THE INSIDER a Publication for Members s1

THE INSIDER A Publication for Members The Association of State Floodplain Managers January 2004 2809 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53713 Website:www.floods.org Phone: 608-274-0123 Fax:608-274-0696 Email: [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS - Click on any link below, or simply scroll down for the entire newsletter.

Executive Director's Report ASFPM 28th Annual Conference, May 16-21, 2004 National FPM Awards Deadline March 1st News In Brief ASFPM Member and Partner Renewals ASFPM Email Change Green Design Expert Bill Reed Speaks to Leaf Litter EPA and Army Corps Issue Wetlands Decision Effects of Urban Development on Floods Fact Sheet Community Planning Fellowship Program Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Floodplain Easements with NRCS--EWP Reviewers Wanted for FEMA Higher Education Project Post-Fire Advisory Flood Hazard Maps Available Diane Calhoun Appointed President of Certification Board of Regents CFM Corner Washington Legislative Report Calendar Job Corner

Executive Director's Report - Larry Larson, CFM

As has become a custom, I am sitting at my desk on New Year’s eve writing this article. There is great tempta- tion to review the past year’s accomplishments of ASFPM’s effort to promote the wise use of the nation’s floodplains, and I will mention a few of the key actions. Mostly though, I will address some of the challenges/threats we all face during 2004.

The past year saw great strides in Floodplain Manager Certification, the No Adverse Impact initiative, Congres- sional funding for Map Mod and beginning action in the House on a Repetitive Loss bill. The funding for the HMGP program was preserved at its FY 03 level, albeit only half of what it was from 1994 to 2002. Partner- ships with our State Chapters and numerous agencies (FEMA, Corps of Engineers, USGS, NOAA, NRCS, EPA, NPS, NWS, DOT and others) have been productive. Membership in ASFPM continues to increase. At- tendance at our 2003 national conference was a record 900 plus as people took advantage of key training in floodplain management. The ASFPM Board is involved in an aggressive review of our Strategic Plan to set the focus of the Association for the next 5 years.

Now for a word of caution. As everyone who has developed a strategic plan knows, with every opportunity comes a counterpart threat/challenge. Let’s review some of the challenges we will face in 2004. Starting with the big picture, all of us will need to remain vigilant of the role of natural hazards mitigation in the new Depart- ment of Homeland Security. While we continue to receive verbal assurances, there are disturbing signals from time to time. I get the DHS newsletters, and seldom is there any information on FEMA programs---it mostly covers terrorism threats and responses. Locals and states indicate they must go where the money is, and the money is focused on terrorism. The FEMA acronym (not the name) has been retained for now by DHS, but it is not in any legislation, and pieces of FEMA continue to be split off. We must all let decision-makers know our concern with this.

Map Modernization is another two-sided issue. The Administration and Congress have been most supportive of additional funding in the past 2 fiscal years, with a promise of about $1 billion to get the job done. However, if implementation does not result in maps with improved flood data for communities so they can guide future development to be less at risk, the effort will not be a success. Digitizing old data in already developed areas will not prevent future flood damages. It is important that the goals driving the map effort truly measure factors in the Map Mod process that will contribute to flood loss reduction. We will continue to work closely with FEMA on this key issue, and encourage our members to share your successes and concerns with us.

Program integration is a vexing issue at all levels of government. It becomes especially troublesome at the local level when mandates from federal and state governments come to the locals---too often at cross-purposes, or with a lack of cross program recognition. None of this, by federal and state programs is intentional. Your As- sociation spends a significant amount of time helping agencies integrate their programs. Federal agencies have more programs to administer with less staff, and collaborating with other federal and state programs gets shoved to the bottom of the list. Ironically, performance goals often force this, since oversight agencies like OMB do not approve performance goals that highlight inter-agency coordination. For example, OMB has difficulty understanding why both FEMA and the Corps of Engineers do mitigation, but we know they can complement, not duplicate each other. We can all do our part to take various goals into account in program implementation, and to involve as many agencies as possible.

No Adverse Impact has caught on swiftly as an effective approach with regard to development. Here also, the challenges are getting training out to locals, explaining NAI in the context of wise use, sustainability, the “good neighbor policy” and how NAI strengthens the community’s position in legal liability, takings and enforcement. The NAI Toolkit is now available, but for locals to understand and use it effectively, training should be included with its delivery. A strength within our political system is the protection of individual rights, through the Con- stitution and Bill of Rights. Further, our economic system is largely driven by the satisfaction of individual wants and needs. But all of the problems that concern us now are problems of community, pointing out the irony of our political system. Perhaps NAI can serve as a mediating approach that will allow us to elaborate agreements of common purpose---or at least to start the discussion.

