The B.F.E.* *Base Elevation

OKLAHOMA FLOODPLAIN MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

DECEMBER 2016 VISIT WWW.OWRB.OK.GOV THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1986 FLOOD, BY BILL ROBISON, CFM FOR UPCOMING TRAINING October 5, 2016 marked the also filled to capacity, and 30th anniversary of the 1986 most of these bodies of flood. In early October water eventually end up in 1986, parts of Northern the as well. THE 30TH and Southern ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1 The US Army Corps of 1986 FLOOD received enormous Engineers — who manages amounts of rain as the WORDS FROM THE Lake Keystone — had the 2 remnants of Hurricane Paine CHAIR tough job of balancing when moved through the area. INFORMATION ON HMA and how much water to 2 Areas of the region received PROGRAMS release from the lake; the annual rainfall in a FEMA ISSUES LATEST attempting to minimize period of only 5 days. Over Bill Robison, PE, CFM UPDATE TO FLOOD flooding downstream. They 3 twenty inches of rain fell in City of Tulsa RISK ANALYSIS AND gradually increased the MAPPING STANDARDS the Arkansas River drainage release rate from the Dam, area upstream from the lowering the level in the CAPITOL RUMBLINGS 4 but, on October 5th, were Keystone Dam; at the height river — but the damage had forced to release at the rate UPCOMING OFMA of the flow, approximately already been done. ADVANCED "RISK of just over 300,000 cubic 4 one million cubic feet per REDUCTION" TRAINING feet per second. After Thousands were evacuated COURSES second was pouring into the several hours at this pace, while hundreds more stuffed lake. Many of the other NOTES FROM THE NFIP they were able to slow down sand bags trying to impede 5 rivers, streams, and lakes in STATE COORDINATOR the release — gradually the flooding. BNSF Railroad Kansas and Oklahoma were DRT CORNER 5 even parked a train of loaded railcars on the bridge TADD SIGNS...LOCATED, over the river to prevent it 6 MAPPED, AND ON from being washed away. ALERT! The levee breached in one UPDATE ON FEDERAL location in Sand Springs, but FLOOD RISK 7 MANAGEMENT thanks to the efforts of STANDARD (FFRMS) many volunteers, was mostly

OFMA 2016 FALL contained. Still, more than CONFERENCE 8 1800 homes and business AWARDS CEREMONY were affected by the flooding. Tulsa County WHY CURRENT damages alone were DISASTER PLANNING estimated at $63.5 million; DOESN’T CUT IT, AND 14 WHAT WE CAN DO throughout Northeast INSTEAD (Continued on page 3) Page 2 The B.F.E.

WORDS FROM THE CHAIR, BY BILL SMITH, PE, CFM

Kasie Stambaugh, our Vice Chair; I privatization of the floodplain intend to support her throughout industry, budget issues, etc. etc. her planning of both the Spring etc.; the list goes on and on. We Technical Workshop and the 2017 have to come together to work for Annual Conference. I would also a common good or we will cease to like to welcome back all of our survive. returning officers, regional There may be times when we don't representatives, committee chairs, all agree on the steps forward, but and subcommittee chairs. as we are transitioning our My focus for this year is to provide leadership within our organization support to our local floodplain just as we are within the country, administrators throughout the state we also need to come together — both current OFMA members, within the association to work for a Bill Smith, OFMA Chair and and those who we would like to common good. Our common good DRT Coordinator bring into the association. I plan to for OFMA involves the communities help our Membership Committee we serve — in whatever role that To all of my friends, colleagues, bring new floodplain administrators may be — to protect the lives of communities, and agencies in the into OFMA, and I want to encourage the citizens, to help minimize the State of Oklahoma, I welcome and our existing floodplain damage to property, and to take pride in the opportunity to administrators, who are already preserve the natural and beneficial again be the Chair of the Oklahoma OFMA members, to reach out if you uses of the floodplain. So, whether Floodplain Managers Association for are in need of assistance. we agree or disagree on certain 2016-2017. issues, I believe we can all agree to Stepping back for a moment to a Our Annual Conference is complete work together in harmony on these "birdseye" view — we are in a very and has been deemed a success. "common good" issues. troublesome time in our world. Our Strategic Planning meetings Wars are raging, individuals and Take a moment and look around at have also come to a close, and we families are being displaced, we all the blessings that we have, and have a clear vision for the year have a grueling election in process give thanks. Be an optimist and ahead (the Strategic Plan will be for choosing our next President of look at the good side of issues — available on the OFMA website the , racial issues don't focus on the bad. before the end of December). abound in our communities and on I wish you all a very Happy Holiday Our Board of Directors is in place our streets, and there are killings season ahead — Happy Thanksgiving and I would like to welcome two of individuals almost every day and Merry Christmas. new members to the Board: Beth here in Tulsa. All of this, in Wilhelm as our Secretary, and addition to the many challenges we — Bill Phillip Beauchamp as the Region 4 are facing in our own industry — re- Representative. Congratulations to certification of the NFIP, possible

INFORMATION ON THE HAZARD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant (HMGP) https://www.fema.gov/ Program (FMA) https:// Program (PDM) https:// hazard-mitigation-grant-program www.fema.gov/flood-mitigation- www.fema.gov/pre-disaster- assistance-grant-program mitigation-grant-program The B.F.E. Page 3

