FLOOD05913

• County: Statewide
• Basin: Statewide
• Title: Report of the Floodplain Management Forum
• Date: 6/8/2000
• Prepared For: U.S
• Prepared By: FEMA
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Floodplain Report/Masterplan

. Reinstating CA V s to identify problem areas and make recommendations on actions that can
be taken.

. Need for the insurance industry to promote purchase of flood insurance: Only 10 percent of
the people who should buy noncoastal flood insurance do so; many policies not renewed at
end of term.

John R. Sheaffer, Chairman, Sheaffer International, LL C

Mr. Sheaffer presented the following points:

. Rainfall occurs on all land in a watershed. The people with high ground and runoff get a
"free dump" of their share of the water to those on the floodplain. Everyone, including
governments, should pay for flooding (or water storage) on the floodplain.

. Floodplain management costs (cost of flood disasters as well as corrective measures) should
be shared by all who benefit from it.

. The rest of the floodplain should be incorporated in sustainable benefits.

. Repetitive loss should apply to public facilities (infrastructure) as well as to homeowners.

Ed Copeland, Region II Planning and Development Council

Mr. Copeland explained that NADO members, known variously as councils of government,
economic development districts, planning and development districts, or regional councils,
provide professional and technical assistance to more than 1,800 counties and 15,000 cities and
small towns. They are directed by elected officials from counties and communities. Most of
these members, including all 55 counties and 98 percent of the communities in West Virginia,
are participating members in the NFIP.

Local officials are key to compliance and enforcement of the NFIP. He urged FEMA to work
with these organizations. They are proactive, have existing working relationships with local
officials, can leverage funding resources, and provide technical assistance. These communities
want to develop geographical information system (GIS) mapping products in their communities
by leveraging funding. The regional councils are an excellent vehicle to empower the local
communities.

James Sadler, Vice President, National Con-Serv, Inc. (NCSI)

Mr. Sadler explained that NCSI is the NFIP servicing agent managing the direct insurance
program for the FIA. He supported changes to the 100-year floodplain standard. He indicated
that the mapping processes are antiquated and underfunded.

Insurance is purchased because homeowners are required to do so or because they recognize the
risks of not doing so; insurance transfers the risk. Purchase of hazard insurance is required and

Floodplain Management Forum

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