Integrated Public Outreach and Consultant Coordination for Sioux Falls Storm Drainage Improvements

A Project Website served as the foundation of an extensive public outreach and consultant coordination program to more than 7,000 potentially affected residents of the City of Sioux Falls, SD as the City began the design and construction of a $30 million+ storm drainage improvement project. The project resulted from extensive flooding in the City during the summer of 2004 which caused significant residential damage. The Web site was used in conjunction with more traditional methods of public outreach to provide updated information for homeowners on the progress of the improvements as well as practical information on how to protect their homes from future flooding.

Three unique technology tools were used to enhance the Web site, including a content management system that allowed for real-time updates to the site by non-technical staff, geo-referenced PDF mapping solutions and a citizen request management system with a centralized database accessible to the City, the eight independent consultant teams designing the improvements, contractors, utilities and other stakeholders on the project. With more than 300 unique IP web hits per month, the Web site was a key communication link for residents, media and project stakeholders.