Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Thomas H. Yorke, United States Geological Survey, reinforced the need for more public <br />education on flood hazards. The Internet is a wonderful new technology for demonstrating flood <br />zones and modeling possible scenarios. <br /> <br />Mr. Witt expressed his support for the use of Internet tools. He also indicated that FEMA is <br />considering shifting the responsibility for mapping and remapping to local authorities. The maps <br />would then be certified by FEMA. He thanked all for coming to this Forum and for their input to <br />this process. <br /> <br />Statements From Participants <br /> <br />JoAnn Howard, Federal Insurance Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency <br /> <br />At the dawn ofthe 20th century the solutions to flooding were mostly structural; floods were <br />managed by constructing dams. However, this approach, alone, pits protection of people against <br />protection of the environment. This country now faces a shift in focus from loss-prevention <br />activities to those that incorporate the beneficial uses of the floodplain, the renewal ofland, and <br />the stewardship of resources. <br /> <br />A holistic view of floodplain management preserves open spaces, provokes effective zoning and <br />planning, and makes neighborhoods more livable. By creating an incentive to reduce flood <br />losses, the NFIP has woven disaster resistance into community planning decisions. The Program <br />drives community standards and can be the incentive for a new approach to floodplain <br />management. <br /> <br />A new holistic approach is needed not only because the number and severity of catastrophic <br />weather events is climbing but also because some people are asking whether the insurance safety <br />net promotes the building of structures that are in harm's way. FEMA is about to undertake a <br />comprehensive evaluation of this program and its impact on floodplain management in the <br />United States. Over the next 2 to 5 years, FEMA will examine six areas: <br /> <br />I. How does the NFIP affect occupancy and use of floodplains? <br /> <br />2. What are the economic, environmental, and social costs and consequences of flooding? <br /> <br />3. How effectively do insurance rating and indemnity functions operate? <br /> <br />4. How has the NFIP influenced local decisions on floodplain management? <br /> <br />5. How effective are hazard identification and risk assessment systems, including the accuracy <br />of flood maps and other risk information? <br /> <br />6. How effectively does the NFIP communicate with the public? <br /> <br />Ms. Howard indicated that she believes effective floodplain management solutions lie in <br />marrying the desire of the public to access and live near water with the reality that degrading the <br /> <br />Floodplain Management Forum <br /> <br />17 <br />