Montana's Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States, and a treasured national waterway. While much of its habitat and flow has remained unchanged, spring runoff has produced periodic flooding in communities that dot the river's course as it rolls eastward from the Absaroka Mountains to its confluence with the Missouri River in North Dakota. Two such Montana communities, Livingston and Miles City, are in the process of updating their flood maps. Both are considering draft studies that would significantly expand the existing 100-year floodplain. Local leaders share common concerns for managing flood risk, dealing with the impacts of new the map and keeping businesses and residents informed of the issues.
A team of Region VIII mitigation and external affairs representatives was invited to attend an April 29 River Awareness Summit sponsored by Miles City and hosted by Mayor Joe Whalen. The all-day event at the local community college looked at the challenges and opportunities presented by living along the Yellowstone and Tongue rivers.
The program included information booths and seminars to inform local residents and businesses about planning to manage flood risk and the need to be good stewards of the river, culminating in a panel discussion involving local, state and federal stakeholders.
The following day, the FEMA outreach team traveled west to meet with local and state officials in Livingston. A gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Livingston faces twin issues of preserving its historical center and planning for anticipated growth.
City Manager Ed Meece expressed concerns that the draft flood map does not accurately portray flood risk, and noted that it is difficult to speak about the flood risk and insurance when there are questions related to the maps. After a field tour to get a firsthand look at the situation, FEMA map specialists confirmed the need to reconsider parts of the study.
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