introduction

The Urban Flood Demonstration Program (UFDP) is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the Desert Research Institute (DRI) based in Las Vegas, NV—and was initiated through a Congressional appropriation spearheaded by Senator Harry Reid (D-NV).

The UFDP is currently focused on Nevada, as a pilot study area for the entire arid and semi-arid southwestern U.S. Team members will test technology specifically designed and developed for reducing urban flood damage and restoring stream channels, at a number of sites that have been identified as “high priority.” Although these technologies will offer innovative strategies and solutions they must be strongly grounded in scientific concepts and theory, have a high probability of success and be capable of application in a range of arid and semi-arid settings.

Above: Areas of interest for UFDP. Click image to enlarge.

The appropriation: The UFDP was initiated through an appropriation in PL 108-7, and specifically encouraged the Corps of Engineers to cooperate with the Urban Water Resource Program of the Desert Research Institute. A direct result of the efforts of Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), the UFDP began in FY03 and is funded, in part, by a Congressional allocation from the Corps budget. Alternative funding may be implemented by Congress in the future.