News & Views

Aging infrastructure is on life support in many U.S. cities, unable to handle large storm events that drop millions of gallons of water, leading to dangerous flooding, sewer overflows, basement backups and public health and safety concerns. At the same time, suburban sprawl continues to consume more and more green space, which in turn creates

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WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today a new Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) process to strengthen FEMA’s commitment to using the most reliable science and data to determine flood hazards for communities across the nation. FEMA regularly updates Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) in coordination with local communities to ensure they reflect

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The Association of State Floodplain Managers will convene the world’s largest and most comprehensive floodplain management conference – our 35th annual gathering – the week of May 15 – 20, 2011, in Louisville, Kentucky. We invite you to share your experiences with local, state, and federal officials, industry leaders, consultants, and other interested parties by

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FEMA Develops Coastal Barrier Resources Act Fact Sheet The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed a fact sheet on the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA). CBRA serves to protect coastal areas that act as barriers against wind and tidal forces caused by coastal storms and provide habitat for aquatic species. The fact sheet outlines

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Iowa has specific rules governing the drainage of surface water. But, is the state subject to the same rules? That question was addressed in this case. Residents who sustained property damage in a northeast Iowa flood in 1999 can sue the state for highway construction that allegedly raised the water levels. The Iowa Supreme Court

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October 13th marks the annual International Day for Disaster Reduction, coordinated by the United Nations Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), to get cities to play a more active role in protecting themselves against disaster. As part of its “Making Cities Resilient: My City is getting ready!” campaign, UNISDR will encourage more mayors and local governments

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After nearly two decades, Jacquelyn Monday is stepping down as editor of the News & Views. During those years, floodplain management in the United States grew in both stature and professionalism, and its relevance to many broader issues became more widely recognized – such as the economy, ecosystem protection, sustainability, levee safety, and flood risk.

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September 30, 2010, the President signed into law: S. 3814, the “National Flood Insurance Program Reextension Act of 2010,” which authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to enter into new contracts for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program and to borrow from the Treasury under the Program through September 30, 2011.

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ASFPM Vice Chair Sally McConkey, PE, CFM, D.WRE, testified before the Senate Committee on Banking and Urban Affairs on Flood Insurance Reauthorization and Reform. ASFPM Testimony on NFIP Reauthorization and Reform (9/10) All panel testimony and webcast archive of Senate Banking and Urban Affairs Committee Hearing (9/10) GAO Report on NFIP: Continued Actions Needed to

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From FloodSmart.gov There’s good news for property owners who have been newly mapped into a high-risk flood area. FEMA is introducing cost saving insurance options through the NFIP that may benefit property owners. If a building has been newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone, the property owner may be eligible for significant savings with

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