Description

1) Advancing the Integration of Clean Water Act Programs with Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning and Implementation
Ian Grosfelt, National Association of Wetland Managers, ian@nawm.org
Co-presenters: Marla Stelk, National Association of Wetland Managers, marla@nawm.org and Genevieve Moran, Association of State Floodplain Managers, jenna@floods.org

Abstract: Better communication and increased collaboration between state, Tribal, local, and federal water program managers and hazard mitigation managers can result in increased resiliency and improved environmental, social, and economic outcomes as a result of more integrated planning processes. The National Association of Wetland Managers and the Association of State Floodplain Managers are developing a national cohort training model around the intersection and integration of water quality and hazard mitigation planning to protect and restore impaired waters and reduce losses from natural hazards. The overall goal is to build the infrastructure and cross-sector collaborative relationships between levels of government that will strengthen the capacity to integrate water resource protection and hazard mitigation planning and implementation. This presentation will share information regarding this new initiative and discuss opportunities for integration of Clean Water Act programs and natural hazard mitigation planning with a focus on nature-based solutions.

2) Updates on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Endangered Species Act (ESA) Compliance Planning and Request for Information
Zane Hadzick, FEMA, zane.hadzick@fema.dhs.gov
Co-presenters: None

Abstract: Over four years ago, FEMA Headquarters began working collaboratively with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) toward a national programmatic consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as amended (16 United States Code [U.S.C.] § 1536) to assess the implementation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) nationwide. FEMA is getting ready to re-evaluate the impact on threatened and endangered species from implementation of the NFIP at the national level. In 2021, FEMA launched a nationwide NFIP ESA Section 7(a)(1) Conservation Action Program after informal consultation with USFWS and NMFS (collectively, referred to as the Services) to promote conservation of listed species and critical habitat. In addition, FEMA Headquarters is currently working with the Services toward conducting a national programmatic consultation on implementation of the NFIP under ESA section 7(a)(2). Concurrently with the national NFIP ESA efforts, two FEMA regions are undertaking ESA consultations. Region 9 undertook an evaluation of potential impacts to listed species and habitats in three counties in California with development of a Programmatic Biological Assessment (PBA). The three-county PBA will inform a statewide ESA consultation. Region 10 is evaluating its plan for implementing Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs) resulting from a consultation with NMFS. As a part of this effort, R10 and FEMA Headquarters are currently in a scoping process to review potential impacts from implementing the RPAs in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). FEMA Headquarters will also provide an update on the Request for Information (RFI), which was published in the Federal Register in October 2021 seeking public comment on opportunities to amend the NFIP’s minimum floodplain management standards to help communities become safer, stronger, and more resilient. This presentation will provide an update on the status of FEMA’s ESA efforts with the Services and provide an update on the RFI.

3) FEMA Earmarks for Coastal Zone Resilience
Grace Morris, Atkins North America, grace.morris@atkinsglobal.com
Co-presenters: Phetmano Phannavong, PE, PMP, CFM phetmano.phannavong@atkinsglobal.com

Abstract: Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of coastal weather hazards. More people and high value assets exist in the coastal zone than ever before, increasing the risk of disaster. Proactive approaches to climate resilience are not standard practice in the United States, yet extreme weather events with disastrous outcomes require comprehensive planning efforts. Within the past year (2022) the United States and its territories experienced 18 major disaster events totaling $169.8B dollars in damages. This marked the 3rd most disastrous year on record for the U.S. Other less costly events, including Typhoon Merbok that battered Alaska, still disrupt daily life. In the aftermath of extreme weather events, states may request a disaster declaration to receive federal assistance for the recovery process. To prevent a Declaration of Disaster, earmarks—language integrated into Congressional spending allocations to reserve funding for specific, congressionally requested projects—provide an opportunity for state and local governments to address their resilience needs proactively. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences “Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves” Report of 2019, adopting model building codes as a mitigation strategy saves $11 USD per every $1 USD spent. Additionally, non-competitive Federal grants—like the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program which funds earmarked projects—save $6 USD per every $1 USD spent on mitigation. Understanding how Congressional members support their coastal communities by requesting earmarked Federal funding will magnify the opportunities for resilience in a changing climate.