Kentucky Watches, Warnings or Advisories  – Weather Alerts Follow the alerts, link here

.

L194 – Advanced Floodplain Concepts Free Training

September 19 – 22, 2016

KDOW, Frankfort, KY

This advanced floodplain management 4-day course is a dynamic and interactive course covering NFIP, Floodplain Rules and Regulations in depth, provides an organized training opportunity for local officials responsible for administering their local floodplain management roles and responsibilities, Letter of Map Change (LOMC) and Preparing for Post-Disaster Responsibilities.

Class Limited to 20 students.  Link to http://www.kymitigation.org/l194-advanced-floodplain-concepts/.

 

Announcing 2016 Kentucky GIS Conference

October 17 – 19, 2016

Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, KY

• Link to the 2016_KAMP_Conference Flyer for information.
• Link to the 2016 GIS Conference Workshop Flyer for details of over 20 workshops on October 17.
• Register for the conference on KAMP’s website: www.kampro.org.

 

Thank you for Attending the 2016 KAMM Annual Conference

The Changing Climate of Mitigation

August 22 – 25, 2016
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park – Gilbertsville, KY

Links to Conference Info and Agendas:

• 2016 Conference Information
• August 22 – Pre-Conference Agenda
• August 23 – 25 – 2016 KAMM Conference agenda final  

Link to the entire 2016 KAMM Conference packet.

KAMM Conference Sponsors:  We appreciate our sponsors!  Link here to see the 2016 Sponsors.

Announcing Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Funding- DR 427

September 6, 2016

Availability of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding as a result of DR 4278 Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, July 2-9, 2016 is open.  Link to the Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) Notice of Funds Available (NOFA).

To be considered for funding, the Mitigation Actions Forms (MAF) must be submitted in the Community Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Planning System (CHAMPS) by Friday, October 14, 2016.  CHAMPS can be accessed at this website address:  http://kyem.ky.gov/champs/Pages/default.aspx

Applicant Briefings

KYEM Recovery Branch will conduct briefings for all prospective applicants seeking hazard mitigation assistance related to FEMA-DR-4278-KY (Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, July 2-9, 2016.) Mitigation is available for state and local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations throughout the Commonwealth.

Please find attached the schedule of applicant-briefing-dr-4278_september_2016 for our recent disaster, DR-4278.  During these briefings we will discuss the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and how to apply for grant funding.

 

NIST Seeks Disaster Resilience Grant Proposals

August 26, 2016

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is making up to $3 million in grant funding available for research aimed at (1) advancing the principles of disaster resilience in the design of building and infrastructure systems, and (2) developing building codes and standards that will lead to reduction of impact caused by windstorm and coastal inundation, wildland urban interface fires and earthquakes. The Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) also seeks grant proposals for the development of innovative measurement methods and technologies to collect and evaluate building and infrastructure performance data in the wake of a hazard event. NIST anticipates funding five to 15 awards in the range of $300,000 to $1 million each for up to three years.

Applications for the Disaster Resilience Research Grants Program must be received in Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 23, 2016.

For more information, see the DR Research Grants Program webpage or contact Millie Glick, millie.glick@nist.gov (301) 975-5962.

 

HMGP UPDATES

August 23, 2016

Using HMGP to enhance disaster resilience related to building codes

The Additional 5 percent Initiative is funding that has been set aside under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program (HMGP) to help communities enhance disaster resilience related to building codes, such as adopting the current International Building Code® and improving a community’s Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) score.  A building is considered disaster resistant when it not only protects its occupants but can also be quickly repaired and re-occupied because damage from natural disasters is minimized.

Fact Sheets:  

• Additional 5 percent Initiative Fact Sheet provides Recipients and subrecipients of HMGP funds with additional information on how to implement the Additional 5 percent Initiative as changed by the Fiscal Year 2015 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance. FEMA’s intention in supporting the adoption and enforcement of building codes is to promote resilience by using disaster-resistant practices.
• Clarifying the Additional 5 percent Initiative Resources is a companion document to the Fact Sheet highlighting where to find more information on resilient building practices.

 

FIMA Releases Climate Resilient Mitigation Activities Job Aids

August 15, 2016

The purpose of these job aids are to help communities applying for CRMA activities under Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants comply with the technical feasibility and effectiveness, and environmental and historic preservation requirements of the application.  The job aids provide a checklist of information required by FEMA to determine grant eligibility and to complete a thorough review of the application.  The available job aids include:

• Aquifer Storage & Recovery
• Floodplain & Stream Restoration
• Flood Diversion & Storage

The Climate Resilient Mitigation Activities are available for HMPG funding resulting from a major disaster declared on or after September 30, 2015, and for competitive PDM and FMA funding for which the application period opened on or after September 30, 2015.

