Investing in Mitigation - Leveraging Resources to Mitigate Flood Hazards
The New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) 18th annual conference will focus on mitigation as the cornerstone of effective floodplain management. Mitigation takes many forms - structural elevations, floodproofing, natural resource restoration, higher regulatory standards and codes, education and training, comprehensive planning and land use management, and other actions. With an increase in federal funding for hazard mitigation and infrastructure, we have a unique opportunity to work collaboratively to leverage resources and maximize investments in a broad range of actions to address chronic flood hazards now, and into the future.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24TH
8 AM
Rich Einhorn Memorial Golf Outing
McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links, Egg Harbor Township*
10 AM - 5 PM
Floodplain Management Basic Training*
This training covers the background and history of the NFIP, Roles and Responsibilities, FEMA’s Floodplain Mapping Program, How to Read Riverine and Coastal Maps, NFIP Regulations, as well as Higher Standards, Ordinance Administration, Permitting, Elevation Certificates, Substantial Damage/Improvement, Insurance, Disaster Opportunities and Hazard Mitigation. Attendees who plan to take the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) exam on Thursday October 26 are encouraged to participate in this free training event.
Cleighton Smith, PE, CFM, Taylor Wiseman & Taylor
1 - 4:30 PM
Floodplain Management for Building Code Officials
Building Code Officials in New Jersey have significant responsibilities enforcing municipal construction codes and floodplain ordinances. With new regulations, updated flood mapping and ongoing construction activities in New Jersey communities, Code Officials face mounting challenges in their day-to-day work. This training will provide up to date information regarding codes, standards and requirements, and substantial damage determinations, as well as suggestions on how to manage the ever- increasing work tasks that come with the job.
Michael Thulen, Jr, Building Code Official, Point Pleasant Beach Borough
Bob Burlew, Building Code Official, Eatontown Borough & Long Branch City
John Fiedler, Building Code Official, Hillsborough Township
3 - 5 PM
Workshop: Financial Assistance for Rebuilding Activities Post-Disaster Under Section 1206 - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Every disaster is local, and it is local efforts that drive communities to recover faster and rebuild stronger. A policy was put in place to help accomplish both after a Presidentially Declared Disaster through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. Certain building code and floodplain management activity expenses are now eligible for reimbursement under Section 1206 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018. This workshop will include guidance on how communities can get financial assistance for eligible expenses, including labor costs and contracted services, and how being prepared ahead of time will help manage post-disaster floodplain management and building code activity demands.
Thomas Song, FEMA Region 2
5 - 7 PM
Cracker Barrel Consulting Session
(Open to all conference attendees, food and beverages provided)
Do you have questions about NJDEP or FEMA regulations and programs? Do you need a technical consult with floodplain management experts on mitigation funding, codes, permitting, mapping, floodproofing or other floodplain management topics? Come to the Cracker Barrel Consulting session and speak directly with agency and industry representatives listed below to get answers and information. Additional topics TBD.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25TH
8 AM
Registration, Exhibits, Continental Breakfast
9 AM
Conference Welcome and Opening Remarks
Mike Graham, CFM and Mark Mauriello, NJAFM Conference Co-Chairs
9:15 -10:30 AM
Plenary Session 1: Federal Funding for Flood Mitigation
Funding for flood mitigation is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). This session will provide an overview of these Federal funding programs in support of flood mitigation, along with information about how to leverage resources to bring flood mitigation funding and projects to your communities.
Eric Letvin, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Mitigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Mark Osler, Senior Advisor for Coastal Inundation and Resilience, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Eric Wall, Director of Policy, Planning and Partnership, Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, US Small Business Administration
Moderator: Randy Behm, PE, CFM, Behm Hazard Mitigation, LLC (Retired ACOE)
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Conference Exhibits, Light Refreshments
11 AM – 12:15 PM
Concurrent Technical Session 1
1215 PM
Keynote Luncheon
Remarks by Elissa Commins, PE, CFM, NJAFM Chair
Keynote Speaker: George Siegal, Director/Producer Founder, Move the World Films, Inc.
