Golf course flood relief for Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota

Superintendents whose golf courses have been affected by flooding may be eligible for financial assistance available in the way of grants, according to Kevin Norby of Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects.

After a flood, the first response by most superintendents or owners is to immediately get the golf course back in playable condition. However, any work completed before the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gets involved will not be eligible for assistance.

To be eligible for these grants, the governor of that state must declare a “state of emergency” and request disaster relief funding from the president of the United States. Once FEMA agrees to the scope and estimated costs, construction can begin.

In 2013, FEMA issued a policy bulletin stating it would fund repair or replacement golf courses and sports fields. Specifically, the policy stated that funding is eligible if “Grass and sod replacement is an integral part of the repair or replacement of the eligible recreational facility.” If a course has been impacted by a recent flood and is owned by the city, county or local park district, there may be help available.

For superintendents whose courses are prone to flooding, Norby suggests taking steps to prepare a master plan and an emergency management plan for your golf course.

Superintendents may contact Norby at 952-361-0644 by email at knorby@HerfortNorbyGolf.com.