If you have any questions or comments on the CRMA Job Aids, please contact the HMA Grants Policy staff at fema-hma-grants-policy@fema.dhs.gov.

 

Protecting Drinking Water from Harmful Algal Blooms

August 2016

Algal toxins are a growing problem in the US.  Harmful algal blooms (HABs) produce algal toxins that can cause fish kills and contaminate drinking water supplies.  EPA has released a comprehensive strategic plan outlining actions to address algal toxins in drinking water.  Solving this complex challenge to our drinking water will require action at all levels of government and approaches that are collaborative, innovative, and persistent.

The Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) continues to monitor Kentucky’s waters for Harmful Algal Blooms

• For additional information about HABs, visit http://water.ky.gov/ waterquality/pages/HABS.aspx or contact Mark.Martin@ky.gov
• For updates on water levels and HABs at USACE lakes visit http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Water-Information/HABs/

 

E273 Training – Managing Floodplain Development through the NFIP

Application Deadline: September 16, 2016

This course provides an opportunity for local officials responsible for administering their floodplain regulations.  The course will focus on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and concepts of floodplain management, maps and studies, ordinance administration, and the relationship between floodplain management and flood insurance.

This course will describe important aspects of basic floodplain management practices necessary to begin a participant’s floodplain management career.  The course includes an overview of the NFIP, outreach and risk communication techniques.  Using Flood Insurance Studies and maps to determine the flood hazard risk at given sites.  NFIP minimum floodplain insurance rating, and legal implications of regulatory actions.  For a basic permit process.  Use of FEMA elevation and other.

Prerequisites:  The following free, independent study course and online tutorials are required prerequisites to be completed before the start of the course:

• IS-1103: Elevation Certificate for Surveyors
• Flood Insurance Rate Map tutorial
• Federal Insurance Studies tutorial

Target Audience:  Local officials responsible for administering local floodplain management ordinances, including but not limited to floodplain management administrators, building inspectors, code enforcement/zoning officers, planners, city/county managers, attorneys, engineers, and public works officials.  Federal and State floodplain management professionals are also encouraged to attend.  The course is designed for officials with limited floodplain management experience.  Participants should have less than 3 years of full-time experience in the field of floodplain management.

 

FIMA Announces Availability of Benefit Cost Analysis Tools for Drought and Ecosystem Services

June 10, 2016

FEMA has developed Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) Tools and Guidance to calculate benefits for climate resilient mitigation activities, including drought mitigation, ecosystem services, and pre-calculated benefits for cost-effectiveness evaluation of soil stabilization, flood diversion, and reforestation projects in wildfire impacted areas to support expedient implementation of post-wildfire mitigation actions. The tools and guidance include:

• Aquifer Storage and Recovery BCA Calculator Tool
• Ecosystem Service Benefits Calculator
• Supplemental BCA Guidance for Floodwater Diversion and Storage Projects
• Supplemental BCA Guidance for Floodplain and Stream Restoration Projects
• Pre-calculated benefits for post-wildfire mitigation actions

If you require the Microsoft Excel version of either of the calculator tools, or if you have any questions on details of the Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA), visit the BCA website, contact the BCA Helpline at 1-855-540-6744 or bchelpline@fema.dhs.gov.  These additional BCA Tools are available for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) for which the application period is open on or after the date of the May 12, 2016.  Please note that not all mitigation activities are eligible under all three programs.  For example, wildfire mitigation is eligible under HMGP and PDM, but not FMA.

The Climate Resilient Mitigation Activities are available for HMPG funding resulting from a major disaster declared on or after September 30, 2015, and for competitive PDM and FMA funding for which the application period opened on or after September 30, 2015.

