A Flood Plain Manager and the work of Flood Plain Management

Sample Answer

A Flood Plain Manager is a specialized professional responsible for implementing and enforcing regulations and programs designed to reduce flood damage and manage development within flood-prone areas. The work of Flood Plain Management (FPM) is an interdisciplinary effort encompassing planning, engineering, regulation, and insurance to minimize the risk to life and property from flooding (FEMA, 2021).

🌊 The Role of a Flood Plain Manager

A Flood Plain Manager (FPM) typically serves as a key administrator, often working for local or state government entities (e.g., city planning departments, county emergency management agencies). Their responsibilities are centered on ensuring the community complies with federal, state, and local requirements, most notably those of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Key Responsibilities:

Regulation and Enforcement: Interpreting and enforcing the local flood damage prevention ordinance, including reviewing permit applications for all proposed development (construction, grading, filling) within the designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). This ensures new development meets criteria like elevation requirements (FEMA, 2021).

Technical Assistance: Providing technical guidance to builders, developers, property owners, and local officials regarding flood risks, flood maps, elevation certificates, and floodproofing techniques.

Community Rating System (CRS): Managing and coordinating activities for the CRS program, a voluntary NFIP program that rewards communities for going above the minimum flood plain management requirements by providing residents with discounts on flood insurance premiums (ASFPM, 2023).

Mapping and Data Management: Maintaining and interpreting official flood hazard maps (Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRMs) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).