FEMA ISSUES LATEST UPDATE TO FLOOD RISK ANALYSIS AND MAPPING STANDARDS

FEMA’s Federal Insurance and engineering models, and update distribution requirements Mitigation Administration (FIMA) procedures for reviewing new for Flood Insurance Study (FIS) updated the Guidance and statistical models for use. FIMA also Reports, and formalize several Standards that it uses in its flood enhanced the standards and standards for removal of the mapping and risk analysis efforts. guidance development process and special flood hazard area There are six revised standards, updated the policy to address the designation by letter consistent three new standards, and one TMAC recommendation to consider with current practice. rescinded standard in this the cost of implementation for new FIMA conducted a public review of maintenance cycle in addition to a requirements and address the costs the draft standards earlier this number of updated guidance and consistently. year. FIMA regularly updates these technical reference documents. The updated standards address guidance and technical reference Several of these updates to Risk requirements for emergency documents to ensure ongoing MAP guidance and technical operation plans for levee improvements in its flood mapping references begin implementing accreditation, clarify requirements and risk analysis efforts. The actual recommendations from the for incorporating Letters Of Map standards and related guidance are Technical Mapping Advisory Revisions into map updates, update available at www.fema.gov/ Council’s (TMAC) 2015 requirements for processing guidelines-and-standards-flood-risk- recommendations. TMAC related Physical Map Revisions (PMRs) analysis-and-mapping. updates include requirements for update Notice to Users (NTU) reporting the accuracy of elevation requirements, update requirements data used, guidance on selecting for flood risk product automation,

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1986 FLOOD, CONTINUED

(Continued from page 1) small flood events that have Mayor, , occurred, the risk is still present. Corps of Engineers, and others on Oklahoma and Southeast Kansas, Inevitably, Tulsa will see flooding hand. damages totaled $283 million, again. It is a matter of when — not Additionally, a brochure has been according to Corps reports. if — we get huge rainfall events developed through the Corps of such as those this year in Louisiana Since then, the City of Tulsa in Engineers’ Silver Jackets program. and West Virginia, that Tulsa will conjunction with FEMA and the This document presents facts about flood again. Corps of Engineers, has spent over the flood, explains the risks, and $500 million on flood control To raise awareness of this risk, describes preventative ways people projects and acquisitions. While Tulsa held a commemoration event can protect themselves. This most believe the flooding problem for the 30th anniversary of the brochure will be mailed to has been solved, there are still 1986 flood. A high watermark sign, residents in the areas protected by several thousand homes and donated by the National Weather the levees and inundated during businesses located in the FEMA and Service, was placed along Riverside the 1986 flood. City Regulatory floodplains. And Drive, showing passersby what the although in recent years Tulsa has water level was in that area. The fared better than some of the sign was unveiled at a press event surrounding communities in the on-site on October 3rd with the Page 4 The B.F.E.

CAPITOL RUMBLINGS, BY TOM LEATHERBEE, CFM, INSURANCE AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS CHAIR, LEGISLATIVE CHAIR

the Sandy claims payment  Reduced flood risk reduction controversies, the affordability activities and resources, concerns associated with HFIAA including undermining of (the Homeowner Flood Insurance regulatory, mapping, and Affordability Act of 2014), and the incentive programs; overall financial condition of the  Increased marketplace confusion NFIP. due to lack of uniformity in policy coverage, terms, language, In the meantime, Congress has and claims handling; begun entertaining a proposal to  Decreased lender and servicer introduce more private compliance with mandatory participation in the flood insurance purchase requirements, leading market. HR 2901 and S 1679 are to potential for financial similar bills that proponents hold institution destabilization due to Tom Leatherbee, CFM, will increase flood insurance catastrophic risk exposure; Insurance and Regulatory Affairs coverage while reducing premium  Damaged financial stability for Chair, Legislative Director costs. While the details are not the National Flood Insurance exactly the same, the general idea Program because of adverse risk In the midst of a crazy election is that private insurers will create selection. season, much of our focus has been products that would provide HR 2901 has already been approved on potential changes to flood coverage similar to the NFIP flood by the House of Representatives insurance policy at the federal policy — and if these policy forms and is awaiting action by the level. are approved by the state Senate. How these bills progress The next complete reauthorization insurance commissioners, the remains to be seen and may largely of the National Flood Insurance private coverage would be depend on Congress’ reaction to Program is due in 2017, and there recognized by lenders as having the results of the November has even been some discussion that satisfied the mandatory purchase elections. Congress could take up the issue of flood insurance requirement. For further information on during a “lame duck” session this Opponents of privatization privatization or any legislative year. A number of constituencies initiatives believe this situation issue, please feel free to contact have begun pushing a variety of would create a number of adverse Tom Leatherbee, OFMA Legislative reform measures, with most impacts, including: Director, at centered around the response to [email protected].

UPCOMING OFMA ADVANCED "RISK REDUCTION" TRAINING COURSES

2/14/2017: EDMOND, OKLAHOMA 3/9/2017: CLINTON, FRISCO CENTER 3/16/2017: BROKEN ARROW, EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION CENTRAL PARK COMMUNITY CENTER  No Adverse Impact  Map Revision Process LOMA LOMC  Floodplain Code Variances  Green Building in the Floodplain  Floodplain Administration for  No Adverse Impact  Risk Map Cooperating Technical Rural Communities  Section 404 Permitting in the Partnerships  Section 404 Permitting in the Floodplain  Establishing BFEs in Unnumbered Floodplain  Joining the Community Rating A Zones  Ordinance Basics/NFIP Standards System  Section 404 Permitting in the  Hydrology and Hydraulics 101  Base Flood Elevations in Floodplain Unnumbered A Zones

