Flood Plain Manager and the work of Flood Plain Management

Floodplain management focuses on the proper use of land and construction practices in areas susceptible to flooding. This work is primarily driven by participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which mandates specific local regulatory practices in exchange for the availability of federally backed flood insurance (FEMA, 2021).

Key Areas of Work for a Floodplain Manager

The FPM's responsibilities fall broadly into three interconnected categories (ASFPM, 2023):

Regulatory Compliance:

Permitting: Reviewing and issuing permits for all development, construction, or land disturbance activities within the designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

Enforcement: Ensuring that all new or substantially improved structures comply with local floodplain ordinances, such as elevating the lowest floor above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) (FEMA, 2021).

Mapping: Utilizing and interpreting flood maps (Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or FIRMs) provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to inform regulatory decisions.

Mitigation and Risk Reduction:

Planning: Developing and updating community-specific hazard mitigation plans to identify and prioritize actions that reduce future flood damage.

Project Management: Overseeing projects such as property acquisitions, structure elevations, floodproofing, or the construction of small-scale flood control measures (ASFPM, 2023).

Grant Management: Securing and managing state or federal mitigation funds (e.g., FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program or the Flood Mitigation Assistance program).

Community Assistance and Education:

Technical Assistance: Providing expert guidance to property owners, builders, and developers regarding flood hazards and appropriate building techniques.

Emergency Preparedness: Coordinating with emergency management officials to plan and respond to flood events, including pre-disaster declarations and post-disaster recovery (ASFPM, 2023).

Public Outreach: Educating the public about flood risk, the importance of flood insurance, and the necessity of local regulatory standards.

Sample Answer

The Role and Work of a Floodplain Manager

A Floodplain Manager (FPM) is a specialized professional responsible for leading, coordinating, and implementing measures related to planning, regulating, and responding to flood hazards within a community. They serve as a crucial link between federal standards and local application of flood risk reduction strategies. The primary credential for this role in the United States is the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification offered by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM).

Defining Floodplain Management

Floodplain Management refers to the comprehensive effort of communities and governmental agencies to minimize the loss of life and property caused by flooding (FEMA, 2021). It is a strategic, ongoing process that integrates various disciplines to manage the risk associated with floodplains.