Director, Last House Standing
Podcaster, Tell Us How To Make It Better
George will provide a film director's perspective of why people choose to live where they do, without having any understanding of the risks. George’s experience working with storm victims has given him a unique perspective on storm impacts to people and the challenges of human adaptation to increasing hazards. Click HERE to Meet Our Keynote.
2 – 3:15 PM
Concurrent Technical Session 2
3:15 – 3:45 PM
Conference Exhibits, Light Refreshments
3:45 – 5:00 PM
Plenary Session 2: Hurricane Ian in Florida: Impacts and Implications for New Jersey
Ian was a Category 5 hurricane that made landfall in western Florida on September 28, 2022. Ian was the third costliest weather-related disaster on record and resulted in the deaths of 150 people. In many ways, this storm was very similar to Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, with extreme storm surge, flooding and associated damages and recovery costs. This session will include an overview of Ian and Sandy, with a discussion of lessons learned, what worked and didn’t, and what lies ahead to address increasing storm hazard vulnerability in New Jersey.
Patrick Fuller, Director, Charlotte County (FL) Emergency Management
Vince Mazzei, PE, State Floodplain Administrator, NJDEP
Moderator: Tom Herrington, PhD, Associate Director, Urban Coast Institute of Monmouth University
5 - 7:00 PM
NJAFM Social Networking Event and Scholarship Auction
Unwind after a busy day, reconnect and network with friends and colleagues, meet with some amazing exhibitors, enjoy complimentary food and beverages and participate in our renowned auction, with all proceeds devoted to NJAFM training, education and scholarships.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26TH
8:00 AM
Registration, Exhibits, Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 9:00 AM
NJAFM Members Meeting
9:00 AM
NJ Interagency Council on Climate Resilience
Opening Comments: Joe Barris, CFM, NJAFM Executive Director
9:15 AM
Plenary Session III: NJ Interagency Council on Climate Resilience
Through Executive Order No. 89, the Interagency Council on Climate Resilience (Interagency Council) was established by Governor Murphy to develop short- and long-term action plans that will promote the long-term mitigation, adaptation, and resilience of New Jersey’s economy, communities, infrastructure, and natural resources. In addition to these coordinated efforts, the Interagency Council will support the development and implementation of the Climate Change Resilience Strategy that will guide and inform State actions to address the impacts of climate change. This session will provide an overview of the Council’s work, how it will benefit NJ communities and how you can get involved.
Nick Angarone, Chief Climate Resilience Officer, NJDEP
Sam Viavattine, NJ Department of Community Affairs
John Riggi, Environmental Specialist, NJ Department of Transportation
Chris Testa, Manager, Hazard Mitigation Unit, NJ Office of Emergency Management
Moderator: Chris Sturm, Land Use Policy Director, NJ Future
10:30 - 11 AM
Conference Exhibits, Light Refreshments
11 AM – 12:15 PM
Concurrent Technical Session 3
12:15 - 2 PM
NJAFM Awards Luncheon
MC: Joe Barris, CFM, NJAFM Executive Director
2 - 4 PM
Ethics Training for PEs, PLSs, PPs, CFMs (open to all attendees)
Engineering concepts are often quantifiable and discreet. Engineers find themselves comfortable in this context. The works undertaken between civil engineers and their clients can pose unique challenges that require engineers to make judgements beyond the quantifiable. This presentation will provide an overview of Engineering Ethics and the ASCE Code of Ethics, and present and discuss the video Henry’s Daughters, a production by the National Institute for Engineering Ethics. This interactive workshop will strengthen your understanding of engineering ethics in an informative and entertaining setting
Robin A. Kemper. PE, LEED AP, Pres.19.ASCE
Senior Risk Engineer, Zurich Resilience Solutions/Risk Engineering
* Separate Registration Required
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Exam Note:
The Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Exam will not be offered as part of the annual conference this year, since ASFPM now requires that all exams be taken online. More information regarding the CFM exam registration and requirements can be found here: https://www.floods.org/certification-program-cfm/
8 AM
Rich Einhorn Memorial Golf Outing
McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links, Egg Harbor Township*
10 AM - 5 PM
Floodplain Management Basic Training*
This training covers the background and history of the NFIP, Roles and Responsibilities, FEMA’s Floodplain Mapping Program, How to Read Riverine and Coastal Maps, NFIP Regulations, as well as Higher Standards, Ordinance Administration, Permitting, Elevation Certificates, Substantial Damage/Improvement, Insurance, Disaster Opportunities and Hazard Mitigation. Attendees who plan to take the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) exam on Thursday October 26 are encouraged to participate in this free training event.