The B.F.E. Page 5

NOTES FROM THE NFIP STATE COORDINATOR, BY YOHANES SUGENG, PE, CFM, OKLAHOMA WATER RESOURCES BOARD (OWRB)

hazards and protect lives and several communities throughout properties. I believe this mission is the state for the Cooperating not just OWRB’s, but it is the Technical Partners (CTP) program. mission for all people who are We are constantly seeking qualified involved in floodplain management. partners to collaborate in We can’t be successful without maintaining flood hazard maps; collaboration and partnerships with please feel free to contact our our local floodplain administrators, office about how to get involved in engineers, OFMA, and many others. the CTP program. With that in mind, I would like to If you are a floodplain take this opportunity to encourage administrator or want to learn Yohanes Sugeng, PE, CFM all of you to be more involved in more about floodplain NFIP State Coordinator the floodplain management management, now is an exciting Greetings. As the new state of program and OFMA. time. OFMA and OWRB are continuing our success by offering Oklahoma NFIP coordinator, I am Next year, our major NFIP focus new topics for our workshops. excited to be a part of the will be on completing and closing Please visit our website at http:// floodplain management team at Community Assistance Visits (CAV). www.owrb.ok.gov/hazard/fp/ the OWRB and OFMA. OWRB’s fp_workshops.php to view and This means that we will be calling mission is to protect and enhance register for these workshops. for assistance from communities the quality of life for Oklahomans, We hope that everyone has a with unresolved CAVs in order to and it is the mission for the happy holiday and we look work together towards solving forward to another successful floodplain management program to issues. We are also working with year of partnership with OFMA! mitigate catastrophic flooding

DRT CORNER, BY W. B. “BILL” SMITH, PE, CFM, DRT COORDINATOR The fall rains are beginning to weaker La Nina to take over, and with documentation of the event, subside and, fortunately, there we are projected to have a slightly both on the ground and in the air. have been very few flooding events cooler with about normal rain We continue to encourage in Oklahoma, although our fellow pattern throughout the fall. I again communities to pre-sign for floodplain communities in Louisiana remind you that these next few response support; if your are just now beginning to come out months are the time to perform community has not done so, this is of their disastrous flooding of the maintenance on your stormwater a great time to sign-up. summer. Hundreds of thousands of systems before the Spring 2017 structures have been damaged and rains commence. Now that the Spring Technical Louisiana now has their Disaster Workshop and Annual Conference We have several new members of Response Teams on the ground are behind me, I will again focus on OMFA that are members of our evaluating these structures. As I opportunities at each of these "DST" — Drone Support Team. We wrote last month, FEMA Region VI events in 2017 to provide DRT will begin regular meetings and is currently, as a result, actively training — more to follow. training with them over the next promoting other Floodplain few months. They are distributed Our OFMA DRT/DST Teams are Associations in the region to throughout the state, so if you have ready and equipped to support your develop similar Disaster Response an event about to impact your community when threatened by Teams. community, please be sure to let us flooding or other natural disaster in The weather forecast is now for know immediately so we may assist a Special Flood Hazard Area. Page 6 The B.F.E.

TADD SIGNS… LOCATED, MAPPED, AND ON ALERT! BY BETH WILHELM, EI, CFM, OWRB, SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIR

attendees to view. At that time, communities who are participating community leaders could also apply in the TADD Sign Program, placing for the signs and arrange to take signs in hazardous areas where high them back to their community at water may occur. The following the end of the conference. The communities have received the booth allowed many to learn how 2016 signs: Town of Kiefer, the TADD signs assist the Washington County, City of community with reducing the RISK Muskogee, City of Elk City, to citizens driving into high water Pittsburg County, City of at a low water crossing during a Stillwater, Lincoln County, storm event. Canadian County, City of Stroud, City of Sapulpa, McClain County, By the end of the OFMA Delaware County, Wagoner County, conference, all 110 TADD signs had City of Glenpool, and City of found a community location to call Madill. Beth Wilhelm, EI, CFM, OWRB, home. We want to thank all the TADD Sign Sub-Committee Chair We have all heard the phrase: “Turn Around Don’t Drown!” Since 2010, OFMA and OWRB have purchased and provided — at no cost to the community — large, bright yellow metal signs with this message to be placed at locations across Oklahoma where the danger of high water on roadways is eminent. In July, 110 of the Oklahoma 2016 Turn Around Don’t Drown (TADD) signs were received. Immediately, all OFMA Regional Representatives, TADD Sign Committee, and committed OFMA Board members worked together to locate the most severe Low Water Crossings. Once placed, applications, installation instructions, and a generalized press release to announce each location were sent to over 400 community leaders and FPAs participating in the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program). At the 2016 Annual OFMA Fall Conference (September 19th-21st), the TADD signs were showcased at a booth for all conference (Continued on page 7) The B.F.E. Page 7

