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<br />Section Three <br /> <br />Floodplain Management Forum Minutes <br /> <br />Opening Remarks <br /> <br />JamesL Witt, Director, Federal Emergency Management Agency <br /> <br />Mr. Witt welcomed attendees, presented the charge for the Forum, and expressed his hopes that <br />invitees would focus on the future of floodplains. The world seems to be experiencing many <br />global climate changes that cause levees to be breached and I4-inch rainfalls in 1 hour; the <br />National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) must meet these changing conditions. <br /> <br />There are concerns about groundwater contamination, problems with the supply and quality of <br />drinking water, and other safety issues related to development in floodplains and behind levees. <br />The challenge and public responsibility facing us is to address changing weather trends, safety of <br />life and property, and land use issues while preserving the environment for future generations. <br />One of the responsibilities of the NFIP is to provide local officials with the education, <br />information, and enforcement recommendations and documentation for them to make the policy <br />decisions necessary to prevent the destruction of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. <br /> <br />The discussion was opened for participants to make suggestions directly to Director Witt on <br />methods FEMA could use to improve the NFIP. He specifically requested feedback on: <br /> <br />. Should floodplains be developed? Ifso, how? <br />. Is the BFE at the I DO-year floodplain an adequate measure of risk? <br />. Should I-foot freeboard be required? <br /> <br />Michael Buchert, City of Tulsa, Oklahoma, recommended the following: <br /> <br />. Promote floodplain designation based on full urbanization. <br /> <br />. Preserve natural floodplain storage; where areas are filled, compensatory storage should be <br />developed. <br /> <br />. Establish zero-foot rise off each property, upstream or downstream, with I-foot freeboard <br />and no detention. <br /> <br />. In Tulsa, mapping is done for drainage areas of up to 40 acres. <br /> <br />Mr. Witt responded that the NFIP regulations do not provide an adequate level of protection. <br />The NFIP regulations do not require freeboard above BFE, nor do the regulations require flood <br />insurance behind levees. <br /> <br />Floodplain Management Forum <br /> <br />13 <br />