Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
a cohesive and effective long-term strategy to deal
with floods.
The development by the Association of State
Floodplain Managers Foundation of a vision for
the floodplain of 2050 provides an excellent ex-
ample of what is needed to support policy devel-
opment and the definition of clear goals 25.1.
action on development of any policies in this
regard.
It is clear that leaders at various levels of gov-
ernment are concerned by growing flood damages
and their impact on not only the economy but also
the fabric of society. The experience of Hurricane
Katrina and more recently the Midwest Floods
of 2008 illustrated the pervasive nature of floods
that break apart families, devastate communities
and stall economies. While there is this concern,
there is no agreement among these various levels
of government as towhat the goal of activity in the
floodplain actually should be, and as a result there
is program drift and a lack of support for develop-
ing comprehensive approaches and long-term so-
lutions. Without clearly defined policies that set
clearly vetted and consensus-built goals for the
nation, it will be difficult for the USA to develop
Institutions
Flood management activities in the USA are the
province of many institutions and several levels of
government, and it is this variety of organizations
that makes flood management so challenging.
The most important institutions are the national,
state and local governments. Between the state
and the individual citizen there may be several
Box 25.1
Floodplain Management 2050 (Association of State Floodplain Managers Foundation 2008)
In November 2007, the Association of State Floodplain Managers Foundation conducted a two-day
forum to discuss with US and UK flood management experts their vision of what would be a desirable
state for the floodplains of 2050. The consensus view of the attendees is reflected below:
Imagine the United States in 2050
...
in spite of a growing population and a changing climate, both
flood risk and land and water resources are being managed towards sustainable outcomes.
.
The nation views land and water as precious resources, and therefore protects the natural and
beneficial functions of floodplains, wetlands, and coastal areas.
.
Because naturally flood-prone areas have been preserved - and restored where necessary - a
maximumamount of naturalmitigation of flooding takes place continually. Awide network of green
infrastructure protects natural resources and functions and provides open space and recreational
opportunities.
.
Integrated water management is an accepted practice.
.
All new development is designed and built so that it has no adverse impact on flood levels,
sedimentation, erosion, riparian or coastal habitat, or other community-designated values.
.
The free market strongly favors sustainable development, so flood-prone construction rarely
occurs.
.
Private and public losses due to floods are indemnified through a government-backed but private
system of universal insurance coverage that encourages mitigation of damage.
.
Management of floodplains is funded through fees charged for development impacts, a highway
trust fund, or other secure sources.
.
Risk communication has become advanced enough that local decision-making is well informed.
Individuals and households understand both the risks and resources of natural flooding processes.
.
Policy decisions about the use of land and water resources are based on sound data, science and
models.
