Terri L Turner, AICP, CFM; Region 4 Director

Transcription

1 ASSOCIATION OF STATE FLOODPLAIN MANAGERS Region IV Report (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN) ASFPM Annual Conference / Board Meeting San Antonio, Texas May 2012 Terri L Turner, AICP, CFM, Region IV Director ASFPM MISSION The mission of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) is to promote education, policies, and activities that mitigate current and future losses, costs, and human suffering caused by flooding, and to protect the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains - all without causing adverse impacts. INTRODUCTION and REGIONAL OVERVIEW: Region IV consists of the following 8 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Within the Region, all of the states have official Chapters of the Association of State Floodplain Managers with Tennessee joining as a new Chapter in 2012: the Alabama Association of Floodplain Managers (AAFM) the Florida Floodplain Managers Association (FFMA) the Georgia Association of Floodplain Management (GAFM) the Kentucky Association of Mitigation Managers (KAMM) the Association of Floodplain Managers of Mississippi (AFMM) the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers (NCAFPM) the South Carolina Association of Hazard Mitigation (SCAHM) the Tennessee Association of Floodplain Managers (TN AFPM) (Tennessee will be recognized as a new Chapter by ASFPM at the 2012 ASFPM Annual Conference in May 2012) CHAPTER CONFERENCES WITHIN THE REGION: Each of these organizations has held at least one annual meeting / conference in the past year and has provided CFM training, and general floodplain training and seminars in addition to their annual event: the Alabama Association of Floodplain Managers (AAFM) ( 2011: April 26, 2011 Auburn, AL October 17-19, 2011 Auburn, AL 2012: April 12, 2012 Montgomery, AL Fall Conference TBD Auburn, AL the Florida Floodplain Managers Association (FFMA) ( 2011: March 30- April 1, 2011 West Palm Beach, FL 2012: March 28-30, 2012 St Augustine, FL 1

2 the Georgia Association of Floodplain Management (GAFM) ( 2011: March 22-24, 2011 Lake Lanier Islands Resort; Buford, GA October 26-27, 2011 Rome, GA 2012: March 27-29, 2012 Lake Lanier Islands Resort; Buford, GA Fall Conference - TBD TBD the Kentucky Association of Mitigation Managers (KAMM) ( 2011: May 15-20, 2011 Louisville, KY (the host for the 2011 ASFPM Annual Conference) 2012: September 17-20, 2012 Kentucky Dam Village State Park Resort the Association of Floodplain Managers of Mississippi (AFMM) ( 2011: April 27-29, 2011 Natchez, MS December 5-6, 2011 Tunica, MS 2012: May 9-11, 2012 Biloxi, MS Fall Conference - TBD TBD the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers (NCAFPM) ( 2011: April 13-15, 2011 North Charleston, SC Joint Conference with SC October 12-14, 2011 Boone, NC 2012: May 6-9, 2012 New Bern, NC Fall Conf - October 26, 2012 Asheville, NC the South Carolina Association of Hazard Mitigation (SCAHM) ( 2011: April 13-15, 2011 North Charleston, SC Joint Conference with NC 2012: April 3-6, 2012 Greenville, SC the Tennessee Association of Floodplain Managers (TN AFPM) ( 2011: July 26-29, 2011 Montgomery Bell State Park; Burns, TN 2012: July 24-26, 2012 Paris Landing State Pk; Buchanan, TN THE REGION: Our Region involves topography that ranges from the mountains to the sea and is impacted from sources of flooding that include: inland, riverine, and coastal flooding. THE REGION S DISASTERS: (Report covers April 1, 2011 to April 1, 2012) There have been a number of Emergency Declarations and Presidential Declarations issued during the past year within Region IV: Emergency Declarations (2011): 3319 Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds 3320 Mississippi 3321 Tennessee 3327 North Carolina Hurricane Irene 2

