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<br />USGS has recently developed a plan, Streamflow Informationfor the Next Century, 1999, for an <br />enhanced streamgaging network that will enhance the National Weather Service (NWS) flood <br />forecasting program. This tool will provide more accurate methods for estimating and displaying <br />flood characteristics and changes under various conditions. The aim is to make the visual <br />models available over the Internet and for television feed to educate the public about potential <br />hazards and projected weather impacts in their communities. <br /> <br />Richard Krimm, Federal Emergency Management Agency, retired <br /> <br />Mr. Krimm pointed out that the original intent of the NFIP was to make flood insurance <br />available to residents of floodplains in exchange for a community's adoption and enforcement of <br />floodplain management practices. FIRMs are the basis of this program, and they have not <br />changed much since their inception. FEMA, ASFPM, and the insurance industry need to make <br />funding of the Map Modernization Program a fiscal priority. He suggested seven priorities for <br />the program: <br /> <br />I. Map for ultimate development of a community or jurisdiction. <br /> <br />2. Change the program regulation on floodways to a zero rise instead of I-foot rise. <br /> <br />3. Enlarge coastal zones to include the effects of erosion and rise of the oceans. <br /> <br />4. Remap the floodplain after a disaster using new technologies to prevent redevelopment of an <br />area that will be subject to future disasters. <br /> <br />5. Redline the floodway and velocity zones for new and rebuilt construction and do not provide <br />flood insurance in these areas. <br /> <br />6. Become more environmentally sensitive. <br /> <br />7. Stop using Federal money for beach nourishment, which only encourages development in <br />hazardous areas. <br /> <br />Doug Plasencia, Associate, KimIey-Horn & Associates <br /> <br />Mr. Plasencia supported Mr. Buchert's position that the Federal Government needs to do more <br />about supporting increased Federal cost-share for disaster assistance to local communities <br />because of good floodplain management. He made the following suggestions for next steps to <br />improve the NFIP: <br /> <br />· A national standard of no-impact floodplains will return to the community the authority and <br />responsibility to implement sound floodplain management as well as relieve the Federal <br />Government of the responsibility to micromanage standards best dealt with at the local level. <br /> <br />· Master plans will detail baseline hydraulic models and mitigation actions for each area to <br />implement the floodplain management that is most appropriate for their jurisdictions. <br /> <br />Floodplain Management Forum <br /> <br />27 <br />