TADD SIGNS… LOCATED, MAPPED AND ON ALERT! CONTINUED

(Continued from page 6) devices and weather stations. Storm Water Conference hosted in Oklahoma City and the Annual Sadly, every year in Oklahoma, We are currently in the process of Governor’s Water Conference many lives are lost due to driving mapping the submitted coordinates hosted in Norman. Information and into deep water over roadways. from the 2016 sign locations, as applications for submittal will be OFMA believes seeing the warning well as completing the available at these conferences or TADD signs and receiving the alerts documentation recorded from the by requesting an application on electronic devices will assist in 2010 TADD sign locations. through the email below. saving the lives of our citizens and Futhermore, OFMA is extremely emergency responders. We appreciate your participation in excited about its first-time this important campaign to save All communities with existing, partnership with NOAA to provide lives. If you would like to pre- currently installed 2011-2015 TADD Emergency Alerts based on the register for the 2017 TADD signs, signs interested in being included mapping coordinates collected please contact Beth Wilhelm at in the mapping for the Alert System from over 400 locations of TADD [email protected] or call may send the latitude and signs. In an effort to protect 405-530-8839 to receive the longitude coordinates to Beth against the danger of driving into application documents. Wilhelm at OWRB. high waters at TADD sign locations, the coordinates from the two years The OFMA TADD Sign Committee REMEMBER… of data collected will be utilized by will be taking community location “TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN” NOAA within their Emergency Alert coordinates, street names, and SAVES LIVES! System to provide warnings for the contact information for the 2017 AND YOU CAN PLAY A BIG PART IN citizens of Oklahoma during Severe TADD sign order. Individuals may THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE. Weather Events. These alerts will also register for the TADD signs at be broadcasted through electronic the OWRB Booth at the Annual

UPDATE ON FEDERAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STANDARD (FFRMS)

FEMA’s goal is to fully implement – If climate informed science comment on the recommended EO 11988, as amended by EO 13690 approach indicates a flood framework for implementing the by November 2017. Leadership elevation higher than the FFRMS. intends to establish Agency-wide minimum Freeboard eleva- FEMA will not implement EO 11988 procedures to implement FFRMS tion, FEMA will accept the as amended by EO 13690 and the which will include the flowing higher elevation as the FFRMS until a final rule revising approaches: FFRMS elevation. FEMA’s Floodplain Management and  Non-Critical Action FEMA intends to revise the agency’s Protection of Wetlands regulations implementing regulations for and a final policy are published. FEMA will use the Freeboard Floodplain Management and Once FEMA implements the revised approach (Base Flood Protection of Wetlands, 44 C.F.R. regulations and policy, they will Elevation (BFE) + 2 feet) of Part 9, and to develop a new apply to new actions that are in or the FFRMS accompanying policy which will impact the floodplain.  Critical Actions establish how FEMA will implement To keep up with changes visit: the EO 13690 amendments and the – At a minimum FEMA will https://www.fema.gov/federal- FFRMS. FEMA will publish both the select the Freeboard flood-risk-management-standard- proposed rule and draft policy in approach (BFE + 3 feet) of ffrms the Federal Register to provide an the FFRMS. opportunity for public notice and Page 8 The B.F.E.

OFMA 2016 FALL CONFERENCE AWARDS CEREMONY, BY JANET MESHEK, PE, CFM

The 2016 Annual Fall Conference, hosted at the Marriott Southern Hills in Tulsa, proved to be another great success. Thanks to all speakers, attendees, vendors, and

1st Place Winner — Grace Edwards, volunteers who made this event Maysville Elementary, Maysville, OK possible. Many congratulations to the winners of the following awards:

FEMA RECOGNITION OF MITIGATION EFFORTS: Ed Fite, CFM The City of Miami, OK has been Senior who is planning to pursue a recognized by FEMA for its career in a floodplain management acquisition of over 100 repetitive related field and is intended for loss and other flood-prone educational financial support. properties. 2nd Place Winner — Brayden George, As there were no nominations, we Maryette Elementary, Stilwell, OK Great work Miami! didn't have any scholarships to award this year. Instead, a donation has been made in the amount of one scholarship to the ASFPM Foundation, which provides scholarships to students around the country who are enrolled in a floodplain management related field at any college or university.

2015-2016 Regional Representatives W. KENNETH MORRIS HONORARY 3rd Place Winner — Madison Breeden, LIFETIME MEMBER AWARD: Robin Hill School, Norman, OK OUTGOING REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES: Given to Association member(s) that have made valuable and  Region 1 — Leslie Lewis, PE, CFM, significant contributions over a ODOT number of years to the Association  Region 2 — Gavin Brady, PE, CFM, for the improvement of floodplain Utley & Associates management in the State of  Region 3 — Jennifer Santino, Oklahoma. CFM, City of McAlester  Region 4 — Dale Lasley, CFM, This year’s award was given to Ed Caddo County Fite, CFM, Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Honorable Mention — Alyssa Brawdy,  Region 5 — Mike Beatty, PE, CFM, Commission. James Griffith Intermediate, City of Stillwater From 1983 through 2016, Mr. Fite Choctaw, OK has been the Executive Director for OFMA SCHOLARSHIP: the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN POSTER This scholarship is awarded to a (Continued on page 9) CONTEST WINNERS graduating Oklahoma High School The B.F.E. Page 9

OFMA 2016 FALL CONFERENCE — FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE NFIP, IS YOUR COMMUNITY COMPLIANT? — AWARDS CEREMONY, CONTINUED