With these and other important issues facing all of us in 2004, it will be another busy year. Fortunately, we have a Board, Committee Chairs and a myriad of members that participate actively who are knowledgeable, aggressive and energetic. I salute you all, and wish you all a happy and productive New Year.

Back to Table of Contents

National FPM Awards Deadline March 1st

Nominations are now being accepted for the national Awards for Excellence in Floodplain Management, which are conferred each year during the ASFPM annual conference. This is your big chance to highlight your out- standing local or state program or person! The submittal instructions are summarized below. You will find the submittal form at www.floods.org/Awards/Nomination.asp, along with a description of each award category and past recipients.

2 Several of the ASFPM Annual National Awards are handled by the Board of Directors. Please contact your Re- gional Director to suggest a recommendation. Anyone may submit a nomination for the following categories:

* Tom Lee STATE Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management * James Lee Witt LOCAL Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management * Larry R. Johnston Local Floodplain Manager of the Year * John R. Sheaffer Floodproofing Award * Media Award ASFPM ANNUAL AWARDS APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1) Print and complete the form on the website. Send it along with ONE copy of any supporting materials such as handbooks, videotapes, letters of support to:

ASFPM, Attn: Awards Committee 2809 Fish Hatchery Road, Suite 204 Madison, WI 53713

2) The nomination deadline for Awards is March 1, 2004. 3) Winners will be notified in early April to allow time to make travel arrangements. 4) Direct your questions to Diane Brown in the ASFPM Office, 608-274-0123 or [email protected].

We thank you for your help in showcasing what works as we celebrate those who make floodplain management a reality around the nation!

Save This Important Date: May 16-21, 2004

ASFPM's annual national conference this year will be held at the Central Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi. The inspiration for our 2004 theme, "Lighting the Way to Floodplain Management", is the famous Biloxi light- house located right next door to the conference hotel, and the countless professional training opportunities offered throughout the conference are geared to help participants become the guiding light for flood victims.

The program is really shaping up, with over 150 presentations and 25 workshops scheduled! You can view the draft Concurrent Sessions and Conference-At-A-Glance now at www.floods.org/gulfcoast. This conference page also contains Sponsorship and Exhibitors Information, Presenter instructions and links to exciting things to see and do in the area. We will post the conference brochure and Registration Forms by the end of January, so be watching for that.

This international, weeklong event will showcase the state-of-the-art in techniques, programs, resources, materials, equipment, accessories and services to accomplish flood mitigation and other community goals. You'll hear fascinating coastal success stories that demonstrate how flood losses have been reduced and how land and water management practices have improved since killer Hurricane Camille 35 years ago. Government, business, non- profit and academic sectors will share how they successfully integrate engineering, planning, open space and environmental protection all over the nation and the world to prepare for a better, sustainable future. Service providers use this ideal opportunity to network with those responsible for flood hazard management decision- making. Our host city Biloxi is among the first in the nation to receive approval of their Hazard Mitigation Plan per DMA-2000 requirements, so we'll surely find a lot to learn in the area.

3 TO DO LIST for the ASFPM Conference MAY 16-21, 2004

* Call the hotel at 888-383-7037 to make your room reservation. The $105 rate expires April 23, but our block could fill up before then so it's advisable to plan ahead! Note that the Beau Rivage requires payment of the first night's room-and-tax deposit at the time the reservation is made, and a 72-hour cancellation notice is in effect.

* Pledge your sponsorship and/or reserve your exhibit spot now to ensure you don't miss out! * Mark April 15 on your calendar -- it's the deadline for the early registration discount.

* Start thinking about what you can donate to the SILENT AUCTION fundraiser for the ASFPM Foundation. Our goal is to get something unique and fun from every state. Some of last year's donations included a Salmon Fishing Trip, Hawaiian Kona Coffee, Idaho Gemstones, framed nature print, case of wine, autographed Packer football, custom-built golf club, weather radio, restaurant gift certificates, genuine maple syrup, and many various hospitality baskets.

* Direct any questions and concerns to the ASFPM staff at 608-274-0123 or [email protected].

