THE INSIDER

The Association of State Floodplain Managers

2809 Fish Hatchery Rd. Madison, WI 53713 www.floods.org

608-274-0123 Fax: 608-274-0696

Executive Director’s Report

Larry Larson, CFM

Rebuilding the Gulf Coast – lots of ideas –which ones make sense?

It is now over two months since Katrina hit, and a few weeks less for Rita. Those impacted by these catastrophic natural disasters are now in the recovery phase. How should they rebuild? How can they rebuild safer so they don’t have to suffer the damages and suffering again? Who can help them? What will be required? Should they go beyond the minimum requirements to be safer and less vulnerable? How much beyond the minimums—and what is really needed? Can they get assistance to do the right thing?

Communities are struggling to set the guidance for rebuilding and to help their citizens get answers to these questions. The states and FEMA are working very hard to provide information, guidance and realistic data for this rebuilding effort to the communities and property owners. At a time when the demand for knowledgeable local permit and planning officials is huge, many communities have to lay off those staff because they have no income. This is tragic, and may well result in some structures being rebuilt at risk. Assisting the communities in this permit and planning effort may well be the single most important factor impacting safer rebuilding of the Gulf coast.

All of us are working together to see how we can help these communities do the right thing. FEMA has a huge priority effort underway to provide new flood advisory elevations. FEMA staff and its contractors are working with other agencies like the Corps, NOAA and others to recalculate the flood levels along the coast, which were last done up to 25 years ago, and thus did not reflect a number of storms when computing the 1% chance flood level. When the new data are added and flood levels recomputed, the minimum regulatory flood level will increase a number or feet in some locations. Providing that information as soon as possible will allow those homeowners and businesses rebuilding to protect themselves and their property against future hurricanes and storms.

One thing that Katrina demonstrates is the problems with building right on a coastline where the storm surge reaches up to 28 feet. It is not feasible or realistic to think we can “engineer” safe structures in these instances by building structures above that kind of surge, or even the slightly lower regulatory flood elevation that will be determined. There are even some groups recommending structures be built below the new regulatory flood level and simply “harden” the structure to withstand being inundated by the surge and then “drying out.” These kinds of “false sense of security” recommendations confuse property owners and community officials, and set up unnecessary conflicts between those rebuilding and those providing the money to rebuild.

Coastal Communities need to consider no build zones along the most hazardous reaches of the coastline. We have no build zones along rivers---they are called floodways! The reason that they are no build zones is because they are extremely hazardous due to flood flows and velocities. We must recognize these coastal zones with very high storm surges are even more hazardous than most riverine floodways. Protecting lives and property in these high hazard areas must be the first priority for all levels of government. To spend taxpayer monies to rebuild and put people back at risk in those most hazardous areas where others lost everything is unconscionable.

A number of states and communities have setbacks from the coast where these high risk areas are no build zones. When the storm surge lessens somewhat, then buildings are allowed if built above the regulatory flood level. That approach protects the property owner, community and taxpayers.

What does that mean when considering mitigation options? It means communities should consider all options for mitigation, including: (1) Acquisition/relocation with resultant open space (2) elevation above the new Advisory elevations (3) flood proofing of structures, and in some appropriate locations, (4) demolish and rebuild may be a viable option. Because most mitigation will be funded by taxpayers, whatever options are approved must not put people back in harms way. Neither those who suffered the devastation and losses, nor those providing funding want to be responsible for this happening again.

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NATIONAL FPM AWARDS DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2006

Nominations are now being accepted for the national Awards for Excellence in Floodplain Management, which are conferred each year during the ASFPM annual conference. This is your opportunity to highlight your outstanding local or state program or person! The submittal instructions are summarized below. You will find the submittal form at www.floods.org/Awards/Nomination.asp, along with a description of each award category and past recipients.

