Laserfiche WebLink
<br />envll onm <br />incidence <br />gove:nmec <br />generated " <br /> <br />lith uncontrolled development costs money, hurts people, and increases the <br />.structive weather events. Floodplain management must be a partnership of <br />all levels. "Washington" must lead, but the most innovative ideas are often <br />,ne local level. <br /> <br />Mid ael J. Armstrong, Associate Director for Mitigation, Federal Emergency Management <br />AgeIJ cy <br /> <br />Mr. Armstrong thanked those who came to this meeting to provide valuable input and <br />encouragement, as they have many times in the past. The views and suggestions presented will <br />be used not only by this administration but also by permanent FEMA staff members, who will <br />conti ~ue the efforts into the future. He thanked David Holst of FEMA for taking the lead on the <br />development of this Forum and the background paper. <br /> <br />Mr. Armstrong stated that his greatest frustration has been the failure of the Federal Government <br />to ofl:hestrate a common goal and that the Federal Government should be better at coordinating, <br />sharing information, creating a unified sense of urgency, and centralizing efforts to avoid <br />duplbation. He recommended Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It <br />Chariged America, by John M. Barry, and Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest <br />Hurr.;cane in History, by Erik Larson, as inspirational examples of how a Government official <br />can make a difference in the Nation's policies. <br /> <br />Mr. jumstrong stressed the importance of creating tools and incentives to encourage local and <br />State land use laws that promote beneficial uses of floodplains. It is important to market <br />(ivabJity and smart growth concepts. Floodplain management policy must be integrated with <br />economic development, environmental protection, historical preservation, energy conservation, <br />and public health and safety; sound floodplain management practices can be economically <br />profi1 able. He challenged attendees to address the effectiveness of the following standards: 100- <br />year ',ersus SOO-year flood elevations, freeboard, coastal erosion, alluvial fans, coastal flooding, <br />and ~igh-velocity flooding. He requested feedback about minimum standards that do not work at <br />the 1c,callevel, instilling a sense of ownership of the NFIP in local communities, promoting <br />integ'ation with other planning activities, marketing best practices and economic benefits, <br />promoting partnerships, and developing maps that accurately reflect areas at risk and multiple <br />hazatds. He stressed that poor floodplain management disproportionately affects the poor; how <br />can diversity and disenfranchisement be addressed? <br /> <br />Michael Moye, President, Bank of America Insurance Services and the National Lenders' <br />Insul'ance Council (representing regulated lenders) <br /> <br />Mr. Moye reiterated that most people will not buy insurance unless it is required by mandate. <br />Flood insurance is for a low-probability, high-severity event, whereas fire is the opposite. He <br />reconmended that the program: <br /> <br />· Expand the Mandatory Purchase Requirement beyond the A and V zones. <br /> <br />Floo.iplain Management Forum <br /> <br />18 <br />