 

NFIP Announces Oct. 1, 2016 Program Changes

May 10, 2016

FEMA releases Oct. 1 2016 program changes.  Go to http://www.nfipiservice.com/Stakeholder/FEMA8/W-16032.html to view the cover memo and four attachments, including:

• Attachment A – Transaction Record Reporting and Processing Plan Revisions
• Attachment B – Edit Specifications Revisions
• Attachment C –Updated Preferred Risk Policy and Newly Mapped Application Form
• Attachment D –Sample Form for No Mandatory Purchase Requirement

 

FEMA Issues an Addendum to HFIAA Program Changes: Clear Communication of Risk

Bulletin-16021: Addendum 4 to April 1, 2016, Program Changes – Revised Underwriting Procedures for HFIAA Section 28, Clear Communication of Risk

March 30, 2016

Bulletin W-15046 described the initial implementation of Section 28, Clear Communication of Risk, of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014.  Section 28 requires FEMA to clearly communicate full flood risk determinations to individual property owners regardless of whether their premium rates are full-risk rates.  Ensuring clear and accurate communication of flood risk requires correct underwriting information.  This bulletin describes how FEMA will rate policies using correct information.  The full bulletin includes specific procedures for insurers to follow as part of this effort.

FEMA initially proposed that NFIP insurers report current flood zone and current Flood Insurance Rate Map information, including Base Flood Elevation, if applicable, for all new business policies effective on or after April 1, 2016, and for all renewals effective on or after Oct. 1, 2016.  After further consultation with NFIP insurers, and out of concerns for our customers, FEMA determined that a phased approach would best implement these requirements.

Read the full bulletin here.

 

Training Opportunities

Links on KAMM’s Website

• KAMM Regional Training page
• Webinars
• NFIP Online Training
• Changes to NFIP – 2016

 

Kentucky Business One Stop

The Kentucky Business One Stop Portal is here to create an easy-to-use environment where Kentucky’s businesses can find the requirements and tools they need to own and operate a business in Kentucky.  The mission of the Kentucky Business One Stop is to promote economic development and job creation, and at the same time create efficiencies for both businesses and government.

Environmental Licenses/Permits:  You may be required by state and federal law or regulation to have an environmental permit to operate in Kentucky.  The Kentucky Business One Stop Portal is a great resource for identifying which environmental permits are required:  http://onestop.ky.gov/start/Pages/environmental.aspx.

 

2016 Uniform Relocation Act (URA) Low Income Limits Issued

Effective Date – March 28, 2016

The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Uniform Act or URA) – FY 2016 Low Income Limits, used in connection with rental assistance payment calculations under 49 CFR 24.402(b), have been issued with an effective date of March 28, 2016.

Additional information and guidance for making URA low income calculations are available on the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) web page.

 

EPA Survey Shows $271 Billion Needed for Nation’s Wastewater Infrastructure

January 13, 2016

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a survey showing that $271 billion is needed to maintain and improve the nation’s wastewater infrastructure, including the pipes that carry wastewater to treatment plants, the technology that treats the water, and methods for managing stormwater runoff.  The survey is a collaboration between EPA, states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. To be included in the survey, projects must include a description and location of a water quality-related public health problem, a site-specific solution, and detailed information on project cost.

Adequate wastewater infrastructure plays a vital role in the health of streams, rivers, and lakes, where discharged wastewater and stormwater runoff often end up. Wastewater infrastructure must also become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, stronger and more frequent storms, flooding, and drought.  Wastewater infrastructure improvements also support healthy economies. Construction projects create good-paying jobs, and where new facilities are built, workers are needed to operate and maintain them. Upgraded infrastructure results in cleaner water, which is essential for many businesses and sectors of the economy.

EPA launched the Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center in January 2015 to work with states and communities to identify innovative financing strategies for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The center recently selected regional Environmental Finance Centers to help communities across the country develop sustainable “how-to-pay” solutions to meet environmental goals. This financial expertise and technical assistance helps communities make informed funding decisions for resilient infrastructure projects that best meet local needs.  In addition, EPA offers financial assistance to address the types of infrastructure needs covered in the survey.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund has provided more than $111 billion in low-interest loans since its inception in 1987, with $5.8 billion in FY 2015 alone. Grant funding is available through the Alaska Native Villages and Rural Communities program, the Clean Water Indian Set-Aside, and the U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure program.