Several of the ASFPM Annual National Awards, such as the Goddard White Excellence and Louthain Service, are handled by the Board of Directors, please contact your Regional Director on the ASFPM Board to suggest a recommendation. Anyone may submit a nomination for the following categories:

* Tom Lee STATE Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management
* James Lee Witt LOCAL Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management
* Larry R. Johnston Local Floodplain Manager of the Year
* John R. Sheaffer Floodproofing Award
* Media Award
ASFPM ANNUAL AWARDS APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
1) Print and complete the form on the website. Provide ONE copy of any supporting materials such as handbooks, videotapes, letters of support, etc. Electronic and online information references are welcome, and preferred! Send form and info to:

ASFPM Awards Committee
2809 Fish Hatchery Road, Suite 204
Madison, WI 53713

2) The nomination deadline for Awards is March 1, 2006.
3) Awards are conferred at the national conference during the annual Awards luncheon, which will be held Thursday June 15, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Winners will be notified in mid April to allow time to make travel arrangements.

4) Direct your questions to Diane Brown in the ASFPM Office, 608-274-0123 or .
We thank you for your help in showcasing what works as we celebrate those who make floodplain management a reality around the nation. And we again offer congratulations to all those who received national floodplain management awards in 2005 http://www.floods.org/Awards/Recipients.asp.

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SAVE THIS IMPORTANT DATE: June 11-16, 2006

ASFPM's annual national conference this year will be held at the City Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our 2006 theme, "Floodplain Management Crossroads - Where Route 66 Meets the Rio Grande", will focus on flood mitigation, enhancing the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains, sustainable development and other community goals. We will also spend significant time on the outcomes and lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as the nation helps rebuild the Gulf Coast to be safer from future catastrophic disasters.

The end of December you will be able to view the draft Concurrent Sessions and Workshops on the conference web page - go to www.floods.org and click on the 2006 conference logo. This conference page also contains HOTEL options, Sponsorship forms, Exhibitors information and links to exciting things to see and do in the area. We will post the brochure and registration forms by the end of January, so be watching for that.

This international, week-long event will showcase the state-of-the-art in techniques, programs, resources, materials, equipment, accessories and services to accomplish flood mitigation and other community goals. You'll hear and see genuine success stories that demonstrate flood loss reduction and land and water management practice improvements. Government, business, non-profit and academic sectors will share how they successfully integrate engineering, planning, open space and environmental protection all over the nation and the world to prepare for a better, sustainable future. Service providers use this ideal opportunity to network with those responsible for flood hazard management decision-making.

TO DO LIST for the ASFPM Conference June 11-16, 2006
___ Make your HOTEL room reservation now at one of the selected hotels near the convention center. They will fill up quickly, and there are very few rooms available at the government rate, so be sure to book soon.

___ Send your abstract to Valerie by November 15 and participate as a presenter.
___ Pledge your Corporate sponsorship now to ensure you don't miss out!
___ Mark May 12 on your calendar -- it's the deadline for the early registration discount.
___ Start thinking about what you can donate to the SILENT AUCTION fundraiser for the ASFPM Foundation. Our goal is to get something unique and fun from every state! Some of last year's donations included weekend get-aways, framed nature print, autographed Packer football, custom-built golf club, weather radio, collector's items, Hawaiian Kona Coffee, numerous artworks, many various state-themed hospitality baskets, Wisconsin Fishing Trip, case of wine, and lots of restaurant gift certificates.

___ Direct any questions and concerns to ASFPM staff at 608-274-0123 or .
___ Make your plans to experience the mystique of New Mexico next June!


The 2006 Conference Team -- Valerie Swick, Grant Pinkerton and the New Mexico Chapter, Dan Accurti, and the ASFPM Staff - Diane Brown, Anita Larson, Chad Ross, Alison Stierli, Debbie Pond, Alan Lulloff and Larry Larson.

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Nick Winter Memorial Scholarship Awarded

The Nick Winter Memorial Scholarship was awarded last month to Margaret Acosta Weirich, a student at Wellesley College. This $2,000 scholarship, granted by the New England Floodplain and Stormwater Management Association, the ASFPM Foundation and ASFPM, is awarded annually to a full-time student currently enrolled in a field of discipline related to floodplain management, or an applicant to a graduate program in a related field. NEFSMA, ASFPM, and the ASFPM Foundation will be accepting applications for the 2006 Scholarship in the spring of 2006. Visit the ASFPM website, www.floods.org at that time for more information.