Make your plans to come to the Gulf Coast next May with us and experience Mississippi's incomparable histo- ry, hospitality, cuisine and Southern charm!

The 2004 Conference Team -- Steve, Harold, Rod, Dan, Diane, Anita, Chad

News In Brief

ASFPM Member and Partner Renewals

Last notice! If you have not yet sent in your 2004 Membership or Partnership Renewal, this will be the last ASFPM newsletter you will receive. Send your renewal in now to continue receiving this benefit.

ASFPM Email Address Change

Due to an overwhelming number of SPAM emails daily, we have temporarily changed our primary email address. For all general issues, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you.

Green Design Expert Bill Reed Speaks to Leaf Litter Excerpted from Leaf Litter, Vol. I No. II, a publication of Biohabitats, Inc.

Bill Reed has been a practicing architect for 20 years and is one of the nation's leading experts on green design. He approaches regenerative design as the framework for which all technical and functional decisions are de- rived; the ultimate goal being the improvement in the overall quality of the physical, social and spiritual life of our living places. Bill currently works at Natural Logic where he is vice president of integrative design.

4 Leaf Litter recently sat down with Bill for an exclusive discussion about sustainability and regenerative design; he provided definitions of environmentally responsible design terms for your reference.

Due to the length of this interview, we have posted the full text at http://www.floods.org/PDF/Leaf_Litter_BReed_Excerpt.pdf

EPA and Army Corps Issue Wetlands Decision

President Bush, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) recently reiterated the Administration's commitment to the goal of "no net loss" of wetlands in the United States. EPA and the Corps announced that they would not issue a new rule on federal regulatory jurisdiction over isolated wetlands.

"Across the Federal Government, the Bush Administration has reaffirmed and bolstered protections for wetlands, which are vital for water quality, the health of our streams and wildlife habitat," said EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt. Assistant Secretary of the Army John Paul Woodley Jr. added, "We will continue our efforts to ensure that the Corps' regulatory program is as effective, efficient and responsive as it can be."

The Supreme Court's 2001 decision in the case of Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (commonly referred to as to "SWANCC") overturned the Corps' assertion of federal jurisdiction over certain isolated wetlands based on the presence of migratory birds. EPA and the Corps responded by issuing revised guidance to their field offices. At the same time, the Agencies reaffirmed federal jurisdiction over the majority of wetlands not impacted by the decision.

After soliciting public comment to determine if further regulatory clarification was needed, the EPA and the Corps have decided to preserve the federal government's authority to protect the Nation's wetlands. The agencies will continue to monitor implementation of this important program to ensure its effectiveness.

The Administration is currently implementing 30 programs to protect and restore millions of acres of our Na- tion's wetlands. These include the Food Security Act's "Swampbuster" requirements and the Wetlands Reserve Program, both under the authority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. EPA programs include its "Five-Star Restoration" grant program, the EPA wetlands grants programs and the National Estuary Program. Other federal programs include: the Fish and Wildlife Service's "Partners in Wildlife" program, the National Marine Fisheries Service's Coastal Wetlands Restoration Program and the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, composed of the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, the Administrator of EPA, and Members of Congress.

Effects of Urban Development on Floods Fact Sheet

Urbanization generally increases the size and frequency of floods and may expose communities to increasing flood hazards. Current streamflow information provides a scientific foundation for flood planning and management in urban areas. Because flood hazard maps based on streamflow data from a few decades ago may no longer be accurate today, floodplain managers need new peak streamflow data to update flood frequency analy-

5 ses and flood maps in areas with recent urbanization. Streamflow-gaging stations provide a continuous record of streamflow that can be used in the design of new urban infrastructure including roads, bridges, culverts, chan- nels, and detention structures. Stormwater managers can use streamflow information in combination with rainfall records to evaluate innovative solutions for reducing runoff from urban areas. Real-time streamflow-gaging stations, which make streamflow and rainfall data available via the internet and other communications networks as they are recorded, offer multiple benefits in urban watersheds. In particular, they provide flood managers with information that can guide flood control operations and emergency actions such as evacuations and road closures.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) completed a fact sheet that reviews the basic understanding of the role that watershed urbanization has on flooding. It was prepared by Chris Konrad in the USGS Tacoma, Wash- ington office who has done scientific work on this topic in the past. This Fact Sheet will be very useful in edu- cating the public and local land-use planners about these issues and it fits well with the No Adverse Impact approach.

