Frequently Asked Questions

INDIAN CREEK WATERSHED STUDY

FACT SHEET

The purpose of the Indian Creek Watershed Study is to identify and propose practical projects to address severe flooding problems in this watershed. The study will identify what is causing the existing problems and project the impact of future development on the watershed. A list of potential projects will be identified for consideration by the cities involved in the study. Each city will decide whether to pursue these projects by funding them as part of its capital improvement program. The floodplain map will also be updated to reflect the best available information and to consider the impact of development on the watershed.

Where is the Indian Creek Watershed located? Indian Creek includes approximately 40 square miles in Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, Olathe, Lenexa and Kansas City, Missouri. The Indian Creek Watershed is generally bounded by 87th Street to the north, State Line to the east, 159th Street to the south, and I-35 to the west and northwest. Who is funding this project? The Stormwater Management Program of Johnson County, Kansas is funding this project. The program receives its funding from a one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) sales tax levied on any purchases made in Johnson County, Kansas.

Is Indian Creek the only watershed being studied?

No. All watersheds within the limits of Johnson County are to be studied. It is the fifth watershed to be studied by Johnson County in this comprehensive program.

Will my flooding problem be fixed?

It is not the purpose of this study to identify and provide a solution to every flooding problem within the watershed. The study will investigate and analyze bridges, culverts and channels that have a contributing drainage area of at least 160 acres (as a comparison, the land used for Oak Park Mall includes approximately 100 acres). Localized problems from smaller drainageways will not typically be addressed. If you have a local flooding problem, your best course of action is to contact your city’s Public Works Department (contact numbers are included on the back of this fact sheet).

Will my erosion problem be fixed?

This study focuses primarily on flooding concerns. Stream bank erosion or instability is not a direct focus of this effort, although the results obtained will provide useful information on the quantity and velocity of flow in the stream channels. If you have an erosion problem, you may wish to contact your city’s Public Works Department (contact numbers are included on the back of this fact sheet). Please note that individual cities will have different policies on how erosion concerns are addressed.

I'm not currently in the floodplain -- will I be?

One of the goals of the Indian Creek Watershed Study is to revise the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This study will update the 1991 FEMA floodplain boundaries based on current mapping and development conditions. In effect, the floodplain boundaries are likely to change. However, revisions to the regulatory floodplain (currently shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Johnson County, September 27, 1991) resulting from this study most likely will not take effect before the end of 2003. All revisions to the FIRM maps must be approved by FEMA.

If my property is included in the remapped floodplain, what should I do?

If your house or business lies within or near the regulatory floodplain, you may want to consider purchasing flood insurance either through the National Flood Insurance Program or through an independent insurance company. Any person can buy flood insurance whether they are in or outside of the floodplain, although different premium rates may apply. Additional details on flood insurance will be provided at the next round of public meetings when floodplain maps have been prepared. Please note that any revisions to the regulatory floodplain resulting from this study will most likely not be effective before the end of 2003

Will there be additional opportunities for me to provide information and input?

Your input is welcome and encouraged. You may contact members of the project team at any time. Please visit http://gis.burnsmcd.com/Indiancreek. Residents can use the website to submit additional comments or questions. In addition, several public meetings will be held early in 2003 to present findings of the study. Meeting notices will be posted on the website.

Whom do I contact for more information?

Keith Markway City of Olathe, KS 913-254-3242 kmarkway@olatheks.org

Tom Jacobs City of Lenexa, KS 913-477-7697 tjacobs@ci.lenexa.ks.us

Bill Heatherman City of Overland Park, KS 913-895-6050 bheather@opkansas.org

Kevin Bruemmer City of Prairie Village, KS 913-385-4646 kbruemmer@pvkansas.com

Joe Johnson City of Leawood, KS 913-339-6700 joej@leawood.org

Kent Lage Johnson County Public Works 913-715-8333 kent.lage@jocoks.com

Burns & McDonnell GIS
Copyright © 2000 Burns & McDonnell Engineering. All rights reserved.
Revised: October 29, 2001.