The $271 billion is primarily for projects needed within five years. The survey reported the following infrastructure needs:

• Secondary wastewater treatment: $52.4 billion to meet secondary treatment standards. Secondary treatment uses biological processes to meet the minimum level of treatment required by law.
• Advanced wastewater treatment: $49.6 billion to provide upgrades so treatment plants can attain a level of treatment more protective than secondary treatment. Advanced treatment may also treat nonconventional or toxic pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia or metals.
• Conveyance system repair: $51.2 billion to rehabilitate and repair conveyance systems.
• New conveyance systems: $44.5 billion to install new sewer collection systems, interceptor sewers and pumping stations.
• Combined sewer overflow correction: $48 billion to prevent periodic discharges of mixed stormwater and untreated wastewater during wet-weather events.
• Stormwater management programs: $19.2 billion to plan and implement structural and nonstructural measures to control polluted runoff from storm events.
• Recycled water distribution: $6.1 billion for conveyance and further treatment of wastewater for reuse.

Visit http://www.epa.gov/cwns for more information on the report.

 

New Mitigation Publications – 2016

For more mitigation resources and other publications, go to KAMM’s Mitigation Resources page.

Follow the links ….

Unified Federal Review Process Newsletter Dec 2015  The UFR Newsletter serves as outreach to multiple federal, tribal, state and local stakeholders as a way to showcase UFR Process efforts aimed at supporting communities affected by disaster. The newsletter allows agencies to stay involved with efforts to further develop a UFR Process across the nation.

Flood Loss Avoidance Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management. December 2015. This EPA modeling study estimates the flood loss avoidance benefits from application of small storm retention practices for new development and redevelopment nationwide. Twenty HUC8 watersheds were modeled in areas where significant growth is expected between 2020 and 2040, using the FEMA Hazus model and national-scale datasets. The area of the watersheds ranges between 500 and 3,000 square miles. The study was conducted in consultation with other federal agencies including the US Army Corps of Engineers,  NOAA, and FEMA.

The approach was vetted by a panel of experts from government, academia, and industry. The results show that, over time, the use of green stormwater infrastructure can save hundreds of millions of dollars in flood losses, while just applying the practices to new development and redevelopment only. If retrofitting were to occur, the avoided losses would be even more significant. Download the document: Flood Loss Avoidance Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management.

Flood Resilience Guide to protect utilities.  Introducing EPA’s tool, Flood Resilience: A Basic Guide for Water and Wastewater Utilities, which was designed for small and medium drinking water and utilities and includes interactive worksheets, instructional videos, and flood maps. With a user-friendly layout, embedded videos, and flood maps to guide you, EPA’s Flood Resilience Guide is your one-stop resource to protect your critical assets.

• Flood Resilience Guide Fact Sheet. Download the EPA Fact Sheet  – Build Flood Resilience at Your Water Utility

USGS publishes “Identifying and preserving high-water mark data: techniques and methods 3-A24”  March 18, 2016.  The report serves as a field guide for identifying high-water marks and presents guidance and proper techniques for preserving, evaluating, and recording the data collected for use in surface-water modelling, flood documentation and much more.

FEMA Releases Damage Assessment Operating Manual.  March 31, 2016, FEMA released the FEMA Damage Assessment Operating Manual. The manual establishes national damage assessment standards developed from lessons learned and best practices already in use and is intended to increase the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of damage assessments by empowering emergency management at all levels with clear information and defined roles and responsibilities.  The standards put forth in the manual will be the national standard utilized by states and tribes conducting damage assessments after disasters.

Handy Guide to NFIP Changes that Took Effect on April 1, 2016. Download “Making Sense of NFIP Regulatory Changes.” A great e-book – a readable and understandable publication.

Hazard Mitigation Assistance Cost Share Guide.  May 2016.  The Hazard Mitigation Assistance Cost Share Guidance is a tool for Applicants, Subapplicants and FEMA to assist with understanding match requirements for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants. The Guide encourages early coordination for cost share strategies and provides helpful examples for various approaches such as donated resources for the non-Federal cost share.  Download the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Cost Share Guide.

Incorporating Environmental Justice into Regulatory Efforts. EPA recently issued its first-ever Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis. This guidance represents a significant step towards ensuring the impacts of EPA regulations on vulnerable populations are understood and considered in the decision-making process.  The EJ Technical Guidance improves our ability to perform some of the most important work we do. Better integrating environmental justice in EPA’s core regulatory function is essential to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or income level, have access to clean water, clean air, and healthy communities.

 

 

 

 

 

KAMM mailing address: KAMM, PO Box 1016, Frankfort, KY 40602-1016.

Have questions, contact us at kentuckymitigation@gmail.com.  Don’t forget to join the KAMM group on LinkedIn.

 

For best results we recommend you update to Adobe Reader.

This software is available, for no cost, at http://get.adobe.com/reader/