The fact sheet can be found at: http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/fs/fs07603/.

Community Planning Fellowship Program

In an effort to raise awareness and ensure that hazard mitigtion is effectively incorporated into future urban and rural planning, the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Community Planning Fellowship Program, initiat- ed in mid-1999, is expanding its role as a premier opportunity for graduate planning students to familiarize themselves with hazard mitigation as an espect of planning. To date, seven fellowships have been awarded with three scheduled for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is joining FEMA this academic year by providing funding for an additional fellow (for a total of three) to study how communities, regional organizations and states can effectively address watershed planning and floodplain management issues. The deadline for submitting the application is January 26, 2004. A copy of the announcement and application can be downloaded from www.nibs.org/MMC/mmcactiv4.html.

Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Floodplain Easements with NRCS--EWP

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) proposes several changes to the implementation of the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to improve the effectiveness of its response to natural disasters. These changes to the existing program regulations include the following:

 Modifying the cost-share rate for program assistance;  Clarifying that EWP assistance is not available for Federal lands except in situations where safeguards are followed to avoid inappropriate augmentation of appropriations;  Allowing a greater Federal share in areas that qualify as limited resource areas; and  Describing the parameters under which the agency will purchase floodplain easements as a means to limit flood damages and reduce future Federal obligations.

Comments on this proposed rulemaking must be received by Januray 20, 2004, to be considered in the develop-

6 ment of the final rule.

To view the full text of this portion of the Federal Register, please visit: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/pdf/03-28793.pdf

Reviewers Wanted for FEMA Higher Education Project

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Higher Education Project is seeking volunteer reviewers (i.e. no honorarium can be provided) for a draft of a course titled "New Directions in Hazard Mitigation - Breaking The Disaster Cycle," an approximately 260-page instructor guide that has been developed as a classroom-based graduate seminar.

The course is an opportunity for students to analyze U.S. disaster policy and think critically about ways to break the disaster cycle in which repetitive damage occurs from repeated disasters. It stresses the concept of hazard mitigation, in which state and local governments take action before disaster events to reduce their impacts. The course is designed to enhance students' knowledge and understanding about hazard mitigation policy and prac- tice, and enable them to relate hazard mitigation to sustainable development and smart growth initiatives.

For those willing to commit to review and comment upon this draft, 30 days will be provided after receipt of a priority-mailed CD ROM to review and return comments. Reviewers should familiarize themselves with other FEMA courses at http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu/completeCourses.asp prior to agreeing to review this course. It is requested that no one seek a review copy for information purposes only as within a few months a final version of this course will be uploaded to the FEMA Emergency Management Higher Education web-site at http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu and will be available for downloading free of charge.

For more details, contact Wayne Blanchard, Higher Education Project, Emergency Management Institute, Fed- eral Emergency Management Agency Department of Homeland Security, e-mail: [email protected].

Post-Fire Advisory Flood Hazard Maps Available

FEMA has developed post-fire advisory flood hazard maps that show the current, increased flood hazard creat- ed by the wildfires. The maps are intended to provide a general understanding of the approximate, increased flood risk for the five counties studied. They do not replace the current Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for determining the flood insurance premium corresponding to a particular location. For more information, please visit http://www.capostfirefloods.net/

Diane Calhoun Appointed President of Certification Board of Regents

Effective 1/1/2004, ASFPM Chair Chad Berginnis, CFM, appointed Diane Calhoun, CFM, as the new President of the Certification Board Of Regents (CBOR). Diane brings tremendous experience and CFM program knowledge to this position:  Current Chair of the Texas Floodplain Management Association

7  ASFPM Board Director for Region 6  CBOR At Large representative  Member of ASFPM Professional Development Committee for several years  Served on the Certification Boards for New Mexico and Texas  Is a CFM in 3 states – Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. A Texas resident, Diane retired from FEMA Region VI in 1999 after 31 years in floodplain management, hazard mitigation activities and federal and state regulations. She then worked with Halff Associates, Inc. as Senior Floodplain Management Specialist from 1999 until March 2003, when she launched her own HUB certified company with expertise in floodplain management regulations and implementation.

Diane follows outgoing President French Wetmore, CFM, who served the last three years. We extend our deep gratitude to French for all his time, hard work and dedication in this most valuable volunteer service. We look forward to working with Diane to continue the improve the Program and serve the nation’s CFMs.

