Responsibility for Reducing Flood Risk vs. Paying for Flood Response and Recovery

Thursday, 3:30-5:00 p.m., Interlocken B

Disaster losses due to floods are local phenomena, but the ability to recover has become a national concern. Over the past few decades, the responsibility for flood response and recovery has moved gradually from individuals and local authorities to the federal government, and now a disconnect exists between those who make land use decisions (local governments) and those who pay for flood response, recovery, and rebuilding (federal government). Could this be why development in floodplains continues and why flood damages continue to increase?

This topic is especially timely considering a recent report from the National Committee on Levee Safety, which neglected to address land use planning and continuing development in residual risk areas behind levees.

Edward Thomas, Moderator
Michael Baker Jr., Inc.

Peter Rabbon, Panelist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Flood Risk Management Program

Chad Berginnis, Panelist
Michael Baker Jr., Inc.

Roy Wright, Panelist
FEMA

Paul Perri, Panelist
Colorado Safety of Dams Program