**Session 20**

**Course Title: Floodplain Management**

**Module 4:** Risks to Human Settlements

**Session 20:** Mitigation Programs

**Authors:** Larry A. Larson PE, CFM

Rod E. Emmer, PhD

**Time: 75 minutes**

**Objectives: (PP1 and PP2, Title and Objectives)**

At the end of this session, the students will be able to:

20.1 Identify and discuss FEMA programs, in particular the NFIP and its
nuances.

20.2 Identify and discuss other federal and state programs and local
actions that have mitigation potential.

20.3 Describe the risk impacts and risk reduction measures associate
with the course case study floodplains.

20.4 Completed and discussed the Module 4 evaluation

20.5 Identify the differences between the risk analysis presented within
this session and an ecological risk assessment touched upon in Session
12 and 13. (Optional)

**Scope**

# Session 20 identifies federal, state, and local mitigation and recovery programs and then demonstrates the application of these programs to mitigating flood losses through floodplain management. The instructor should note that recovery without mitigation is just transferring the responsibility for payment of damages and risk from the owner to someone else. It does nothing to mitigate. Students will address Tasks 2 and 3 of their course case study risk exercise presented to them during Session 15. A formal presentation will not be expected. Student will discuss impacts (Task 2) and possible programs addressing those impacts (Task 3) in an informal "round table" format. See the full Exercise at the end of Session 20. (Appendix C)  {#session-20-identifies-federal-state-and-local-mitigation-and-recovery-programs-and-then-demonstrates-the-application-of-these-programs-to-mitigating-flood-losses-through-floodplain-management.-the-instructor-should-note-that-recovery-without-mitigation-is-just-transferring-the-responsibility-for-payment-of-damages-and-risk-from-the-owner-to-someone-else.-it-does-nothing-to-mitigate.-students-will-address-tasks-2-and-3-of-their-course-case-study-risk-exercise-presented-to-them-during-session-15.-a-formal-presentation-will-not-be-expected.-student-will-discuss-impacts-task-2-and-possible-programs-addressing-those-impacts-task-3-in-an-informal-round-table-format.-see-the-full-exercise-at-the-end-of-session-20.-appendix-c .River-I}

> An optional active would be for interested students to identify the
> differences between the risk analysis presented within this session
> and an ecological risk assessment touched upon in Session 11.

**Readings**

*Required Student Readings*

Emmer, R.E. 2001. \"Chapter 7. Protecting Environmental Quality During
Disaster Recovery.\" IN: Eadie, C., R.E. Emmer, A.M. Esnard, S.
Michaels, J. Monday, C. Philipsborn, B. Phillips, d. Salvesen 2001
*Holistic Disaster Recovery. Ideas for Building Local Sustainability
after a Natural Disaster.* Natural Hazards Research and Applications
Information Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. pp. 7-1 - 7-33.
www.colorado.edu/hazards/

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2000. \"Section 5.0 Eighteen Tools
and Programs for Sustainability.\" IN: *Rebuilding for a More
Sustainable Future: An Operational Framework.* FEMA 365. November 1. pp.
5-1-5-28.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2000a. \"Appendix E. Federal
Technical Assistance and Funding.\" IN: *Rebuilding for a More
Sustainable Future: An Operational Framework*. FEMA 365. November 1.
pp.E-1 - E-7.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2000b. *Disaster Assistance: A
Guide to Recovery Programs.* FEMA 229(4), December.

# Optional activity reading: Severeiss, V. D. Norton, and S. Norton. 2000. "Watershed Ecological Risk Assessment." <http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/ecorisk/> or <http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/pdf/wshedecorisk.pdf> {#optional-activity-reading-severeiss-v.-d.-norton-and-s.-norton.-2000.-watershed-ecological-risk-assessment.-httpwww.epa.govwatertrainecorisk-or-httpwww.epa.govwatertrainpdfwshedecorisk.pdf .River-I}

*Instructor Readings*

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2001. *Mitigation Resources for
Success.* FEMA 372/October 2001.

U.S. Government Printing Office. Annual. *Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance.* Washington, D.C.

*Background References*

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 1986. A Unified National Program
for Floodplain Management. FEMA100/March.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 1993. Flood-Resistant Materials
Requirements for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in
Accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program. Technical Bulletin
2-93, IF-TB-2.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2004. National Flood Insurance
Program. Anwwers to Questions About the NFIP. MitDiv-2. F-084 (5/04). 66
p.

Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force. 1994. A Unified
National Progrfam for Floodplain Management. FEMA248/June. 43 p.

Gustanski, J.A. and R.H. Squires. 2000. *Protecting the Land.
Conservation Easements Past, Present, and Future.* Washington, D.C.:
Island Press. 566 p.

Hazard Mitigation Section. 2000. *Getting to Open Space. Alternatives to
Demolition and Options for Land Use. A guide for hazard Mitigation Grant
Program acquisition projects.* North Carolina Department of Crime
Control & Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. April.

Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2004. *Conservation on
Louisiana\'s Private Lands.* U.S. Department of Agriculture. in
cooperation with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and
Resource Conservation and Development Councils. Alexandria, LA. January.
28 p.

The Task Force On The Natural And Beneficial Function Of The Floodplain.
2002. *The Natural And Beneficial Functions Of Floodplains Reducing
Flood Losses By Protecting And Restoring The Floodplain Environment.* A
Report For Congress. FEMA 409, June.

U.S. Water Resources Council. 1976. A Unified National Program for Flood
Plain Management. Washington, D.C.:Government Printing Office July.

U.S. Water Resources Council. 1979. A Unified National Program for Flood
Plain Management. Washington, D.C.:U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. September. July 1981. HUD-CPD-670.

