Prior to the 1980s, the City of Tulsa had a long history of severe flooding problems. The Federal government had declared Tulsa County a flood disaster area nine times in 15 years, more than any other community in the nation. Tulsa committed to ending recurrent flooding disasters and crafted a unified program to curb flood losses. Today, Tulsa's floodplain and stormwater program includes comprehensive watershed management, dedicated funds for maintenance and operation, a prototype alert system, and a $200 million capital improvements program.

This program is more than flood control. Tulsa is building parks in the floodplains, sports fields in stormwater detention basins, and trails and greenways along creek banks. Partnerships are now well established with numerous State and Federal agencies. Since Tulsa adopted comprehensive drainage regulations 15 years ago there has been no instance of flooding in any structure built in accordance with regulations. The federal government has given Tulsa's flood control program its highest ranking, and as a result Tulsans now enjoy the lowest flood insurance rates in the nation. Tulsa is now reaping the benefits from numerous national awards and much favorable publicity.