May/June 2021 - 98

*
" P " is for " planning. " Affected
c ommun i t i e s l e v e r a g e t h e
assessments in their planning, with
hazard mitigation plans having
evolved so that they specify actions
communities can take to reduce risk
and increase resilience.
Coastal Restudy - The New York and
New Jersey Coastal Restudy project
encompasses the entire Atlantic Ocean
side of New Jersey and New York City.
The project was initiated in 2017 after a
successful appeal by New York City of
FEMA's initial study findings. When a
third party reviewed the city's appeal
and identified merit in some of the
objections, FEMA adjusted the risk map
study process accordingly. Majercak
noted that this process shows that FEMA
is receptive to feedback to bring the most
accurate flood risk information to a
community, even on a project where
significant investment had already been
made. The Restudy project combines
coastal and riverine analyses, with
stakeholder engagement expanded
throughout the Restudy for communicating
progress and study findings. The
Restudy team has also added more
recent and historical storms to enhance
and validate the model and to improve
the analysis of tidal effects and impacts
of storm surges. To learn more, visit
https://region2-fema.opendata.
arcgis.com
flood mi t igat ion act ions. FEMA
continually evolves programs to take
actions designed to protect, reduce or
even eliminate flood hazard risks.
FEMA strives to provide resources
communities need for using floodrelated
data to protect themselves -
including the resources officials and
engineers need to protect people they
serve. The speakers noted that the
original paper flood maps are, by
today's standards, difficult to use and
hard for the public to understand. As
technology has advanced, the agency
has implemented a map modernization
project that includes incorporating
remote sensing, higher-resolution
aerial photography, and advanced
hydraulic hydrology modeling to depict
flood hazards at greater resolution and
in interactive formats.
FEMA works with communities to
understand how data can be used for
local planning and zoning purposes,
recognizing that local communities
know their flood risks best. The agency
helps quantify risk, understand and
identify viable emergency roads and
conduct additional research, for
businesses or individuals that may be
impacted. Such actions can be as simple
as suggesting people lift possessions,
inventory or items of sentimental value
off of the ground even 1 or 2 ft (0.3 to
0.6 m) above water.
invested in mitigation, FEMA estimates
that $6 can be saved. The agency requires
communities to have an approved
Hazard Mitigation Plan to be eligible for
FEMA post-disaster grants when a
presidentially declared disaster occurs.
FEMA recognizes the impacts of sea
level rise and climate change on
flooding. Through the Cooperating
Technical Partners Program (CTP), it
works with partners to consider these
impacts. FEMA Region II is currently
working with New York City, for
instance, on developing a sea level rise
map to define future flood risks for the
city. The agency does not work directly
with local communities on flooding
projects. Applicants must receive
assistance through their state organizations.
To connect with relevant state
programs, contact Song and Majercak at
thomas.song@fema.dhs.gov and
regina.majercak@fema.dhs.gov.
NY Economic Development
Activities
Speaker Sarah Murphy is a project
manager at the New York Ci ty
Economic Development Corporation
( EDC ) , a q u a s i - g o v e r nme n t a l
organization that supports industry and
brings emerging industries into the
city. The organization does so by
promoting workforce development
oppor tuni t ies and under taking
planning initiatives on a neighborhood
scale, and development projects. In
part, EDC serves as the steward of cityowned
working waterfront properties
and transportation infrastructure
under the Port of New York and New
Jersey program.
Mitigation Needs - New York City's
FEMA flood map evolution
Inspiring Action - Despite the
increased accuracy of maps in recent
years, engineering data alone do not
always inspire communities to pursue
98 * DEEP FOUNDATIONS * MAY/JUNE 2021
Locally, a Hazard Mitigation Plan is a
critical document for understanding the
hazards and actions a community can
take to mitigate risk. For every $1
520 mi (837 km) of waterfront infrastructure
requires routine maintenance
and investment. Such construction may
require permits from the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE) or
Depa r tment o f Env i ronment a l
Conservation (DEC), as permanent
mo d i f i c a t i o n s ma y r e s u l t i n
unavoidable impacts to the aquatic
environment that must be mitigated.
https://region2-fema.opendata.arcgis.com
May/June 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May/June 2021