**General Requirements**

Students should know how to research and assemble data and information
on federal, state, and local programs by using the internet, libraries,
and direct contact with agency staffs. Once collected, students should
be able to organize materials for application to mitigating flood
damages.

Instructor should place selected publications in the Reserve Book
Section (Room) of the university library. When available, instructor
should obtain copies of publications, such as, Federal Emergency
Management Agency. 2000b. *Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery
Programs.* FEMA 229(4), December. for each student.

Instructor should make copies of: Federal Emergency Management Agency.
2000a. \"Appendix E. Federal Technical Assistance and Funding.\" IN:
*Rebuilding for a More Sustainable Future: An Operational Framework*.
FEMA 365. November 1. pp.E-1 - E-7. for students.

**Objective 20.1**

**Identify and discuss FEMA programs, in particular the NFIP and its
nuances.**

The instructor may use Objective 20.1 as either a lecture (Appendix A
with Powerpoint slides) or as an assignment students will accomplish in
preparation for:

Objective 20.3. Describe the risk impacts and risk reduction measures
associated with the course case study floodplains,

20.4 Optional: to identify the differences between the risk analysis
presented in this session and an ecological risk assessment touched upon
in Session 11.

Presenting Objective 20.1 as a lecture leaves little if any time to
discuss the exercises.

RECOMMENDEDATION: Objective 20.1 should serve as background material for
the exercises. Students should become familiar with the identified FEMA
mitigation programs before attending Session 20 and be prepared to
discuss these programs in class. The Instructor can use Appendix A as a
list with abstracts of the more important FEMA programs that have
application to floodplain management as demonstrated in the Session 20
exercises.

**Objective 20.2**

**Identify and discuss other federal and state programs and local
actions that have mitigation potential.**

The instructor may use Objective 20.2 as either a lecture (Appendix B
with Powerpoint slides) or as an assignment students will accomplish in
preparation for:

Objective 20.3. Describe the risk impacts and risk reduction measures
associate with the course case study floodplains,

20.4 Optional: to identify the differences between the risk analysis
presented within this session and an ecological risk assessment touched
upon in Session 11.

Presenting Objective 20.2 as a lecture leaves little if any time to
discuss the exercises.

RECOMMENDEDATION: Objective 20.2 should serve as background material for
the exercises. Students should become familiar with the identified
mitigation programs before attending Session 20 and be prepared to
discuss these programs in class. The Instructor can use Appendix B as a
list with abstracts of the more important programs and actions that have
application to floodplain management as demonstrated in the Session 20
exercises.

**Objective 20.3**

**Describe the risk impacts and risk reduction measures associate with
the course case study floodplains (An exercise template was included as
an appendix to Session 15)**

Remarks:

This exercise was introduced as a part of Session 15. At that time
students completed Task 1 and were told that Tasks 2 and 3 would be
completed at the end of Session 20. Students will address Tasks 2 and 3
of their course case study risk exercise. A formal presentation will not
be expected. Student will discuss impacts (Task 2) and possible programs
addressing those impacts (Task 3) in an informal "round table" format.
Students should be referred to handout 20-1 to as a guide (Reproduced at
the end of Session 20).

A.  **Task 2:** What impacts resulting from these floodplain processes
    should concern (positively or negatively) the stakeholders we
    identified during our first session? (Review the stakeholders and
    their objectives identified in Module 1

B.  **Task 3:** What measures should be considered that would minimize
    these impacts recognizing the objectives of the stakeholders.

**Objective 20.4**

Complete and review Module 5 examination. (The examination is include at
the end of this Session as Appendix C.)

**Remarks:**

A.  The objectives of the exam is to help evaluate the progress of
    individual students progress and to determine if there is material
    that has not been understood and should be reviewed. See Appendix C
    included at the end of this Session for Examination

B.  This instructor has the option of offering the examination as a home
    work or in class assignment or be completed in class. If completed
    in class student should be given 15 -- 20 minutes for the
    examination.

C.  The instructor may lead a discussion of the examination questions
    allowing students to grade and correct their own examination. 5 --
    10 minutes should be allowed for this activity.

**Objective 20.5**

**Identify the differences between the risk analysis presented within
this session and an ecological risk assessment touched upon in session
11.**

Remarks:

This session introduce a hazards directed risk analysis practiced widely
by the emergency management community. The ecological community
practices a remarkable similar risk analysis where hazards are stresses
to populations and stresses are similarly profiled.

A.  Students interested from a risk culture would benefit from
    redirecting their skills to that of another perspective.

B.  They could develop a "cross walk" comparing the two approaches and
    present their results to the class.

C.  Refer to optional session 20.5A

[]{.mark}

**References:**

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2001. *Mitigation Resources for
Success.* FEMA 372/October 2001.

U.S. Government Printing Office. Annual. *Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance.* Washington, D.C.

Gustanski, J.A. and R.H. Squires. 2000. *Protecting the Land.
Conservation Easements Past, Present, and Future.* Washington, D.C.:
Island Press. 566 p.

Hazard Mitigation Section. 2000. *Getting to Open Space. Alternatives to
Demolition and Options for Land Use. A guide for hazard Mitigation Grant
Program acquisition projects.* North Carolina Department of Crime
Control & Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. April.

Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2004. *Conservation on
Louisiana\'s Private Lands.* U.S. Department of Agriculture. in
cooperation with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and
Resource Conservation and Development Councils. Alexandria, LA. January.
28 p.

The Task Force On The Natural And Beneficial Function Of The Floodplain.
2002. *The Natural And Beneficial Functions Of Floodplains Reducing
Flood Losses By Protecting And Restoring The Floodplain Environment.* A
Report For Congress. FEMA 409, June.

