Rhode Island Floodplain Management

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. Seventy-five percent of federal disaster declarations are related to flooding. Flooding in Rhode Island can result from a variety of situations, including spring snow melt combined with heavy rains, coastal storms, or "nor'easters," tropical storms and hurricanes, and the very dangerous potential of dam breeches. In an effort to reduce the losses of life and property associated with flooding and to reduce the rising costs of disaster relief after a flood, the federal government created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Broadly speaking, the NFIP is based on three large principles:

Insurance

Regulations

Mapping

Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is based on an agreement between communities and the Federal government. Through the NFIP, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides maps of hazardous areas and provides federally backed flood insurance. In return, communities agree to enact and enforce floodplain regulations intended to minimize the threats to life and property. All 39 communities in Rhode Island particpate in the NFIP.

Floodplain Management can be confusing, even to those considered to be "in the know." Our webpage intends to answer your many questions and provide useful information to all things flood related.

Workshops

The Rhode Island Flood Mitigation Association (RIFMA), in coordination with the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), will be hosting a workshop on March 15th, 2013 entitled: "Community Resiliency After Sandy: A Coastal No Adverse Impact Approach: Application of No Adverse Impact in the Coastal Zone"

The objective of this workshop is to introduce an approach and tools to make a community more resilient in rebuilding after Sandy. It is aimed at community officials and local elected leaders. Resources, including ASFPM's Coastal NAI Handbook and various legal issues materials will be provided.

Mark your calendar, save the date and register early. This is an opportunity you won't want to miss.

Topics will include:

• Roles of Government in Floodplain Management
• Applications of CNAI in a Post-Disaster Enrvironment
• Coastal Hazards
• Floodplain Management Legal Issues
• Coastal NAI Overview
• Review of Sandy From Meterorological Perspective
• Local Roundtable Discussion

Both Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and American Planning Association (APA) Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) will be made available for this workshop.

The registration form can be downloaded here. Please return completed registration forms to Jess Stimson at: jessica.r.stimson.nfg@mail.mil

PayPal is now available for online payments. Click here for more information

Or

Submit a completed registration form, along with your check made payable to Rhode Island Flood Mitigation Association to

Jess Stimson
c/o RIFMA
645 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

For more information about the workshop visit: www.riflood.org