3 Major Disaster Declarations (2011): 1969 North Carolina Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and 1971 Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds & 1972 Mississippi Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds & Associated 1973 Georgia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds & Associated 1974 Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds & Associated 1976 Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes and 1978 Tennessee Severe Storms,, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds 1979 Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and 1983 Mississippi 4005 Tennessee Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes and 4019 North Carolina Hurricane Irene Emergency Declarations (2012): None to date Major Disaster Declarations (2012): 4052 Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and 4057 Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and 4060 Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and This does not account for localized events, which did not meet the threshold of a declared disaster, but which are equally as devastating to local communities. THE REGION S CFM PROGRAM: To work with these disaster events, our Region has greater than 1,650 Certified Floodplain Managers; with more to come as Region IV Chapters aggressively provide training and certification opportunities as part of our mission. Alabama Florida Georgia Kentucky Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee 97 CFMs Total 541 CFMs Total 255 CFMs Total 72 CFMs Total 143 CFMs Total 351 CFMs Total 154 CFMs Total 59 CFMs Total (as reported on the ASFPM website 4/10/2012 and Bill Tingle with the NC CFM Program NCAFPM had an ASFPM accredited CFM Program) 3

4 ** There is an increase in CFMs in every State in Region IV ** It should be noted that the Georgia Association of Floodplain Management (GAFM) started a CFM Mentor Program in The CFM Mentor Program is still active today and provides Mentors for those wishing to take the CFM Exam and also for new CFMs for the first two years (or longer, if desired) after CFM Certification. The number of CFMs in Region IV should continue to grow as ASFPM and the Region IV Chapters continue to provide CFM training and CFM certification opportunities. REPORTS FROM THE STATES WITHIN REGION IV: Alabama As reported by Debbie Peery Alabama s SHMO: Disaster 1971, the tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011, was the most catastrophic disaster to hit the State to date. Subsequently, the State received the largest number of HMGP applications to date for Residential and Community Safe Rooms. A first-time Mitigation Summit was held in conjunction with FEMA following the disaster. The Mitigation Staff is currently processing these applications in order to save lives in future tornado outbreaks. As reported by Ken Meredith Alabama s State NFIP Coordinator: We conducted 10 state and 3 federal CAVs; conducted one L-273 event; conducted two CFM reviews and proctored CFM exams on two occasions; attended the ASFPM event in Ky; and added 8 communities to the NFIP. We had our spring and fall AAFM conferences with a respectable attendance. Florida As reported by Joy Duperault Florida s State NFIP Coordinator: CAVs: 18 CACs: 10 GTAs: 130 Ordinance review due to new maps: Not sure, but in the dozens Development of the first state model ordinance that s a companion to the Building Code Now looking at review of 459 ordinances for consistency with both the NFIP and the Building Code Georgia As reported by Collis Brown Georgia s State NFIP Coordinator: Having updated or issued new flood maps for all of Georgia s 159 counties and municipalities under the Map Modernization Program, we have begun transitioning to Risk MAP where the focus is on a watershed approach to mapping as well as an enhanced assessment of risk, better communication of risk and improved mitigation planning. We continue to implement a strategy that supports local floodplain 4

5 administrators by providing guidance, technical assistance and training to the 526 communities currently participating in the NFIP (76% of the state s local governments) to ensure community compliance and maintain and build local floodplain management capability. The State Floodplain Management Office continues to support Georgia Association of Floodplain Management (GAFM) and to work collaborative to increase awareness of floodplain management and to reduce future losses attributed to flooding. Activities Disaster Assistance No federally declared disasters during this reporting period. Community Assistance Provided the following assistance and guidance to communities: o Conducted 8-CAVs and 35-CACs. o Assisted 16-communities with enrolling in the NFIP. o Provided assistance to communities related to ordinance adoption and revisions. General Technical Assistance Responded to 280 inquiries (via mail, telephone or ). Training Served 61-communities through the sponsorship/participation in training courses and workshops. Outreach Floodplain Management staff participated in the following outreach activities: o Flood Fight sponsored by NOAA and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) o Georgia Association of Floodplain Management (GAFM) mid-year Education and Training Conference and annual Conference. o Local public school Career Day. o Environmental education floodplain management for middle and high school teachers sponsored by University of West Georgia o Presentation at the annual conference of the Georgia Chapter of the American Planning Association. CRS Program Assisted in enrolling one-new community. Currently, Georgia has 30- communities enrolled in the CRS Program. Mapping Coordination In addition to administering Georgia s CAP-SSSE grant the Floodplain Management Office also administers the state s flood mapping program. The following activities were performed during this reporting period: o Assisted with 104-on time ordinance adoptions. o Conducted 14-Preliminary DFIRMs Community Coordination (PDCC) Meetings related to the Upper Chattahoochee River Basin study. o Conducted 22-Public Open Houses related to the Upper Chattahoochee River Basin study. o Conducted 2-Kick-off Meetings for the 9-county coastal studies project. o Conducted 3-Discovery Meetings o Middle Chattahoochee Watershed o Upper & Middle Savannah Watershed o Upper Ocmulgee Watershed Other Involved Activities Staff serves on GEMA s Hazard Mitigation Advisory Group. Staff serves on the organizing team for Georgia s Silver Jackets Program. Staff serves on the statewide Elevation Data Work Group. Staff serves on Georgia Department of Community Affairs review team for disaster resilient building codes. Kentucky No report to date 5

