Social 1 This project benefits all sectors of the community equally.
Administrative 1 The City has all administrative and technical resources necessary to implement
this project.
Multi-Hazard 1 This project provides protection against multiple hazards.
Timeline 1 The project can be implemented within one year once funding is secured.
Agency Champion 1 The City Supervisor and Emergency Management Coordinator are the leads for
this critical project.
Other Community
Objectives 1
This project supports the City’s commitment to provide uninterrupted critical
services to their residents, particularly in times of natural disasters and other
emergencies.
Total 12
Priority
(High/Med/Low) High