Governor Jon Corzine Stresses Importance of Floodplain Management in Recent News Conference

Register for the

New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management Second Annual Conference

October 26-27, 2006

Learn about the significant changes proposed to the Flood Hazard Area Control Act

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

On August 22, 2006, Governor Jon Corzine released the final report of the Flood Mitigation Task Force and proposed draft rules in response to Task Force recommendations and chronic flooding.

"We won't ever stop floods from happening, but we can mitigate their impact," Corzine said at a Trenton news conference with DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson. "We think we can make a big difference in certain areas."

A study released by the New Jersey Flood Mitigation Task Force -- a group of local politicians, flood experts and environmentalists assembled after the first two floods -- recommended better protection of the floodplain and restrictions on building.

NJAFM presents their second annual conference. This two-day conference will cover information important for floodplain managers, emergency managers, building code officials and other professionals involved in floodplain management.

Thursday - Friday, October 26-27, 2006

DoubleTree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center

200 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ

Speakers from FEMA, New Jersey State agencies, other Federal agencies, municipalities, and the private sector will cover topics of floodplain management in New Jersey, FEMA activity in our state, hazard mitigation, the Governor’s Task Force on Flood Mitigation, building codes, NJDEP regulatory issues, NFIP/CRS, local case studies, NFIP map modernization, DMA 2000, repetitive loss properties, Certified Floodplain Managers program, and the development of the New Jersey chapter of the Association of State Floodplain Managers. The combination of plenary sessions and educational breakouts are planned to give you the tools to educate your community.

"As we are all acutely aware of today, flooding has impacts on public health, safety, life, and property - it is a very serious threat," said John A. Miller, Acting Past Chair of NJAFM. "Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, and the costs associated with flood damage continue to rise. Flooding is handled as an emergency, but continued enlightenment and vigilance must rule the times between the major events," he added. "Our Fall Conference will address these issues in the state of New Jersey."

"We aren't claiming that this will fix everything, but we are bringing together the DEP, DCA, State Police, FEMA, Code Officials, Surveyors, business leaders, and some great technical minds, to strengthen preparedness and reduce risk" said Mike Graham, Vice Chair of NJAFM. "Sharing ideas to continue improvements for floodplain management, refining policy in the context of a public-private partnership; these are the goals of our conference.”

"Flooding is an ever-increasing concern to residents and government officials alike. The vulnerability of people and property to flood damages was clearly illustrated in at least six New Jersey counties as a result of Hurricane Ivan during the summer of 2004, as well as during the Delaware River floods in April 2005 and June 2006, and will certainly be a recurring concern in the future," said Mark Mauriello, Chair of NJAFM.

New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management is dedicated to reducing loss of life and property damage resulting from floods. This non-profit organization seeks to accomplish this goal through education, outreach, training, and coordination of flood mitigation activities between state and federal agencies, local government, property owners, and private sector professionals. You do not have to work or reside in New Jersey to be a member of the organization; flooding knows no political boundary.

To register for the Conference, go to http://www.njafm.org. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.  Please email cleighton.smith@dewberry.com with any questions.

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