What is a Long Term Community Recovery Plan?
- A strategic and visionary plan that identifies community recovery projects.
- It aims to make Denham Springs stronger and less vulnerable in future disasters while also restoring our local economy and guiding future development.
- The City will use it as a “To Do List” to guide our recovery over the next few years.
What is a Recovery Planning Process?
- A series of intensive, open forums where a vision for a restored and improved Denham Springs is developed based on community consensus.
- Recovery projects are nominated, discussed and developed by residents and stakeholders.
- A plan is developed and adopted by the City.
How you can participate?
There are many ways to get involved!
- Be a part of a working group that will identify and develop projects. The working groups are organized by topic area: Community Planning, Economic, Housing, Health & Social Services, Infrastructure, and Natural & Cultural Resources.
- Be a part of the Outreach Committee. Help get the word out about project milestones and events.
- Participate in community meetings and online at denhamstrong.com
If you would like to participate please email Jeanette Clark, City of Denham Springs Community Recovery Coordinator: jclark@cityofdenhamsprings.com.
Community Meeting Schedule:
- June 15, 2017 – Community Visioning Meeting
- July 13, 2017 – Project Development
- August 12, 2017 – Project Prioritization
Why is public participation critical?
This is a community plan, so to be successful and to truly serve the whole community it needs to be developed and led by the community. We need you to help us shape the future of our community and make us even better and stronger than we were before the flood.
What is the Planning Process Timeline?
- June 2017 – Define flood recovery issues and envision a strong and resilient Denham Springs
- July 2017 – Project development
- August 12, 2017 – Project prioritization and begin implementation
This is an intensive 3-month planning process that will culminate in and event to view and prioritize the projects that have been developed on the Flood Anniversary.
Will everything that is proposed during the Recovery Planning Process be become part of the Plan? No. Just because you can dream it doesn’t mean it will come true. However, if you don’t dream it, it definitely won’t come true.
Will everything in the Plan be implemented?
No. There are many variables. Things change. Some of the projects will be long-range. However, one of the goals is to have the projects that can be funded and implanted quickly. Projects that are part of a bigger picture and can demonstrate community support are better candidates for grant funding.
Why will our Recovery Plan be followed and not end up on a bookshelf collecting dust?
When the entire community is involved in the development and implementation of the plan, it becomes a living document and not a static plan. Implementation will begin immediately and an annual report will document progress. The website, denhamstrong.com will continue to be the hub of community recovery activity. Project champions and partners will be identified and the status of projects continually updated.
Why is a Recovery Planning Process the right thing to do?
Inclusive, Recovery Planning is a confirmed ‘best practice’.
Mayors from disaster impacted Towns across the country have said that Recovery Planning was essential to the long-term recovery of their community.
What, specifically, happens after the Recovery Plan is finished?
Implementation will begin immediately by beginning to seek funding and additional technical assistance.
How long does Long-Term Recovery last?
Usually between 2 to 10 years. It is a long process.