(Continued from page 8) OFMA and the State of Oklahoma are thankful for your services. Commission. He serves on the Interagency Wild and Scenic River OUTSTANDING RECOGNITION AWARD: Coordinating Council and is a This award is presented former Vice President of the occasionally to individuals who National Association of State and have helped to improve Floodplain Local River Conservation Programs. Management at the local or state Ed Fite has been an outstanding level. This individual may or may proponent of Floodplain not be an OFMA member. management throughout the Region and State. He is a leading This award has also been presented to two recipients this year: Kevin advocate of Build Safe, Build Bill Tucker, Kingfisher Strong, for communities to become Enloe, Emergency Manager, more disaster resilient. Mr. Fite is pursue and acquire Mitigation Pittsburg County/McAlester; and a certified floodplain manager and funding for the City of Miami. The Beth Wilhelm, CFM, OWRB — High represents the commitment of City has benefitted from Glenda’s Water Mark Project. OFMA to floodplain management. services for over 11 years; she has As Emergency Manager for Pittsburg mitigated over 100 flood prone County, Kevin Enloe witnessed the SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD: structures, including NFIP devastating consequences of Given to individuals in the Repetitive loss properties in the motorists driving into floodwaters floodplain management business Tar Creek and Neosho River during the May 2015 . In an that have demonstrated excellence floodplain. Through Glenda’s effort to protect the lives and in an endeavor that is worthy of willingness to engage local, state, property not only of these recognition. and federal partners, the City of motorists but of first responders, Miami has been able to mitigate Kevin worked with local legislators This year’s recipients were Glenda severe flooding events, thus to strengthen the existing Longan, City of Miami, and Bill becoming more economically sound barricade law. As a result, in June Tucker, CFM, City of Kingfisher. and natural hazard resilient. 2016, HB 2249 was signed into law, Glenda Longan has received a Bill Tucker has also received a increasing fines for driving around a Special Recognition Award for her Special Recognition Award for his barricade, enhancing penalties if extensive and continuing efforts to efforts in mitigating 34 flood prone children are also present in the structures, including 9 NFIP Repetitive loss properties in the Kingfisher Creek floodplain Phase 1 program, and an additional 60+ properties in the Phase 2 program currently underway. Using a unified approach to engage local, state, and federal partners, the City of Kingfisher has been able to acquire over $12 million in mitigation funding, matching that with over $4 million in state and local funding that has allowed the Glenda Logan, Miami City to become more economically Kevin Enloe, Pittsburg Co (Continued on page 10) sound and natural hazard resilient. Page 10 The B.F.E.

OFMA 2016 FALL CONFERENCE — FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE NFIP, IS YOUR COMMUNITY COMPLIANT? — AWARDS CEREMONY, CONTINUED

(Continued from page 9) year after year, for the and support which clearly improvement of floodplain influenced and advanced the management in the State of Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Oklahoma. Association. This year’s recipient is Ana Stagg, This award was named after PE, CFM, from Meshek & Charles Don Ellison, a Federal Associates, PLC. Emergency Management Agency Region VI employee and native Ana became a CFM in 2003 while Oklahoman, who dedicated his life serving as the Public Works Director to flood loss reduction for for the City of Owasso. A career Oklahoma and the nation. On July change in 2007 led her to her 23, 1995, Don left us at the early Beth Wilhelm, OWRB current employer where she has age of 59. Don had the foresight to vehicle, and providing for recovery been one of OFMA's most versatile envision this Association and its of emergency response costs — and dedicated members. Ana benefits, and his career including lost or damaged continues to volunteer her services accomplishments exemplify the equipment. This new law will and has previously served as the spirit of this award. provide a reason for news media to Legislative Chair, Outreach Chair, publicize Turn Around Don’t Drown Conference Coordinator, BFE This year’s recipient is Tom — hopefully changing behavior editor, Calendar Contest Leatherbee, CFM, City of Del City. across the state. Tom Leatherbee is the Director of Beth Wilhelm began employment Community Services for the City of with the OWRB in 2015 — just as Del City. He began his career with much of the State had experienced the City on August 2, 2006 as the significant flooding. Knowing one City Planner, serving as Building of the State’s highest priorities was Official and Floodplain to obtain high water marks, Beth Administrator: overseeing planning, coordinated with FEMA and the zoning, permitting, inspections, Corps of Engineers to fund several and licensing. As the Director of surveying crews for obtaining Community Services, he absorbed elevation data to aid with future Ana Stagg, PE, CFM code enforcement, mapping/ mapping and mitigation strategies. geospatial analysis, and economic Coordinator, and Secretary. Ana Beth has presented the “High development into the fold and has also served as the OFMA Chair from Water Mark” report to several since created a multi-functional, 2011 to 2012. audiences, including FEMA Region VI the 2016 ASFPM conference. OFMA would not be the Association it is today without Ana's leadership, Great work and many thanks to business knowledge, and the both of you for your outstanding sincere honesty the she’s not afraid service! to share in order to make OFMA a better organization. CHAIRMAN’S AWARD: Created in 2007 by the Chair of the CHARLES DON ELLISON MEMORIAL Association, to recognize dedicated AWARD: OFMA members who continue to To recognize an association make valuable and significant Tom Leatherbee, CFM member who has demonstrated contributions to the Association, (Continued on page 11) significant long-term leadership The B.F.E. Page 11

OFMA 2016 FALL CONFERENCE — FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE NFIP, IS YOUR COMMUNITY COMPLIANT? — AWARDS CEREMONY, CONTINUED