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ASFPM INVOLVED IN POST-HURRICANES ISSUES AND MEETINGS

The devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita has propelled floodplain-related issues into the national spotlight and caused many organizations to launch national dialogues that focus on such issues. Many ASFPM members and Board members have been asked to represent ASFPM at congressional hearings and other national meetings.

On October 18, Chad Berginnis (ASFPM National Mitigation Policy Liaison and past ASFPM Chair 2003-05) testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on needed improvements on NFIP issues related to the recent hurricanes. Titled, “The Future of the National Flood Insurance Program”, it concludes that, in the aftermath of the recent catastrophic flood disasters, we now face the ideal opportunity to refine our nation’s policy for managing flood hazards related to flood insurance and coastal hazards management. The full 21-page testimony is at

http://www.floods.org/PDF/ASFPM_Future_NFIP_SenBanking_101805.pdf.

October 20, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works convened a meeting on “Water Resources Needs of Coastal Louisiana”. Doug Plasencia (ASFPM NAI Steering Committee Chair and past ASFPM Chair 1993-95) represented the Association in this Senate staff discussion with numerous other stakeholders about issues and programs that / will and must come into play in reconstructing the New Orleans
/ area. He submitted our “Statement of Principles” that envisions four legislative policy changes to strengthen Corps programs: a national levee safety program, wetland restoration, level of flood protection, and personal economic impacts.
This two page statement is on our website under “Levees” on the home page.

ASFPM was asked to testify at a hearing about the recent devastating hurricanes before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment in Washington D.C. on October 27. The focus of this hearing was on Corps of Engineers programs, especially related to levee issues. Rodney Emmer (Executive Director of the Louisiana Floodplain Management Association) presented our testimony entitled Reducing Hurricane and Flood Risk in the Nation (see link below). The Association advocated that we must have programs, policies and institutions that can adequately handle massive flood events, efficiently use taxpayer money, and build a more sustainable future.

http://www.floods.org/PDF/ASFPM_Testimony_HouseT&I_ReducingHurricaneFloodRisk_102705.pdf

The ASFPM Mapping and Engineering Standards Committee has formulated a Subcommittee on levee issues, which includes Paul Osman, Tom Christensen, George Riedel, Doug Plasencia, and M&ES co-chairs Jim Williams and Bill Brown. They are currently developing a white paper on levee issues, which we hope to have out in a few weeks. Feel free to send them your ideas, their contact information is on the committee web page http://www.floods.org/Committees/mapping.asp .

Mike Powell, ASFPM’s floodplain Regulation Committee Co-Chair, will represent ASFPM at the Council of State Governments (CSG) annual meeting in Wilmington, Delaware the first week of December. The CSG’s Environmental Task Force has expressed an interest in learning more about floodplain management trends, and innovative state responses to natural hazards.

ASFPM member, Peter Richardson, CFM, will be a panelist at the Association of State Wetland Manager’s Integrated Restoration of Riverine Wetlands, Streams, Riparian Areas and Floodplains in Watershed Contexts Workshop in Amherst, MA November 15 – 16. The workshop goal is to build integrated state, tribal, local, federal government stream, riverine wetland, riparian area, and floodplain protection & restoration capabilities.

ASFPM’s Chair, Pam Pogue, will serve as a panelist at the American Meteorological Society Policy Program’s forum on Hurricane Katrina, December 19 - 21 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The program will foster dialogue among participants, leading to findings and recommended policies for improving future U.S. response to natural extremes such as hurricanes and floods.

Lisa Jones, a former ASFPM Chair and ASFPM’s current CRS Representative, will represent ASFPM at the American Meteorological Society’s 86th Annual Meeting January 29 – February 2 in Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting’s dialogue will focus on the impact of the top weather stories of 2005, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.