FEMA’s original flood map which, following the construction of the Termino Avenue Drain, was updated. Photo courtesy of the County of Los Angeles.
For decades, the residents of Colorado Lagoon have been required to have flood insurance due to its high-risk chance of becoming gorged with overflow during storms. However, residents of the area can take a financial sigh of relief as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently lifted the hazards within the area, simultaneously lifting insurance requirements.
The previous hazards in place were done so for good reason. Particularly during severe winter storms, many of Long Beach’s streets began acting as tributaries which would carry vast amounts of water into the East Anaheim Business Corridor (Anaheim between Junipero Ave. and Pacific Coast Highway) and its neighboring communities. The older drainage system in place was inept, eventually causing floods that would damage both homes and businesses, such as the floods of 1995 and 2010.
This flood hazard was identified on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map 060136 0025B dated September 15, 1983 (regard photo), put in place due to the lack of a proper draining system. However, following the construction of the $25 million, 2.3 mile Termino Avenue Drain, the hazards—48 parcels of land within the area—have been removed and the flood insurance requirements along with them.
“This is exciting and welcome news that will save area homeowners up to $1,600 annually,” Supervisor Knabe said in a press release. “After the patience our residents showed during this project, I am thrilled that they have finally been relieved of a financial burden they’ve had to bear for many years.”