6 Mississippi No report to date North Carolina As reported by Chris Crew, CFM, NC s State Hazard Mitigation Officer and John Gerber, PE, CFM State NFIP Coordinator Division of Emergency Management NC Department of Public Safety Disaster Status- NC experienced a number of severe weather events during 2011 including 2 resulting in Presidential Disaster Declarations. A tornado outbreak during the afternoon of April 16, 2011 brought at least 25 confirmed tornado touchdowns across the east-central part of the state. Strength of individual tornadoes ranged from EF-0 to EF-3 on the enhanced Fujita scale. More than 6000 homes and businesses were damaged and 500 homes were destroyed. There were 20 reported deaths as a result of this event. Wildfires sparked by dry lightning in early May consumed over 45,000 acres and caused the cancellation of two performances of the outdoor drama The Lost Colony in Manteo. This was the first time since 1937 that performances have been cancelled for reasons other than severe thunderstorms. An early August heat wave contributed to 2 deaths in Robeson County. The August 23 earthquake centered near Mineral, VA did cause minor non-structural damage to homes and businesses in north-central NC. On August 26, 2011 Hurricane Irene made landfall near Cape Lookout as a category 1 event. Irene pushed a storm surge of 2-4 feet along parts of the outer banks, and a surge of 8-10 feet within the confines of Pamlico Sound. This surge in the sound, coupled with 24 hour rainfall totals in excess of 20 inches in parts of Pamlico, Beaufort and Dare Counties led to widespread flooding and significant damage to businesses, residences and crops. 27,170 damaged homes were inspected by FEMA and State staff. There were 7 deaths associated with the event. An EF 2 tornado impacted the town of Thomasville on November 16 resulting in two deaths. FY 2011 CAP-SSSE Update 33 CAVs 170 CACs 532 GTAs (which includes 29 no-rise reviews) 2 L-273 Courses 2 NCAFPM Conferences Held CFM Exam 4 times 27 Training Workshops 15 Mapping meetings 7 New enrollments (Total of 557 participating making up 91% of communities with mapped SFHA) 1 new CRS community total of 81 Developed and implemented a CAV tool using I-pads and ESRI software which included conducting 8 additional CAVs as a pilot. The digital CAV tool allows for the field work to be captured on the I-pad and uploaded to a server which processes the data and generates the required reports. Responded to TS Nicole, April tornadoes and Hurricane Irene disasters which included coordination with volunteers from the Professional Engineers of North Carolina Association to provide substantial damage determination assistance. Mitigation Update NCEM is finalizing applications for HMGP projects associated with the April Tornadoes (DR 9169) and Hurricane Irene (DR 4019). Mitigation priorities include acquisition/demolition or elevation of principle places of residence and development or update of Regional Hazard Mitigation Plans. Top funding priority for mitigation projects is given to those that address NFIP repetitive loss 6

7 structures. Total HMGP budget for these two events is approximately $28 million. NCEM is working to provide position papers and talking points to NCAFPM, NEMA and our US Congress and Senate Members in opposition to the elimination of the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program in the President s FY 2013 Budget Proposal. Map Mod Status Issued 5 counties preliminary maps for a total of 234 panels this last year. Recommendations and Goals Continue to fight against the elimination of the PDM Continue efforts to standardize plan formats and risk assessments in FEMA-approved State and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Update the Higher Standards Guide South Carolina As reported by Melissa Berry Potter South Carolina s SHMO: In South Carolina, our flood programs and mitigation grants are separate from the other natural hazard programs. SC DNR (Maria Cox Lamm) is responsible for all things flood related. As reported by Maria Cox Lamm South Carolina s State NFIP Coordinator: Disaster Status No current/active disasters CAP-SSSE: CAV s: 9 CAC-V: 14 CAC-T: 16 Offered one (1) L273 Course Offered one (1) CFM Refresher Course CFM Exam held three (3) times Five (5) communities joined the NFIP 150 CFM s in SC (total) Mitigation (HMA Grants just FMA/SRL/RFC): Two planning grants approved One (1) project grant recommended for further review Continuing great coordination with SCEMD CTP: Ten (10) counties maps went effective Four (4) PDCC meetings were held One (1) Open House meeting was held for our Early Demonstration project, where we converted a project to Risk MAP 7