Severeiss, V. D. Norton, and S. Norton. 2000. "Watershed Ecological Risk
Assessment." <http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/ecorisk/> or
<http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/pdf/wshedecorisk.pdf>

**APPENDIX A. Objective 20.1. Abstracts of FEMA programs that have
mitigation potential. Powerpoint slides are included in a separate
file.**

Appendix A provides general information on selected programs. More
detailed information about these and other programs may be obtained from
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or by directly contacting the
agency.

As a consequence of a Presidential disaster declaration after a flood,
additional options are provided to National Flood Insurance Program
policyholders to mitigate or prevent future damages. In a post flood
situation communities and individuals commonly consider relocation,
acquisition or elevation of flood-damaged structures. If the property
has sustained extensive damages, the owner is often interested in
avoiding the inconvenience or danger resulting from a recurrence. The
primary hazard mitigation program that comes from a Presidential
disaster declaration is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (Section 404
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act).
Other FEMA programs are also available.

**National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 97.022

The National Flood Insurance Program was enacted in 1968 and has been
amended several times. Congress established the NFIP to enable people to
purchase insurance against physical damage to or loss of buildings
and/or contents caused by flood, mudslides, and flood-related erosion.
As such, the NFIP contributes to a reduction in Federal disaster
assistant payments and promotes wise floodplain management practices in
the Nation\'s flood-prone and mudflow-prone areas. The premiums for new
structures built after the community adopts its flood risk maps are
intended to be actuarial, except they do not account for catastrophic
events, simply the history of flooding. The premiums for structures
which existed before flood risk maps were available in the community are
generally lower than normal actuarial rates (these premiums are cross
subsidized by other flood insurance policy holders). Details of the NFIP
were discussed in Session 17. An overview in Session 20 reminds the
students of the essential elements of the NFIP. The instructor can gain
further insight into the NFIP by reviewing U.S Water Resources Council
1976 and 1979; the Federal Emergency Management Agency 1986, the Federal
Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force 1994, Congressional
reports, and desk references prepared for each state (contact the state
NFIP coordinator for a copy).

The National Flood Insurance Program is a cooperative venture between
the Federal government which makes flood insurance available and
communities which agree to regulate development to reduce flood damages.
The NFIP is composed of three interconnected and supportive parts --
mapping, insurance, and regulations. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRMs) show a significant amount of information. If a Flood Insurance
Study (FIS) was performed, the FIRM defines the boundaries of the
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), shows base flood elevations and
insurance risk zones, and may delineate the regulatory floodway.
Communities rely on the data on the FIRM and in the FIS as the basis for
regulating new floodprone construction. Insurance agents use the maps
when rating flood insurance policies. And lenders and Federal agencies
use FIRMs to determine when flood insurance must be purchased as a
condition for financial assistance such as a mortgage on the structure.

Flood insurance is available for any building located in a participating
community even if the building is not in the SPHA. Flood insurance
protects people financially from flood hazards. Flood insurance coverage
is for buildings and their contents. Building coverage is for the
structure and includes utility equipment, such as water heaters and
central air conditioning, carpet permanently installed over unfinished
flooring, built-in appliances, and wallpaper and paneling. Ten percent
of a building's coverage may be applied to a detached garage at the same
location. Contents coverage available to the building's owner and a
renter applies to removable items inside an insurable building. Contents
not insurable include animals and livestock, licensed vehicles, jewelry,
artwork, furs and similar items valued at more than \$2,500, money or
valuable papers, and personal property not secured to prevent flotation
located in a building that is not fully enclosed. The instructor may
obtain additional information on flood insurance from fema.gov,
contacting the state NFIP coordinator, or asking an insurance agent.
Insurance agents will explain how premiums are calculated for pre-FIRM
and post-FIRM buildings.

Finally, to lower the susceptibility of buildings to flooding
communities must adopt floodplain regulations that meet or exceed NFIP
criteria. To protect buildings many communities require elevation of the
first floor to be 1 or 2 feet above the base flood elevation. Remember
that residential and nonresidential buildings are treated differently in
the regulations. Nonresidential structures may be floodproofed. Areas
that have a potential of flooding should be finished in materials that
are flood-resistant, for example, concrete, glazed brick, galvanized or
stainless steel nails, metal doors and window frames, Styrofoam
insulation, and water-resistant glue and adhesives (FEMA, 1993).
Communities should implement subdivision requirements that minimize
flood damage by placing structures on the highest ground, assuring
adequate drainage, and requiring utilities, water and sewer systems, and
infrastructure be built to reduce flooding. Regulatory floodways should
be avoided for all construction. Finally, substantially damaged
buildings must meet the regulatory and flood insurance requirements of
the NFIP, the same as a new structure. Substantial damage means damage
of any origin (flood, fire, earthquake, wind, rain, etc.) sustained by a
structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its
before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market
value of the structure before the damage occurred (44CFR59.1).

We will move to considering additional federal programs that complement
or supplement the NFIP.

**Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Section 404, The Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Act, as amended**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 97.039

These FEMA project grants can be used for implementing long-term hazard
mitigation measures that permanently reduce or eliminate future damages
and losses from natural hazards through safer building practices and
improving existing structures and supporting infrastructure. These funds
are based on the Federal funds spent on the Public and Individual
Assistance programs in response to the disaster, minus administrative
expenses. The funds can be used for projects that protect both public
and private property. Funding under Section 404 increases from 7.5% to
20% (these percentages are based upon the most recent reauthorization of
the NFIP by Congress) depending on an acceptable mitigation plan by the
state which demonstrates their interest and intent to track the
effectiveness of this program. Types of eligible projects include, but
are not limited to, elevation, acquisition or relocation of structures,
dry floodproofing of non-residential structures, and retrofitting of
facilities. The cost-sharing requirement is up to 75% federal and 25%
local (nonfederal). Up to 7% of the Section 404 funds are available to
states to be used in developing mitigation plans. HMGP funds are
administered through a state agency. The applicant should review the
information in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance for post
assistance requirements, such as report, audits, and records.

**Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 97.029

The FEMA will help states and communities carry out cost-effective
measures designed to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood
damage to buildings, manufactured homes, and other structures covered
under contracts for flood insurance and reduce the number of
repetitive-loss structures. Eligible projects include mitigation
activities that are in conformance with the state\'s Flood Mitigation
Plan, technically feasible, cost-effective, cost-beneficial to the
National Flood Mitigation Fund, comply with minimum NFIP standards, and
in a community that participates in the NFIP (not on probation).
Examples of acceptable projects are acquisition, elevation, relocation,
or demolition of NFIP-insured structures; dry floodproofing of
NFIP-insured nonresidential structures; minor, localized structural
projects; and beach nourishment activities. All funding is on a
cost-share of up to 75% federal and 25% nonfederal. Up to one-half of
the nonfederal share can be in-kind work (12.5% of the total) from third
parties. The remaining half of the nonfederal share must be met by State
and local government expenditures and cash funds identified at the time
of the application. Funds are available before a flood disaster.

The instructor may ask the state agency that administers the FMA program
to send a representative to discuss the most recent information and
requirements for this and other programs to the class.

**Public/Infrastructure Assistance**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 97.036

The FEMA makes project grants available (not less than 75% of the cost)
to state and local governments for the repair, restoration,
reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility or to a person who
owns or operates a private nonprofit facility that is damaged or
destroyed by a major disaster. Funds are available after a Presidential
declaration. Private nonprofits that do not provide critical services
need to apply for a Small Business Administration loan before they can
receive disaster grant assistance from FEMA. This new section reduces
the federal share of assistance to an eligible public facility or
private non-profit facility that has been damaged on more than one
occasion in ten years and has failed to implement appropriate mitigation
measures to address the hazard. Types of projects that are eligible
include protection and relocation of damaged water and sewer lines,
floodproofing pumping stations, replacement of bridges with clear spans,
and removal of wreckage and debris from private and public lands.

**Increased Cost of Compliance**

Each flood insurance policy includes a \$75 premium to fund the
Increased Cost of Compliance program. When a NFIP insured structure
(home or business) within the special flood hazard area is declared
substantially damaged (including cumulative substantial damage in
applicable communities), the property owner may receive up to \$30,000
for the cost of mitigation measures. Mitigation measures include
elevation, floodproofing, demolition, and relocation. ICC coverage
provides for the payment of a claim to help pay for the cost to comply
with state or community floodplain management laws or ordinances after a
flood event. This \$30,000 can be used as part of the 25% nonfederal
match required under the HMGP.

**Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households - Human Services
Programs (PP20.4)**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 97.048

This new section of the "Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000\" combines the
Housing and Individual Family Grant Programs of the original Stafford
Act. The federal cost will remain at 200% for housing and 75% for other
financial assistance (grants). This program helps individuals and
business owners with temporary housing, repair aid, food stamps, and
grants and loans. Grants may be up to \$25,000 per household. Housing
assistance can be used for temporary lodging expenses, rent, home repair
and replacement, permanent housing construction, and other approved
disaster related needs. These moneys support small mitigation activities
especially in areas subject to shallow flooding. For example, these
funds can be used for small projects such as elevating furnaces, water
heaters, washers, dryers, or electrical service boxes above flood
levels.

**Unmet Needs Program**

The Unmet Needs Program provides grants designed to help applicants fund
projects not covered under other programs (FEMA, Small Business
Administration, or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) when a Presidential
Disaster Declaration is authorized. Funding must be used for disaster
related unmet needs for the purposes of disaster relief, buyout
assistance, long-term recovery, or mitigation. Programs must be
implemented in a manner consistent with the Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program. Contact the state agency for additional information and
guidance.

These programs offer potential sources of funding for carrying out
mitigation projects identified in your state. CAUTION! You should always
visit the internet to update this list annually, review the
requirements, determine what changes apply, and assemble the more recent
information and forms.

**Related FEMA programs**

Related FEMA programs demonstrate that mitigation includes more than
buildings and damages. I will refer to the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance for additional information on the following programs.

**Individual and Family Grants. CFDA 97-035**

Section 411 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act provides grants for necessary expenses and serious needs
of disaster victims that cannot be met elsewhere (other disaster
assistance programs or insurance). Households may receive up to \$14,800
for each major disaster for real property, personal property, medical,
dental, funeral, and transportation. Costs which are ineligible include:
improvements or additions to real or personal property, recreational
property, cosmetic repair, business expenses, and debts incurred before
the disaster.

**Disaster Housing Program. CFDA 97.037**

Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act provides assistance to households affected by a disaster
for their disaster-related housing needs. Direct payments are provided
for transient accommodations reimbursement, home repair assistance,
rental assistance, or mortgage and rental assistance.

**APPPENDIX B. Objective 20.2. Abstracts of other federal and state
programs and local actions that have mitigation potential. Powerpoint
slides are included in a separate file.**

Appendix B provides general information on selected programs. More
detailed information about these and other programs may be obtained from
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or by directly contacting the
agency.

**RURAL HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, USDA (PP7, USDA
PROGRAMS)**

**Section 502 Rural Housing Loans**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 10.410

The Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture administers this
program. These direct loans are available to very low, low-income and
moderate-income households for the construction, repair, or purchase of
modest, decent, safe, and sanitary permanent housing in a rural area.
Any actions must comply with NFIP elevation requirements.

