PRESENTER: Presenter
Carly Farmer, Assistant City Engineer
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for engineering services for remapping the Dry Comal Creek Floodplain.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1,3 & 5
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Dry Comal Creek (DCC) is a major waterway through New Braunfels and can be, at times, a major source of flooding. The DCC was last modeled and mapped in 2003 in the city limits and in 2005 upstream of the city limits. Outdated floodplains hinder development and hinder floodplain management as flood risks are uncertain.
The proposed DCC Remapping Project would aim to update the FEMA floodplain maps of the DCC and a portion of the Upper DCC and assist economic development opportunities within the DCC trail and the adjacent creek area. The route would start at the confluence of DCC and the Guadalupe River and end at the Soil Conservation Service Site Number 2 Reservoir in Comal County just outside city limits. The project is estimated to begin three months after securing funding and will incur approximately nine months and a final FEMA review.
The anticipated benefits of this project are to (1) update floodplain maps with current data, (2) provide accurate information to assess/mitigate flood risks throughout the study area, and (3) help reduce cost hurdles for developers to undertake floodplain analyses before developing land.
This item was presented to the NBEDC at their May 15, 2025, workshop meeting. At the July 17th, 2025 regular meeting, the NBEDC approved an expenditure of up to $240,000 to fund this effort.
Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) has been prequalified on the City’s IDIQ for professional services related to this task. The firm has worked with the City since 2022 on the Drainage Area Master Plan. The proposed scope and fee will expand on the work that FNI has already performed for the City.
ISSUE:
Ensure up to date information for flood control and land development.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☒Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation has approved funding for this expense, therefore sufficient funds are available.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval to authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional service agreement (PSA) with FNI, Inc. for remapping for the Dry Comal Creek floodplain.