business-friendly planning and Congratulations Tom! A well- building department. Tom is deserved honor! responsible for creating and implementing the City’s Housing BEN FRIZZELL MEDIA AWARD: Inspection Program and This award was created in 2000, to Environmental Court, and has honor Ben Frizzell, who passed modernized the city’s floodplain away May 15, 2000. In 1995, Ben management, drainage, and became the Public Information stormwater quality programs. He is Officer for the Oklahoma also responsible for significant Department of Civil Emergency Tim Creighton urban redevelopment projects, Management, where he performed including condemnation and reuse a marvelous job. Ben was of three blighted apartment recognized by FEMA in 1994 with complexes, and development of their prestigious “Meritorious previously flood-prone land into a Service Award” — citing his service significant retail center using a during numerous disasters, novel approach to Tax Increment including the 1992 Hurricane Financing. Andrew and the 1993 Midwest Tom is recognized as a Certified Floods. One of Ben’s many sayings Floodplain Manager, a Master Code was “Life is too short, it’s like a Professional, a Certified Code commercial: hit em’ hard, make Enforcement Administrator and an your point, then give something to Heath Dobrovolny, CFM Associate in General Insurance. He laugh about and remember.” This is a regular presenter at national award is presented each year for planning, construction, and outstanding floodplain management stormwater conferences. -related stories or publications produced in Oklahoma. Tom received his certification from OFMA on September 1, 2006 — This award has been presented to hitting the road running, and never KOSU-State Impact: Reporting by looking back. Tom has held past KOSU and State Impact on the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and multitude of water issues in the Insurance Committee Chairman State; https:// positions. He currently serves as stateimpact.npr.org/oklahoma/ Lacie Jones, CFM OFMA’s Legislative Director, Deputy tag/water/ Coordinator of OFMA’s Disaster KOSU-State Impact is a Response Team, and as a member collaboration of KGOU, KOSU, of OFMA’s Training Cadre. Tom has KWGS and KCCU. Joe Wertz and received a number of awards from Logan Layden travel the state to OFMA, including the Silver Scoop report on the intersection of Award, Outstanding Recognition government, industry, natural Award, the Ronald D. Flanagan resources, and the Oklahoma Gold Project Award for the Crutcho workforce. Through a series of Creek Floodplain Remediation articles, webcasts, and news Project, and was named OFMA’s reports, many of the water issues Michael Couch, CFM 2010 Floodplain Manager of the in the State of Oklahoma, including Year. flooding and economic recovery, (Continued on page 12) Page 12 The B.F.E.

OFMA 2016 FALL CONFERENCE — FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE NFIP, IS YOUR COMMUNITY COMPLIANT? — AWARDS CEREMONY, CONTINUED

(Continued from page 11) annually with the OFMA To recognize an individual who has conference by staffing the demonstrated dedication through have been adequately profiled. registration desk alongside the administration of his/her Carolyn. She has also community's floodplain SILVER SCOOP AWARD: volunteered her time to assist management program in pursing the Hazard Mitigation Committee Presented to key individuals that the goals of flood loss reduction during their Strategic Planning contribute significantly to the Session in 2015. and in the prevention of loss of life Association; award recipients help make the Association “click”. The  Michael Couch, CFM, Meshek & Each year, OFMA recognizes a Associates; Michael has assisted Silver Scoop symbolizes the member of the Association who has with the Speaker’s Desk at the importance of communal “channel demonstrated excellence in the OFMA conferences since 2011. field of floodplain management. maintenance” programs, as The mastermind behind the opposed to a one-time clean up. system used today (thank Award recipients scoop a lot and goodness), he is always available scoop often; scoop contents are to assist OFMA with IT-related always rich and organic. issues. Michael has also assisted OFMA with its website for several The Silver Scoop Awards are given years. to those individuals that work hard in the floodplain management field PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR and are always ready to help AWARD: wherever they can. This year’s To recognize an official that has award recipients are: implemented public policy Bill Robinon, CFM  Tim Creighton, Okmulgee County; initiatives which demonstrate This individual personifies Tim has worked very hard with excellence in addressing present dedication and commitment to the small communities, as well as and future floodplain management flood risk reduction and regulatory to solve the open CAV issues. He needs for his/her community. diligently sent updates and compliance through the day-to-day worked closely with individuals in This year’s recipient is Bill implementation of responsible non-participating communities Robinson, CFM, City of Tulsa community floodplain during DR-4222, ultimately Stormwater Project Coordinator, management. This award is named resulting in their joining the NFIP Lead Stormwater Engineer/CTP for J. Gavin Brady, longtime State (Winchester). Coordinator. NFIP Coordinator, for his life-long  Heath Dobrovolny, CFM, commitment to helping local Bill’s long-term vision, ideas, and Kingfisher County; Heath has floodplain managers across continued efforts in FEMA’s worked extremely hard to close Oklahoma build effective programs Cooperative Technical Partnership the CAV from the previous FPA. and navigate through the difficult Contacting property owners and and Community Rating System for tasks of implementing floodplain working with them personally to the City of Tulsa has allowed the management regulations, effecting solve their problems, sending City to become an outstanding CRS flood risk mitigation, and providing update reports, and requesting community and develop long-term disaster response. appropriate questionable disaster and economic resiliency. information, Heath always puts It is through his continued service This year’s award recipient is to use Floodplain best practices. to the City of Tulsa that the City Monica Cardin, CFM, Floodplain He became a Certified Floodplain will continue to be a flagship Manager recently during the 2016 Administrator, CRS Coordinator, community for the Nation. CFM Class. City of Del City.  Lacie Jones, CFM, Meshek & J. GAVIN BRADY FLOODPLAIN (Continued on page 13) Associates; Lacie has previously MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD: helped and continues to help The B.F.E. Page 13

OFMA 2016 FALL CONFERENCE — FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE NFIP, IS YOUR COMMUNITY COMPLIANT? — AWARDS CEREMONY, CONTINUED