**Section 504 Rural Housing Loans and Grants**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 10.417

The Rural Housing Service (USDA) provides direct loans and project
grants to very low-income rural homeowners, giving them an opportunity
to make essential repairs to their homes, to make them safe, and to
remove health hazards to the family or the community. These funds can be
used to elevate homes and farm structures.

**Emergency Loans**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 10.404

The Farm Service Agency (USDA) provides direct loans to assist
established family farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture operators with
loans to cover losses from major and/or natural disasters. Loans may be
used to repair, restore, or replace damaged or destroyed farm property.
These funds can be used to elevate homes and meet NFIP requirements.

**US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS**

**Small Flood Control Projects, Section 205 of the Flood Control Act
(PP8, Army Corp of Engineers)** Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
No. 12.106

The objective of the Section 205 projects is to reduce flood damages
through projects not specifically authorized by Congress. The Corps of
Engineers can develop and construct small control projects that are
clearly shown to be engineeringly feasible and economically justified.
Each project is limited to a federal cost share of not more than \$7
million. The total local contribution is 50% of the project cost and may
be in the form of cash, provision of lands, easements, right-of-way, and
relocation necessary for the project, and other requirements.
Nonstructural alternatives are viable options for funding and include
such measures as flood warning systems, raising and/or flood proofing of
structures, and relocation of flood prone facilities.

**ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) (PP 9, EPA Programs)**

**Clean Water State Revolving Funds**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 66.458

The EPA provides loans at below market interest rates for up to 20
years. These loans can be used to relocate, repair or replace wastewater
treatment plants damaged by flooding. Contact should be made with the
Louisiana State Revolving Fund Agency within the Louisiana Department of
Environmental Quality.

**Drinking Water State Revolving Funds**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 66.468

The EPA loans can be used to repair, replace, or relocate community
water systems (public and private) damaged by flooding. Loans are
below-market interest rates for up to 20 years, although disadvantaged
communities may qualify for 30-year loans. Additional information may be
obtained from the State Revolving Fund Agency. Instructor should
identify the agency for her/his state.

**SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (PP10, SBA Programs)**

**Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 59.008

These disaster loans are available after a declared disaster to
non-farm, private sector owners of disaster damaged property for
uninsured losses. All loans must be repaid although at a low interest
rate of 4% and a 30 year term. Loans may be used for relocation of
non-farm and nongovernmental structures. Additional information is
available from the Disaster Area 3 Office, Fort Worth, TX.

**NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICES**

**Coastal Zone Management Program (PP11, NOAA Programs)**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 11.419

One must remember that the lower reaches of a watercourse and watersheds
discharging into the Great Lakes may be within a state\'s designated
coastal zone. If portions of these watersheds are eligible, the Office
of Ocean and Coastal Resources provides Section 309 Grants that may be
used for implementing non-structural coastal flood and hurricane hazard
mitigation projects identified in the state\'s Coastal Hazard Mitigation
Plan. The state must cost-share a percentage of the project, a rate that
varies by fiscal year. Applications must be made through the state\'s
coastal management program office.

**DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (PP 12, HUD Programs)**

**Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Entitlement Communities
Program** Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 14.218

Department of Housing and Urban Development CDBG formula grants can be
used for acquisition of real property, clearance, relocation, housing
rehabilitation, public services, public facilities and improvements
(such as water and sewer facilities, streets, and neighborhood centers),
or mitigation activities directly related to an event. The program
targets low and moderate income people in metropolitan cities and urban
parishes. The nonfederal matches are derived from a formula based on the
characteristics of each metropolitan city and urban county. Additional
information is available from HUD.

# Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - State Administered Program 

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 14.228

Department of Housing and Urban Development CDBG formula grants can be
used for acquisition of real property, clearance, relocation, housing
rehabilitation, public services, public facilities and improvements
(such as water and sewer facilities, streets, and neighborhood centers),
or mitigation activities directly related to an event. The program
targets low and moderate income people in non-entitlement areas.
Non-entitlement areas are cities with populations of less than 50,000,
and parishes with populations of less than 200,000. The nonfederal
matches are derived from a formula based on the characteristics of each
state. Additional information is available from HUD.

**Home Investment Partnerships Program**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 14.239

Department of Housing and Urban Development formula and project grants
can be used to provide assistance in floodplain management areas to
assist renters, new home buyers, and existing homeowners with
acquisition, new construction, rehabilitation, and tenant-based rental
assistance. The target audience is low-income persons. A 25% match is
required, but this may be waived due to fiscal distress or in
presidential declared disaster areas.

**HUD Disaster Recovery Initiative**

These HUD grants must be used for buyouts, relocation, long-term
recovery, and mitigation to a covered disaster. Activities that can be
funded include:

> • Acquisition of real property, including the buy out of properties in
> a floodplain and the acquisition of relocation property;
>
> • Relocation payments and assistance for displaced persons,
> businesses, organizations, and farm operations;
>
> • Repair, rehabilitation or reconstruction of residential and
> non-residential structures;
>
> • Acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or installation of public
> facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities,
> streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings
> for eligible purposes;
>
> • Acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of buildings for the
> general conduct of government damaged or destroyed as a direct result
> of a Presidential declared disaster.

These funds are available to states and local governments experiencing a
Presidential declared disaster. Coordination is with HUD.

**Public Housing Modernization Reserve for Disaster and Emergencies**

HUD grants may be used by public housing agencies for modernization
needs, such as elevation and floodproofing, caused by a disaster.
Disasters may be either Presidential declared or any event that HUD
determines would qualify for a Presidential declaration if it were on a
larger scale. Public Housing Agencies should contact HUD for additional
application materials.

**Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. None

HUD provides loan guarantees to public entities for community and
economic development. Loans may be used for acquisition of real
property; relocation of property, homeowners, and businesses;
rehabilitation of publicly-owned property such as water and sewer
systems; and housing rehabilitation, including elevation of properties.
The target is low and moderate to income persons.

**Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims - Section
203(h)**

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 14.119

HUD provides guaranteed/insured loans for individuals on a new
principal, single-family residence after displacement by a disaster.
This Federal Housing Administration program supports relocation of
residences outside of the floodplain. The borrower may finance 100% of
the annual cost of the insurance.

**ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION (EDA) (PP 13, EDA Programs)**

**Post-Disaster Economic Recovery**

Congress may appropriate supplemental funds to the Economic Development
Administration after a disaster. Economic Development Administration
construction project grants to states, local governments, and certain
non-profit organizations may be used for construction of infrastructure.
Public works direct grants have a cost share of 80% Federal and 20%
local. Contact the EDA for additional information.

**NATIONAL RESOURCE AND CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) Programs**
[http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/)
**(PP 14, NRCS Programs)**

NRCS has a suite of programs that can reduce the adverse impact to
floodplains by controlling discharge, erosion, reducing pollution and
conserving or restoring riparian areas. Managers of floodplains that
drain agrarian land uses should look to these programs for a balanced
more comprehensive approach to floodplain management. Some of the more
popular programs include.

-   The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) reduces soil erosion,
    protects the Nation\'s ability to produce food and fiber, reduces
    sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality,
    establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland
    resources.

-   Conservation Security Program (CSP) is a voluntary program that
    provides financial and technical assistance to promote the
    conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and
    animal life, and other conservation purposes on Tribal and private
    working lands. Working lands include cropland, grassland, prairie
    land, improved pasture, and range land, as well as forested land
    that is an incidental part of an agriculture operation. The program
    is available in all 50 States, the Caribbean Area and the Pacific
    Basin area.

-   Conservation Technical Assistance provides assistance to landusers
    for developing and implementing conservation plans on their lands.
    Each farmers\' unique circumstances and needs are carefully
    considered, and soil types and other resources are evaluated before
    making conservation recommendations. Conservation practices such as
    fencing to apply intensive grazing practices, or **no-till
    planting** directly into the previous crop residue bed are planned
    and applied to reduce soil erosion, promote soil moisture retention
    and improve water quality and soil health. NRCS also works with
    landowners to develop and implement animal waste and nutrient
    management plans. These plans provide for wet and dry storage
    systems as well as the efficient management and use of those
    nutrients as fertilizer on the land. NRCS works with producers
    during planning to consider the overall impact on the land and the
    other plants, animals, and wildlife who live there, as well as
    economic factors and the sustained use and productivity of the
    resources.

-   Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) established by the
    1996 Farm Bill, is one of the several voluntary conservation
    programs which are part of the USDA \"Conservation Toolbox.\" EQIP
    offers financial, educational, and technical help to install or
    implement structural, vegetative, and management practices. Through
    the locally led process, EQIP works primarily in priority areas
    identified by conservation district-led local work groups involving
    local community members, state and federal agencies, and others.

-   Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) is a voluntary
    program that helps farmers keep their land in agriculture. The
    program provides funding to State, local, or tribal entities with
    existing farmland protection programs to purchase conservation
    easements or other interests.\
     

-   Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is designed to restore and protect
    wetlands on private property. It is an opportunity for landowners to
    receive financial incentives to enhance wetlands in exchange for
    retiring marginal agricultural land. WRP also serves to provide fish
    and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, protect biological
    diversity and provide recreational opportunities.

-   The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program undertakes
    emergency measures, including the purchase of flood plain easements,
    for runoff retardation and soil erosion prevention to safeguard
    lives and property from floods, drought, and the products of erosion
    on any watershed whenever fire, flood or any other natural
    occurrence is causing or has caused a sudden impairment of the
    watershed.

-   [Wildlife Habitat Incentives
    Program](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/) (WHIP) is for
    landowners who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat
    primarily on private lands. Plans are developed in consultation with
    the local conservation district and provide both technical and
    financial assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife
    habitat.

**APPENDIX C. Objective 20.4. Examination**

GENERAL EXAM QUESTIONS FOR RISK SESSIONS 15 -- 20 (Larry Larson and Rod
Emmer)

**SESSION 15 What are Hazards?**

WHAT -- key concepts

1.  Authors define hazard, hazard event, hazard identification, and
    flood hazard in slightly different terms. But these definitions
    share related concepts. Identify and discuss some of the common
    ideas and concepts these terms share.

ANSWER:

a\. A hazard may be connected to human activity.

b\. Hazards are extreme events.

> c\. Hazards generally pose a risk of damage, loss, or harm to people
> and/or their property.

2.  Discuss the criteria for describing a "flood" as used by the
    National Flood Insurance Program when mapping a Special Flood Hazard
    Area as contrasted to a natural event.

> ANSWER:
>
> FLOOD is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete
> inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or
> more properties from overflow of inland or tidal waters, from unusual
> and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or
> from mudflow (FEMA, 2001a). \[notice how FEMA placed conditions on its
> definition, which omits smaller floods\]
>
> SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA is an area of land that would be inundated
> by a flood having a 1-percent chance of occurring in any given year
> (also referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood) (FEMA, 2001a).
>
> What the profession knew, but was seldom explained and even less
> seldom understood was **probability theory.** First, our prediction
> might be based on stream gage records of far less than 100 years,
> often 10 to 30 years, meaning there was a great chance the predicted
> event reflected a period of abnormal flooding, and was not accurate.
> In addition, the "once every 100 year average" would only balance out
> only over perhaps thousands of years. As history has shown, the
> predicted 1% event can and has occurred more than once in the same
> year; has occurred four times in eight years on some major streams,
> etc. It is simply a predicted probability.