CFM ® Corner

Here we are starting another New Year! 2003 was a great year for the certification program. ASFPM certified 363 more CFMs this year, and with the 6 accredited states, we now have over 1600 CFMs nationwide. We have CFMs in all states except Vermont and Rhode Island. With the number of CFMs and awareness of effective floodplain management growing we know we are doing our part to help reduce flood loss and damage. Keep up the good work and stayed informed!

Survey- Thank you again to the 293 CFMs who completed the survey we sent in October. Here are some of the results.

The following is the breakdown of the number of responses from the seven certification programs:

ASFPM 152 TX 90 IL 22 AR 15 OK 8 NM 2 NC 1

We asked CFMs to rank specific topics they would like to see for training. Out of 53 choices the following is the top 10.

1. Roles and responsibilities of the local FPM Administrator 2. Map Revisions 3. Permitting/permit review 4. Enforcement 5. Retention/detention of stormwater standards 6. Damage assessment/ordinance enforcement post disaster 7. New building construction (on fill, crawlspaces, piers/pilings) 8. Substantial improvements 9. Getting the public on your side 10. Flood recovery and disaster assistance

We asked the question: Is it difficult to get CECs? Most responses were, "No, not too difficult." This is getting better as CFMs are aware of the on-line training through RedVector.com, even though not many are using it yet!

8 One problem mentioned frequently in the survey is CFMs not knowing how to obtain verification of training for CECs or how and when to submit them. The process is explained below:

Workshops and conferences can get pre-approved for CECs, which may be advertised with the announcement or you can check our website under certification/ pre-approved CECs. If a course has not been pre-approved does not mean you can’t receive credit for it.

A CFM can submit for approval any training that relates directly or indirectly to floodplain management (See topics listed in CEC policy):

 Complete a CEC Verification Form; attach the course agenda along with verification of attendance. The attendance verification does NOT have to be a certificate. You can send a registration confirmation; copy of attendance list with your name highlighted or take a CEC form with you to be signed by the instructor.

 Submit all to ASFPM by mail or fax.

 CECs can be submitted at anytime or you can keep your own file to copy and submit at renewal time. A lot of CFMs trying to get CECs together at the last minute and have trouble remenbering all courses they attended, especially if they did not keep copies of everything. It may be easier for you if you submit the paper- work to ASFPM after each course, and we’ll do the tracking for you.

 ASFPM will not notify you of receipt of CEC forms for a pre-approved course. If the CEC submittal needs to be reviewed and have CECs assigned, ASFPM will notify you of the number of CECs awarded.

If you ever want to check on your CECs just call or email us. We are working hard at getting a system in place so CFMs can check their own record online. This was asked for by many in our survey results. We will keep you posted!

The CEC Policy and Verification Form are sent to CFMs but if misplaced, can always be found on the ASFPM Website at www.floods.org under certification. If you don’t have access to the web you can always call and have one sent to you.

Hope this helps! Anytime you have questions or need help you can email Anita at [email protected] or call her at 608-274-0123.

More survey results and success stories in the next CFM Corner. Happy New Year!

Washington Legislative Report Meredith R. Inderfurth, Washington Liaison Rebecca Quinn, Legislative Officer

When the first session of the 108th Congress adjourned in early December, it left many matters of interest to floodplain managers unresolved. Action on the budget for FEMA, however, was completed as part of the new Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Many other departments and agencies' budgets are not yet final, as the Senate has not acted on the Omnibus Appropriations bill. Separate bills dealing with repetitive flood losses, reauthorization of the Disaster Mitigation Act 2000, and with restoration of HMGP to 15% have

9 passed the House, but have not yet been taken up in the Senate.

Appropriations

The Homeland Security Appropriations bill (HR 2555) was signed into law last October and includes funding for FEMA. Particularly notable in the FEMA FY '04 budget is the funding for the map modernization initiative at $200 million and a limit (for the second year) of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) at 7.5% rather than the previously authorized 15%.

Much of the government continues to function at FY '03 levels under a Continuing Resolution (H.J. Res 82). An omnibus appropriations bill containing funding for the 7 regular appropriations bills not yet signed into law did pass the House on December 8th, but has yet to be considered in the Senate. Plans call for the bill to be the first legislation considered when the Congress reconvenes for the 2nd Session of the 108th Congress on January 20th. Other funding bills that have been signed into law are:

Energy and Water (including Army Corps of Engineers) HR 2754; S 1424 and Conference Report H. Rept. 108-357.