(Continued from page 12) educators, public safety agencies, Floodplain Administrators, and the Since taking over responsibility for general public. the City of Del City's floodplain Sponsored by HIS, INC., this new management program, Monica has award was presented to the Awards continued to make it a model for Committee in 2015 by Bill Smith, other communities. She assists current Chair for OFMA and DRT residents and business owners on a Coordinator. daily basis, balancing the enforcement of higher standards This year’s recipients are Leslie with redevelopment goals. Lewis, PE, CFM; Monica Cardin, CFM; and the USACE Tulsa As CRS Coordinator, Monica has Monica Cardin, CFM Regulatory Branch. worked tirelessly on the City's number of education initiatives application and initial verification. during her time on the Board of Her hard work will benefit all NFIP Directors. Monica has perpetually policyholders in the community, as reached out to many communities the City will be entering the considering becoming CRS Community Rating System as a certified, and uses her recent Class 6. successful experience in Del City as Monica has led the City's field a model for the state of Oklahoma. responses following disasters, has Since the OFMA Advance Training spoken to community groups Sessions began, the USACE advocating for higher standards and Regulatory Branch has continuously hazard mitigation, and is provided numerous speakers and responsible for the enforcement of Leslie Lewiis, CFM has proven to be a substantial drainage, floodplain management, support throughout all aspects of and stormwater quality ordinances. Leslie Lewis, PE, CFM, a long- training; including the weeklong L- In addition to her work with the standing OFMA member and the 273 class to educate participants in City, Monica has demonstrated a Region 1 Representative, has the Section 404 Permitting process strong commitment to flood risk diligently sent emails to all OFMA (encompassing the Individual reduction across the state. She members throughout the years, Permit, General Permit, held the Chair of the Association providing information for advanced Nationwide Permit, and self- for 2016, has served as Secretary, education and training permitting). has worked on the legislative and opportunities. Leslie is an Congratulations to all of the 2016 publicity committees, and is a unrelenting source of information OFMA Award Winners! Please be on member of the Disaster Response who continuously provides support the lookout in the upcoming year Team. to local floodplain administrators, for those people who deserve these engineering consultants, and awards and be sure to nominate LEATHERBEE-ROBISON EDUCATION government agencies. OUTREACH AWARD: them! The Awards and nominating Monica Cardin, CFM, the OFMA forms may be found at: To recognize exemplary Immediate Past Chair, has proven http://www.okflood.org/awards/ accomplishments in educating the to be a great asset to OFMA and award-nominations/ public and Government officials, instrumental in overseeing a and extending the knowledge of Floodplain Management through various methods of outreach to Page 14 The B.F.E.

WHY CURRENT DISASTER PLANNING DOESN’T CUT IT, AND WHAT WE CAN DO INSTEAD BY EDWARD THOMAS, ESQ. AND LAURIE MAZUR

The flood waters have receded in southeastern Louisiana, revealing a landscape etched by loss. The torrential rains that began on Aug 11 cost 13 people their lives, and damaged some 160,000 buildings — many irreparably. In the hardest- hit areas, such as Livingston Parish, three quarters of homes are considered a "total loss". Worse, many of those who lost their homes did not have flood insurance. Even in the parts of Louisiana at highest risk of flooding, only 42 percent of homeowners are insured. But the floods of August deluged so-called low- and moderate-risk areas, Photo Courtesy of www.fema.gov where only 12.5% carry insurance. The Louisiana flood was widely broader impact. Indeed, there is a Why were the people of Louisiana called a “500-year storm” — strong legal argument to be made so woefully unprepared? First, in meaning that there is just a one-in- that the President’s Executive Louisiana and elsewhere, many 500 chance of it occurring in any Order represents a new standard of people simply don’t know they are given year. Given the paucity of care, which engineers, architects at risk. Only homes in designated accurate weather records, it is and others in the development “special flood hazard areas” are debatable whether we were ever community ignore at their peril. required to carry flood insurance — able to calculate such odds. But in Still, that leaves plenty of folks at and then only if they have a a changing climate, it is clearly greater risk than they know. When federally supported mortgage. But impossible. Hence, the Louisiana disaster strikes, as it did in the FEMA maps that designate flood flood was the eighth 500-year flood Louisiana, the uninsured can face risk are flawed in several ways. we’ve had in the U.S. since May of catastrophic losses. Flood victims Notably, they are based on what last year. may be eligible for various kinds of happened in the past. In the era of We have entered an era in which assistance (as described in the climate change, the past is no our former assumptions about risk Natural Hazard Mitigation longer a reliable guide to the no longer apply. Flood planning Association’s guide, A Living future. must reflect this new reality. Mosaic). However, this disaster Of course, it is difficult to tie the There has been encouraging relief process — while well Louisiana floods — or any other movement in this direction: intentioned — is incredibly complex single weather event — to climate spurred by an Executive Order from and convoluted. change. But what we are seeing President Obama, FEMA recently It is also costly, especially for U.S. today is consistent with a highly proposed rules requiring that taxpayers. While insurance uncertain, variable climate, indeed structures in the floodplain be built companies, state and local a changing climate. It is getting to higher standards. While they governments, individuals and hotter, and a warmer atmosphere only apply to buildings financed charities all contribute to disaster carries more moisture — which with federal funds, these rules relief, the federal government pays means heavier rains and flooding. have the potential for much (Continued on page 15) The B.F.E. Page 15