SO WHAT -- Implications and impacts

1.  A flood hazard encompasses four elements that should influence which
    management practices should be employed. Identify and discuss each
    of these four elements.

> ANSWER:

1\. **severity**: magnitude (depth, velocity, quantity), duration (time
period), and extent (coverage, area, expanse);

2\. **probability or occurrence interval:** frequency (annual, 1%.
0.2%), seasonality, and probability of re-occurrence;

3\. **location or distribution across space**: geographic location,
spatial distribution, and presence on the landscape; and

> 4\. **countdown interval or speed of occurrence**: rapidity of
> commencement, warning time, and life cycle (flash flood, slow rise
> flooding, etc.).

NOW WHAT -- Management measures and tools

1.  Now that you know what constitutes a "flood hazard", how would you
    use this information to develop management measures and tools?

> ANSWER:
>
> Management measures and tools must include a range of options, such as
> physical modifications of the landscape and biological techniques to
> stabilize landforms and reduce runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.
> Regulatory and planning practices help people and businesses reduce or
> eliminate flood damages and help victims and communities recover after
> a flood and prepare for and mitigate damages from the inevitable next
> event.

**SESSION 16 What is a Risk**?

WHAT -- key concepts

> 1\. What is a Risk? What is Vulnerability?
>
> ANSWER:
>
> **RISK** - The estimated impact that a hazard would have on people,
> services, facilities, and structures in a community; the likelihood of
> a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or
> damage. Risk is often expressed in relative terms such as a high,
> moderate, or low likelihood of sustaining damage above a particular
> threshold due to a specific type of hazard event. It also can be
> expressed in terms of potential monetary losses associated with the
> intensity of the hazard (FEMA, 2001, p. a-6).
>
> Vulnerability is the level of exposure of human life and property to
> damage from natural hazards (Schwab et al. 1999a, p. 330).

SO WHAT -- Implications and impacts

> 1\. Define the relationship between Risk and Vulnerability. How is
> each of them shown or demonstrated?
>
> ANSWER:

**Risk** identifies the geographic areas most likely to be affected by a
given natural hazard, which in our case is the base flood.

1\. We usually show risk areas on a map. FEMA has done this for us on
the FIRM.

2\. People can live and work within a risk area and be less vulnerable
to the hazard. Some buildings within the defined SFHA do not flood
because they are flood proofed, elevated, or in some other way
protected. **(PP10, Two houses...)**

The people and the infrastructure that serves them are still
**vulnerable**.

1\. Getting to and from a structure, having power or water, etc. may
still present a major problem and cost.

> 2\. Many people and structures in the SFHA are vulnerable. These
> properties will flood and suffer damages.

NOW WHAT -- Management measures and tools

> For determining what will be damaged, we divide the community into
> critical facilities, social enclaves, economic activities, and
> environmental components. Discuss how this information can be used to
> identify and prepare management measures and tools to reduce or
> eliminate flood damages.
>
> ANSWER:
>
> Risk states the probability of an event, in our case flooding.
> Vulnerability describes the susceptibility of a place to damage.
>
> Once we know where the risk exists and what is vulnerable we can
> estimate the direct and indirect (primary and secondary) adverse
> impacts resulting from flooding. This serves as the base for preparing
> a mitigation plan and implementing mitigation measures.

**SESSION 17 Assessing Risk and Vulnerability to a Flood Hazard -- an
Exercise**

WHAT -- key concepts

NO QUESTIONS ARE PROPOSED FOR SESSION 17 AS THIS IS AN EXERCISE.

SO WHAT -- Implications and impacts

NOW WHAT -- Management measures and tools

**SESSION 18 A History of Floodplain Management**

WHAT -- key concepts

1\. Floodplain management is defined by the interest of the
practitioner. Distinguish among floodplain management of the physical
landscape, biological components, and human activities?

> ANSWER:
>
> PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE: The physical landscape includes the channel,
> overflow deposits normally saturated and/or covered by water at least
> part of the year, and elevated features inundated on a less frequent
> but still predicable basis. Management practices are:
>
> channels - dredging, the placement of riprap and concrete mats,
> groins, and diversions;
>
> overflow deposits (point bars, swamps, and marshes) - construction of
> drainage systems, embankments and structures to direct water, and
> pumps; and
>
> elevated features (natural levees, terraces, and alluvial fans) -
> artificial levees and floodwalls, channels, canals, and ditches, and
> dams.
>
> BIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS: The biological landscape includes the channel,
> riparian zone, adjacent wetlands, and higher ground. Management
> practices are:
>
> physical - drainage, dredging, dams, and embankments;
>
> manipulation of the vegetation - cutting, clearing, silvaculture,
> agricultural practices, and use of herbicides; and
>
> introduction of exotic species.
>
> HUMAN ACTIVITIES: The third approach to floodplain management focuses
> on the structural and nonstructural measures that reduce flood
> damages.

SO WHAT -- Implications and impacts

> ANSWER:
>
> Sessions 3 - 14 discussed management of the physical landscape and
> biological components of areas subject to floods. Session 18 focuses
> on floodplain management of human activities.
>
> When human activities are considered we can lower or eliminate the
> adverse impacts of floods while protecting and maintaining the natural
> values and functions of floodplains.
>
> Three basic strategies are: (1) modifying the susceptibility to flood
> damage and disruption, (2) modifying the floods themselves, and (3)
> modifying (reducing) the adverse impacts of floods on the individual
> and the community (FEMA, 1986, p. IV-1).

