The NFIP, Flood Maps, and Virginia Beach

1. The NFIP, Flood Maps, and Virginia Beach Whitney McNamara 2014 Watersheds Forum March 13, 2014

2. Overview • The NFIP • Flood Maps • 2013 Map Update • Next Steps

3. The National Flood Insurance Program • Was established 1968 as part of the National Flood Insurance Act • Purpose: reduce federal post-flood expenditures, reduce future flood damages, provide affordable insurance • Operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Department of Homeland Security

4. NFIP Organization

5. FEMA’s Role • Assist state NFIP coordinating agencies • Assess community compliance with the minimum NFIP criteria • Advise local officials • Answer questions from design professionals and the public • Help review and adopt new maps and data • Approve community floodplain management regulations • Provide information and training on flood insurance purchase requirements

6. DCR’s Role • Ensure that communities have the legal authority necessary to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations • Establish minimum state regulatory requirements consistent with the NFIP • Provide technical and specialized assistance to local governments • Coordinate the activities of state agencies that affect the NFIP • Establish and enforce floodplain management regulations for state owned properties

7. Local Government’s Role • Develop and enforce a flood ordinance regulating building construction that meets or exceeds NFIP criteria • Issue/deny floodplain development permits • Inspect development to ensure compliance • Maintain records (elevation, variances, permits, etc.) • Assist in preparation of floodplain maps • Assist residents in obtaining information on flood hazards, floodplain map data, flood insurance, and proper construction

8. Private Insurance Companies • Private insurance companies can provide NFIP flood insurance through the write-your own program • Private flood insurance is also available, but costly

9. Flood Maps Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer

10. Virginia Beach • Current FIRMs are from 2009 • 25,524 total policies • 17,806 Post-FIRM; 7,718 Pre-FIRM • 11,985 PRP Policies (47%) • Highest number of policies in the state • Second highest in the Region

11. 2013 Update – Better Mapping • More transects along the shorelines • FEMA model accounts for dunes and sea walls • Additional AE Zone delineation for BFE’s

12. 2013 Update – Who is Impacted? • Overall net reduction of residences in a SFHA • BFE’s are mostly decreasing

13. 2013 Update – What’s Next? • Preliminary maps are available for Public Comment until May 5, 2014 • Can be viewed online at www.vbgov.com/flood • Open House on March 26th from 6-8 PM • Letter of Final Determination expected in May 2014 • City expects maps to be adopted by November 2014

14. What Else is Virginia Beach Doing? • Increased freeboard to 2 feet • Beach Nourishment • FEMA Grant for SRL Home Elevation • Private Homeowner Elevation Process • Interdepartmental Floodplain Workgroup • Comp Plan Update • Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan (exploring) • Identifying Vulnerable Critical Infrastructure