WHY CURRENT DISASTER PLANNING DOESN’T CUT IT, AND WHAT WE CAN DO INSTEAD, CONTINUED

(Continued from page 14) the insurer of last resort — was $23 But resisting change is costly, too. billion in debt before the Louisiana Today, we are lurching from crisis a huge — and growing — share of floods. to crisis, with no end in sight. the expense. Indeed, the share of Floods and other disasters Requiring flood insurance of all — disaster relief paid by the feds has devastate the most vulnerable with higher rates for those in the grown from about 25 percent among us, while taxpayers and most risky areas — would spread before Hurricane Katrina to nearly survivors pay for endless cycles of the burden more fairly. It would 70 percent today. U.S. taxpayers destruction and rebuilding. also reflect the changing landscape have shelled out approximately $1 of risk. Such an effort would need Instead, we can snap out of our trillion in disaster relief since 1980. to be developed very carefully to collective denial, and accept that That’s money we won’t have to avoid unintended consequences. the future will not be like the past. invest in our nation tomorrow. For example, we need to make sure Only then can we protect ourselves So how can we help flood victims, that affluent homeowners who from the floods (and the tornadoes, while protecting our shared future? build houses in coastal areas do not droughts, wildfires, heatwaves, and “externalize” the risk to everyone storm surges) to come — and build One possible part of the solution— else. A t the same time, it is a resilient future for all. as suggested by John Romano in crucial to build in protections for the Tampa Bay Times, and others — Ed Thomas is a Floodplain low-income people in flood-prone is to require flood protection as a Manager, and Disaster Response areas, to prevent what Virginia standard part of homeowners and Recovery Specialist, who is Eubanks, writing in The Nation, insurance. Right now, the only also an Attorney. He is the calls “climate redlining.” people who must buy flood President of the Natural Hazard insurance are those at greatest Any solution to our current Mitigation Association. risk. It’s as if the only people who disastrous spiral will stir backlash. Laurie Mazur is the editor of the bought health insurance were those Some will decry unwarranted Island Press Urban Resilience with terminal cancer. Predictably, government mandates; others will Project, which is supported by The that makes flood insurance worry about costs for homeowners. Kresge Foundation and The JPB prohibitively expensive for both Still others will deny that the Foundation. homeowners and private insurers. climate is changing, and claim It also helps explain why the there is no need to adjust to a new National Flood Insurance Program — reality.

Photo Courtesy of www.fema.gov Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association, Inc. PO Box 8101 Tulsa, OK 74101-8101

ADDRESS CORRECTION SERVICE

FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Funds to produce The B.F.E. come in part from the National Flood Insurance Program and State Support Services Element of the Community Assistance Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

VISIT US AT

WWW.OKFLOOD.ORG Ex Officio: Region 1 Co‐Representave: Region 5 Representave: State NFIP Coordinator: Ms. Julie Cunningham Mr. Todd McLellan, PE, CFM Mr. Mike Beay, PE, CFM Mr. Yohanes Sugeng, PE, CFM Interim Execuve Director City of Norman City of Sllwater Oklahoma Water Resources Board Oklahoma Water Resources Board 201‐A West Gray St 723 S. Lewis Street 3800 North Classen Blvd 3800 North Classen Blvd Norman, OK 73069 Sllwater, OK 74074 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 Phone: (405) 217‐7704 (405) 742‐8215 Phone: 405.530.8800 Phone: (405) 530‐8800 Fax: (405) 366‐5418 mbeaty@sllwater.org Fax: 405.530.8900 Fax: (405) 530‐8900 [email protected] [email protected]

Chair: Region 1 Co‐Representave: Past Chair: BFE Editor: Mr. Bill Smith, PE, CFM Ms. Anna Waggoner, PE, CFM Ms. Monica Cardin, CFM, CCEA, Ms. Janet K. Meshek, PE, CFM, SR/WA Hydropower Internaonal Svcs. City of Yukon CCEO Meshek & Associates, PLC 28508 W. 41st Street South 532 West Main St City of Del City 1437 South Boulder Avenue, Ste 1550 Mannford, OK 74044 Yukon, OK 73085 3701 SE 15th St. Tulsa, OK 74119 Phone/Fax: (918) 865‐6977 Phone: (405) 350‐8930 Del City, OK 73115 Phone: (918) 392‐5620 Cell: (918) 625‐2449 [email protected] Office: 405‐670‐7315 Fax: 918‐392‐5621 [email protected] [email protected] Cell: 918‐688‐1400 [email protected]

Vice Chair: Region 2 Representave: Honorary Board Member: Honorary Board Member: Ms. Kasie Stambaugh, CFM Mr. J. Gavin Brady, CFM Mr. Joe Remondini, PE, CFM Mr. Ronald D. Flanagan, CFM 707 N. Robinson Ave. OWRB (Rered) PDCC Chair R.D. Flanagan & Associates Oklahoma City 73102 1816 S. Carson Ave. #328 PO Box 8101 3015 E. Skelly Drive, Suite 270 Phone: (405) 702‐5164 Tulsa, OK 740119 Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa, OK 74105 [email protected] Phone: (918) 520‐8024 Phone: (918) 361‐8636 Phone: (918) 749‐2696 [email protected] [email protected] Cell: (918) 830‐5037

Secretary: Region 3 Representave: Honorary Board Member: Ms. Beth Wilhelm, EI, CFM Ms. Jennifer Sanno, CFM Mr. Ken Morris Oklahoma Water Resources Board City of McAlester Oklahoma Water Resources Board 3800 North Classen Blvd P.O. Box 578 Rered Oklahoma City, OK 73118 McAlester, OK 74502 5400 E. Tecumseh Rd. Phone: 405.530.8800 Phone: (918) 423‐9300 Norman, OK 73026 Fax: 405.530.8900 Jennifer.sanno Phone: (405) 573‐7990 @cityofmcalester.com Treasurer: Region 4 Representave: Ms. Carolyn Schultz, CFM Mr. Philip Beauchamp Corps of Engineers—Rered 509 S. Main 3527 South 401st West Avenue Altus OK 73521‐3135 Mannford, OK 74044 Phone: (580) 481‐2228 Phone: (918) 906‐3922 [email protected]

The B.F.E. is published by the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association. Information and opinions contained herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Board of Directors. Items for publication and other editorial matters should be directed to Editor, “The B.F.E.”, P.O. Box 8101, Tulsa, OK 74101-8101.