Interior (including USGS, National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service) HR 2691; S 1391 and Confer- ence Report H. Rept. 108-330. Repetitive Losses

H.R. 253, the repetitive flood loss bill sponsored by Reps. Bereuter and Blumenauer, did pass the House after last minute compromises secured the support of Rep. Baker (R-La.) and others. Rather than quickly consider and pass the House bill and its 5 year NFIP reauthorization, the Senate Banking Committee has signaled its in- tent to examine the bill and the issue more closely very early in the next session, probably holding a hearing in February or March. Meanwhile, a 3-month reauthorization was passed, effective until March 31st.

ASFPM representatives have met with Senate staff and have been asked to provide comments and recommendations. A first draft has been developed and circulated for comment and input to the Board and Committee Chairs. When those comments have been integrated into the recommendations, ASFPM will respond to the re- quests from the Senate and House staff.

HMGP and DMA 2000

H.R. 3181, the bill reauthorizing the Disaster Mitigation Act 2000 for another 3 years and also restoring HMGP to 15% of Presidentially declared disaster costs did pass the House. A short-term reauthorization of one year is in the omnibus appropriations bill. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has not yet taken up the bill. Because there seems to be some reluctance on the part of the Chairman and at least one other Senator to take up the bill, it will be important to inform the committee of the last year’s missed opportunities to reduce future disaster losses due to the 7.5% cap on HMGP.

Heading into the New Year

ASFPM will be monitoring developments with both the repetitive loss and disaster mitigation bills and providing information to assist in consideration of the issues. Additionally, the President's budget request for FY 2005 will be released in early February and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will begin their consideration of all related issues.

10 All legislation and committee or conference reports referenced can be found at: http://thomas.loc.gov.

Calendar

See www.floods.org/calendar.htm for latest updates or to post your meeting or event

January 21-23, 2004: HAZUS-MH/DMA 2000 Risk Assessment Course, E296

The Mitigation Division and the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) announce the HAZUS-MH/DMA 2000 Risk Assessment Course to be held at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC), EMI, in Emmits- burg, MD. This 3-day course is designed to enhance the knowledge and capabilities of organizations and indi- viduals to prepare rist assessment studies using HAZUS-MH. The risk assessment process is based on DMA 2000 guidance and regulations.

For further information on courses and enrollment, please contact the course manager, Lillian Virgil, at (301) 447-1490 or email [email protected].

February 3-5, 2004: Basic Negotiation Course in Fort Collins

A basic course in natural resource negotiation is being offered by USGS social science researchers (Lee Lamb, Nina Burkardt, Shana Gillette, Natalie Sexton and Phadrea Ponds) at the Fort Collins Science Center on Febru- ary 3-5, 2004 in Fort Collins, CO. The course will begin at 8AM on Tuesday the 3rd of February and end at noon on the 5th of February. A second offering of this course will be March 2-4, 2004, also in Fort Collins.

The 2 1/2-day basic negotiation course will provide participants with in-depth natural resource negotiation strategies, skills, and techniques. The course design is a mix of lecture, hands-on training, and discussion. Dur- ing the course, participants will apply what they learn to real-life negotiation scenarios. Course materials will include videos, a training handbook, and online readings. The cost is $475 for all participants.

Who should take this course--People involved in negotiations who would like to improve their communication skills and develop the qualities of a good negotiator.

For more information on the basic course, visit our webpage: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/products/training/P101.asp.

March 3 - 4, 2004: Annual Conference of the Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Manage- ment

The 2004 IAFSM Annual Conference will offer the year’s best program on floodplain and stormwater management in Illinois. The conference will provide an excellent training forum for Professional Engineers to earn required professional development hours (2 PDH for original presentations and one for each hour of contact). The conference is tremendous opportunity to meet and talk with other floodplain and stormwater professionals. Over 300 floodplain managers, engineers, and community officials are expected. Informative product, service,

11 agency, and organization exhibits will be on display Wednesday, March 3. Click here to view the conference website. Questions? Conference Chair: Sally McConkey, Illinois State Water Survey, (phone 217/333-5482, email sally @uiuc.edu)

March 7-10, 2004: South Carolina Association for Hazard Mitigation Seventh Annual Conference

The 2004 SCAHM Conference is fast approaching. This years conference will be held at the Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC March 7-10.