8 Tennessee As reported by Stanley Harrison, Tennessee s State NFIP & Mapping Point of Contact: As the result of significant staff reductions during the past year the Tennessee program has been in a year of program transition. There still remains a very serious effort to provide coordination assistance as best possible with the remaining staff. A review of activities follows below: Community Assistance - Conducted a total of 41 phone CAC's in communities associated with the 2010 middle & west Tennessee flood events. Participated in 4 CAV's in middle Tennessee communities. Provided ordinance assistance to approximately 30 non-nfip participant communities & 25 communities with new effective maps. Training - Assisted the newly formed Tennessee Association with 3 regional training sessions & training at the second annual conference. Also, assisted FEMA with EC training to the state association of building officials & ISO with training in the CRS program. Additional training was provided to state departments & local community officials. Outreach - As the result of Public Chapter 1091 of the 2010 legislative session which requires all communities with areas of identified flood hazard to be a program participant by June 30, 2012 contacted the over 40 remaining non-nfip participants on at least 3 occasions to offer assistance & assisted FEMA JFO staff in a fourth contact to the approximate 20 that remain. CRS - Provided assistance to 3 additional communities in the process of participating in the CRS program in addition to the previously noted training with ISO staff to encourage additional community participation. Mapping Coordination - Continued to work with FEMA contractors, the USACOE & Metro Davidson County staff to include improved maps as the result of new information obtained as the result of the 2010 flood event. Assisted with the development of discovery meetings for 2 watersheds with pending restudies. Other - Participated in several conference calls & a directors meeting related to the newly developed Tennessee Association. RECOMMENDATIONS AND GOALS: Based on input from the NFIP Coordinators and SHMOs within Region IV, and various other floodplain management professionals within the Region IV states, the following goals and recommendations are made for the upcoming year: Provide outreach / assistance, as practicable, to State NFIP Coordinators and SHMOs. Distribute relevant and important information regarding floodplain management and regulatory changes to State NFIP Coordinators and SHMOs (and to membership) within each State within the Region. Champion the effort to coordinate with FEMA to provide consistent regulatory guidance between the Regions and between HQs and the Regions. (There are numerous inconsistencies between FEMA HQ s guidance and Region IV s guidance). Provide frequent updates on NFIP Reform progress, congressional initiatives, and pending legislation, especially those matters that directly affect the States Continue to push FEMA on timely distribution of CAP funds Continue to push for increased funding for floodplain management, flood programs, and flood mapping; Push to keep PDM as a grant source Provide timely information on Federal budget cutbacks affecting State programs 8

9 Continue to push FEMA to do restudies, where needed, to map behind levees, and to map unnumbered A Zones; If FEMA cannot accomplish this on their own, then a Mapping Grant Program should be created (with a 75/25 match) for communities to update their own maps, thus creating more local involvement in floodplain mapping Continue outreach on PRP, LOMA Out as Shown and other flood insurance topics Continue efforts to standardize plan formats and risk assessments in FEMA-approved State and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Update the Higher Standards Guide Continue to provide more levee information / outreach in States where this is applicable Provide more focus on floodplain management at the State and Local levels Provide more outreach at the State and Local levels perhaps a mechanism for doing this would be a monthly webinar that all ASFPM members could call into ASFPM Committees could be responsible for these webinars on a rotating basis Promote ASFPM membership and update Region IV members on the activities of ASFPM. ASFPM should attend, when invited and when possible, t he NFIP Coordinators meetings for the Region ASFPM should attend, when invited and when possible, the annual meetings for each state within the Region. ASFPM should provide, when invited and when possible, NAI training for each state within the Region 9