FEMA’s Role in National Water Policy

FEMA’s Role in National Water PolicySupporting National Water Resource Policy

Introduction

Sandra K. Knight National Waterways Conference September 22-24, 2010

• Some things have changed.

• Some things have not.

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Sandra K. Knight National Waterways Conference September 22-24, 2010 3


The need for National Strategic Water Resource Policy


New Orleans, LA 17th Street Canal, August 2008

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Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force


The Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force was established in 1975 to enhance communication and coordination among Federal agencies in their efforts to reduce the loss of life and property caused by floods, and to protect and restore the natural resources and functions of floodplains

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The Re-established FIFM Task Force


• Co-chaired by FEMA and the USACE• 13 Member agencies• 2 Advisors

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http://www.tva.com/

http://www.hud.gov/

http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/home.do?tabId=0


NFIP Reform


GAO findings“The Clips”

vocal push back

Agreement/Conflict

1. Actuarial rates - reduce losses from policy subsidies and rep loss properties

2. Increase property owner participation3. Develop accurate maps4. Effective oversight of insurance

operations

1. Affordable insurance rates2. No mandatory purchase3. Stop the maps

Stakeholders

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NFIP Reform – Today’s Paradigm


Insurance Flood InsuranceRate Maps

Building codesAnd regulations

IncentivesFlood grants

Community RatingSystem

NFIP

The NFIP is a voluntary Federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance against flood losses in exchange for adopting and enforcing regulations that reduce future flood damages. A participating community’s floodplain management regulations, must meet or exceed the NFIP minimum requirements.

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NFIP Reform


Societal Responsibility

Economic Development

EnvironmentalIndividual

Accountability

Protecting Citizens Sustainability &

Resiliency

Equitable

Viable

Responsible

Accountable

Affordable

Public Policy Context

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National Flood Risk – FEMA’s Role




Components of the NFIP that Buy Down Risk

The NFIP is a public safety program implemented at the local level.

• Risk Analysis (Mapping, Assessment and Planning)

• Risk Reduction (Floodplain Management, Building Science and

Hazard Mitigation grants)

• Risk Insurance

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FEMA’s Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP)


Through collaboration with State, Local, and Tribal entities, Risk MAP will deliver quality data that increases public awareness and leads to action that reduces risk to life and property.

Science BasedWatershed Approach Comprehensive Lifecycle

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The NFIP and Levees



Levee Misconceptions


Myth: FEMA’s levee activities are a reaction to Katrina

Fact: FEMA knew it had challenges when Map Mod startedMyth: FEMA certifies or de-certifies levees

Fact: Owners certify and de-certify, FEMA maps flood hazardsMyth: Insurance not available behind levees

Fact: It’s available anywhere within participating communitiesMyth: Levees provide absolute protection

Fact: Levees provided varying levels of protection, nothing is absoluteMyth: FEMA’s regulations for levees have changed recently

Fact: Regulations have been in place for over 23 yearsMyth: FEMA will only accredit a Federal Levee

Fact: FEMA accredits any levee meeting the regulatory requirements

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Risk is a Joint Effort

CA DWR New Flood Risk Notification Flyer for households in the Central Valley areas of the State

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National Committee on Levee Safety (NCLS)


lead by the USACE, the NCLS is a committee of federal, state, local, and private sector members with the direction from Congress to prepare recommendations and a strategic implementation plan on a National Levee Safety Program

Participates with USACE as federal representatives

Delivered recommendations to Congressto establish a National Levee Safety Program – January 2009

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The National Dam Safety Program


The NDSP which is led by FEMA, is a partnership of Federal, State, and other stakeholders which promotes individual and community responsibility for dam safety.

“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” Benjamin Franklin

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Summary


FEMA’s role in Water Policy includes:

• Floodplain Management and Grants

• Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning

• The Administration of the National Flood Insurance Program

• The Administration of the National Dam Safety program

• Participation in the Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force

• Participation in the National Levee Safety Program

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FEMA’s Role in National Water Policy

Documents

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