Mitigation Success

Nestled in the Kickapoo River Valley, the Village of Gays Mills often experiences severe floods. Through acquisition / demolition hazard mitigation projects, the community will continue to avoid many losses from flooding. This StoryMap covers the flood events of 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, 2017, and 2018 and the property buyouts funded by the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program following some of these events. This story also discusses the losses avoided and return on investment from these buyouts.

Located in Sauk County on the Baraboo River, the Village of Rock Springs has participated in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to mitigate flooding in recent years. This StoryMap covers the flood events of 2008 and 2018 and the property buyouts that followed, including the relocation of the village’s community center.

Over the years, Wisconsin communities have implemented successful hazard mitigation projects. This interactive map showcases examples of how these mitigation projects can be applied to local communities to help reduce the risks from natural hazards. Click on the icons on the map to explore stories of hazard mitigation successes around Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Area Loss Avoidance Study (2010) In response to past flooding in Milwaukee County, local governments within the county acquired and demolished 54 repetitively damaged properties. FEMA partnered with the State of Wisconsin to complete a loss avoidance study. Five project areas were studied: the City of Wauwatosa, two areas in the City of Milwaukee, and the village of Brown Deer and Oak Creek. Benefits and calculations only include flood events up to the year 2010.

Kickapoo, Rock and Fox Rivers Loss Avoidance Study (2009) Because of frequent flooding in Wisconsin, a number of mitigation projects involving acquisiton/demolition have been implemented in the Rock, Fox, and Kickapoo Rivers. To evaluate the mitigation projects for cost-effectiveness, FEMA partnered with the State of Wisconsin to conduct a loss avoidance study. The intent of the study was to compare losses avoided in all floods since the implementation of the mitigation projects to the costs of the mitigation projects. Benefits and calculations only include flood events up to the year 2009.

Throughout the country, many individuals, businesses, and communities have been taking action to prevent disaster damages. To see how others are protecting lives and property, visit FEMA’s Mitigation Best Practices Portfolio.