NOW WHAT -- Management measures and tools

> ANSWER:
>
> We have established that we are working to maintain and protect the
> natural values and functions of floodplains while lowering or
> eliminating the adverse impacts of floods. Now we can select the
> appropriate management measures or tools for flood damage reduction.
> The palette of options includes:
>
> 1\. STRUCTURAL MEASURES represent the engineering approach.
>
> a\. Corrective Measures address existing problems.
>
> b\. Preventive Measures avoid creating new problems.
>
> c\. Examples of structural measures are:
>
> 1\'. Dams and reservoirs
>
> 2\'. Dikes, levees, and floodwalls
>
> 3\'. Channel alterations
>
> 4\'. High flow Diversions and spillways
>
> 5\'. Land treatment measures
>
> 2\. NONSTRUCTURAL MEASURES are the people approaches.
>
> a\. Corrective Measures address existing problems.
>
> b\. Preventive Measures avoid creating new problems.
>
> c\. Both measures may be address the susceptibility of people to
> flooding or modify the impacts of flooding.
>
> 1\'. SUSCEPTIBILITY:
>
> a\'. Acquisition and relocation
>
> b\'. Floodplain regulations and building codes
>
> c\'. Development and redevelopment policies
>
> d\'. Floodproofing and elevation in place
>
> e\'. Disaster preparedness and response plans
>
> f\'. Flood forecasting and warning systems
>
> 2\'. MODIFY THE IMPACTS OF FLOODING
>
> a\'. Information and education
>
> b\'. Flood insurance
>
> c\'. Tax Adjustments
>
> d\'. Flood emergency measures
>
> e\'. Disaster assistance
>
> f\'. Post-flood recovery
>
> g\'. Preservation and restoration strategies to manage natural and
> cultural resources of the floodplain

**SESSION 19 Mitigating Flood Losses**

WHAT -- key concepts

> Define and discuss mitigation as the most important element of
> floodplain management.
>
> ANSWER:
>
> Mitigation encompasses those actions taken to eliminate or reduce to
> an acceptable level the undesired consequences of floods.

SO WHAT -- Implications and impacts

> ANSWER:
>
> For the community and individual mitigation means preventing flood
> damages, protecting existing land uses and future development,
> reducing injuries, and avoiding loss of life. Mitigation measures
> include a range of structural and nonstructural practices that when
> implemented have positive (favorable) characteristics and negative
> (adverse) characteristics that should be considered by decision-makers
> when addressing flood damage reduction.

NOW WHAT -- Management measures and tools

> ANSWER:
>
> Mitigation measures include a range of structural and nonstructural
> practices as identified in Session 18.
>
> The instructor should ask the class to discuss the beneficial and
> adverse attributes of structural and nonstructural practices that
> occur in proximity to their educational institution. The following is
> an example of beneficial and adverse attributes of the National Flood
> Insurance Program.

Flood insurance (discussed in detail in Session 18)

1\. Functions

a\. A Federal program providing property owners in participating
community the opportunity to purchase flood insurance for structures and
contents

b\. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance
Program.

c\. To participate, the community must adopt and enforce floodplain
management measures applicable to the Special Flood Hazard Area. An
approved regulatory program is designed to reduce future flood damages.

2\. Beneficial Attributes

a\. Nationally, by 2005 20,000 communities with identified floodplains
participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

b\. Administrative costs, mapping, and other NFIP expenses are paid
through insurance premiums and fees. This reduces the costs to the
taxpayer for disaster assistance.

c\. Insurance claims, unlike loans (principle plus interest), do not
have to be repaid.

d\. As of 2004 total building coverage available on a single-family
dwelling is \$250,000 plus contents (insurance coverage limits of
\$100,000) while grants are very small (sometimes only \$10,000).

e\. Similar to all insurance programs the NFIP spreads the cost of
insurance through time and over and across a large number of properties
that are at risk.

3\. Detrimental Attributes

a\. To be eligible for flood insurance a property owner must maintain
their flood insurance policy and pay the premiums.

b\. Communities must enforce floodplain regulations on how properties
within the Standard Flood Hazard Area may be used, constructed, or
reconstructed.

c\. The NFIP does not reduce damages. To gain lower premiums owners are
encouraged to reduce their exposure. The Community Rating System does
the same thing for communities.

**SESSION 20 Mitigation Programs**

Identify and discuss selected programs available for reducing or
eliminating flood damages. (INSTRUCTOR MAY CHOOSE TO FOCUS ON SPECIFIC
PROGARMS THAT HAVE A DIRECT APPLICATION TO THE LOCAL WATERSHED).

WHAT -- key concepts

> ANSWER:
>
> A range of federal, state, and local programs and activities are
> available to mitigate flood damages. Many federal programs offering
> technical assistance such as those by FEMA rely on bottom up efforts
> and provide technical or financial assistance to implement appropriate
> mitigation approaches. On the other hand, structural approaches by the
> Corps and NRCS are most often top down programs.

SO WHAT -- Implications and impacts

> ANSWER:
>
> Federal, state, and local assistance addresses many aspects of flood
> losses, including small business loans, rehabilitation, and planning.
> The mitigation programs contribute to making the community and the
> victims less susceptible to floods. Existing problems are corrected
> and the potential for flooding are integrated into future activities.

NOW WHAT -- Management measures and tools

> ANSWER:
>
> Instructor should select one or more programs and have students
> discuss the characteristics and application of the program(s) to
> issues important to their watershed or region. For example, the class
> may discuss the HMGP and show how it applies to their community.