The conference brochure notes some of the programs, which will cover a variety of topics

Conference attendees include floodplain managers, building officials, and vendors as well as engineers from municipal, county and State agencies across the State of South Carolina.

Many of you participated in last year's SCAHM Conference and we hope to build on the momentum from that conference. To ensure the continued success of this annual Conference, Exhibitors and Sponsors will continue to play a vital role. We would like to invite you to participate in some way in helping make this year's Confer- ence a success. The attached document explains most of the key data concerning exhibit and sponsorship opportunities. Please take a moment to look this over and let me know if you are interested.

This year should be an exciting well-attended conference and I look forward to working with you to make it a successful venture for all involved.

April 20, 2004: Inter-Agency Roles in Floodplain Management, A Panel Discussion presented in concert with ACSM's Annual Conference

Floodplain management affects everyone in a community: those who wish to protect their properties from flood risks, those who wish to develop land, those who must prepare for emergency response should a flooding event occur. The approaches to floodplain management vary with the objectives of the various governmental agencies and the time when each agency becomes involved in the process, before, during, or after a flooding event.

The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) is pleased to present a program during which representatives from five agencies involved in the floodplain management process will address their organizations' missions, objectives, and regulations, illustrating interaction through examples of projects involving multiple agencies. Topics to be included are structural and non-structural approaches, mitigation, regulation, compliance, and available technical assistance.

Confirmed participants in this three-hour program include: Federal Emergency Management Agency (Mitigation Division) Tennessee Valley Authority (Surveying Services) US Army Corps of Engineers Tennessee Department of Transportation Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

This Panel Session is available as a separate registration ($25) for anyone that is not registered for the annual meeting. If you are registered for the annual meeting, the discussion will be included in with registration. For more information or to register for the session, please email [email protected]

12 ASFPM will award 3 CEC's for attendence to this panel discussion.

For a listing of ASFPM Chapter Meetings and scheduled dates for the CFM Exam, see the ASFPM website above.

Job Corner

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Position: Flood Mitigation Program Manager

This position manages, plans and supervises Mecklenburg County’s Flood Mitigation Program. The incumbent will be responsible for the development and management of the flood mitigation portion of Storm Water’s Capi- tal Improvement program, which includes managing staff responsible for the development and implementation of flood mitigation plans designating areas for cost beneficial solutions to reduce future flood losses. The position is also responsible for protection of life and property through the effective administration of Floodplain Regulations for Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the six Towns. A four-year degree in Civil Engineering with at least 4 years of experience in floodplain management, storm water management or civil engineering, including at least two years of managerial experience is required. Professional registration as an Engineer in North Carolina is required. Incumbent must be a current Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) in North Caroli- na, or the ability to become certified in one year. The incumbent must have knowledge of land use planning, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, land development, storm water management, and project management.

For more information, please contact Dave Canaan at (704) 336-3736. Resumes may be submitted electronical- ly by at www.charmeck.org. Application closing date is January 26, 2004. City of Birmingham, AL

Position: Project Planner---Floodplain/Watershed Management Salary Range: $38,833 - $60,153 Department: Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, City of Birmingham, AL Report To: Floodplain Administrator

Position Purpose: To assist in the administration of the City of Birmingham’s Floodplain/Stormwater Manage- ment program by coordinating and developing flood mitigation and watershed management plans and projects, by developing and updating floodplain/stormwater management ordinances, and by preparing and implementing a public outreach/education strategy focused on providing floodplain and stormwater management protection information/services.

Req’d Knowledge: Knowledge of principles and practices of urban and greenways planning, and floodplain and watershed management; knowledge of FEMA map amendment and revision process; knowledge of land development and land use stormwater and flood reduction measures/practices.

Required Skills: Skilled at preparing FEMA grant applications; skilled at preparing/updating sensitive area ordinances, plans, studies; skilled at reviewing building related and site development plans.

Min. Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Public Administration or related field and 2 years of urban planning related to transportation, environmental or commercial revitalization projects and analysis.

13 If you are interested in the above position, please send a resume to:

Edwin Revell, CFM Floodplain Administrator City of Birmingham Dept of Planning, Engineering & Permits Room 500 City Hall Birmingham, AL 35203 205-254-2470 205-254-2738 (fax) [email protected]

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