Cleighton Smith, PE, CFM, Taylor Wiseman & Taylor
1 - 4:30 PM
Floodplain Management for Building Code Officials
Building Code Officials in New Jersey have significant responsibilities enforcing municipal construction codes and floodplain ordinances. With new regulations, updated flood mapping and ongoing construction activities in New Jersey communities, Code Officials face mounting challenges in their day-to-day work. This training will provide up to date information regarding codes, standards and requirements, and substantial damage determinations, as well as suggestions on how to manage the ever- increasing work tasks that come with the job.
Michael Thulen, Jr, Building Code Official, Point Pleasant Beach Borough
Bob Burlew, Building Code Official, Eatontown Borough & Long Branch City
John Fiedler, Building Code Official, Hillsborough Township
3 - 5 PM
Workshop: Financial Assistance for Rebuilding Activities Post-Disaster Under Section 1206 - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Every disaster is local, and it is local efforts that drive communities to recover faster and rebuild stronger. A policy was put in place to help accomplish both after a Presidentially Declared Disaster through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. Certain building code and floodplain management activity expenses are now eligible for reimbursement under Section 1206 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018. This workshop will include guidance on how communities can get financial assistance for eligible expenses, including labor costs and contracted services, and how being prepared ahead of time will help manage post-disaster floodplain management and building code activity demands.
Thomas Song, FEMA Region 2
5 - 7 PM
Cracker Barrel Consulting Session
(Open to all conference attendees, food and beverages provided)
Do you have questions about NJDEP or FEMA regulations and programs? Do you need a technical consult with floodplain management experts on mitigation funding, codes, permitting, mapping, floodproofing or other floodplain management topics? Come to the Cracker Barrel Consulting session and speak directly with agency and industry representatives listed below to get answers and information. Additional topics TBD.
- Flood Vents, Flood Barriers, Wet and Dry Floodproofing Techniques: Floodproofing.com
- Flood Insurance: FEMA/Risk Reduction Plus Group
- Community Rating System (CRS): ISO Community Hazard Mitigation
- Land Use Regulations and Permits: NJDEP
- NJ Model Code Coordinated Ordinance & Floodplain Development Permit: NJDEP
- Freeboard Mapping Initiative/Federal Funds Flood Risk Management Standards: FEMA
- NJ Coastal Resiliency: Steven’s Institute of Technology
- FMA, HMGP and BRIC Grants: NJOEM
- Elevating Homes in the Special Flood Hazard Area: SJ Hauck Construction
- Substantial Damage: FEMA
- FEMA Mapping: FEMA Region 2
- 2D Modeling: Michael Baker International
- Digital Floodplain Management: Forerunner
- Representative Design Storms: HDR
- State Acquisition Program: NJDEP
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25TH
8 AM
Registration, Exhibits, Continental Breakfast
9 AM
Conference Welcome and Opening Remarks
Mike Graham, CFM and Mark Mauriello, NJAFM Conference Co-Chairs
9:15 -10:30 AM
Plenary Session 1: Federal Funding for Flood Mitigation
Funding for flood mitigation is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). This session will provide an overview of these Federal funding programs in support of flood mitigation, along with information about how to leverage resources to bring flood mitigation funding and projects to your communities.
Eric Letvin, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Mitigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Mark Osler, Senior Advisor for Coastal Inundation and Resilience, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Eric Wall, Director of Policy, Planning and Partnership, Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, US Small Business Administration
Moderator: Randy Behm, PE, CFM, Behm Hazard Mitigation, LLC (Retired ACOE)
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Conference Exhibits, Light Refreshments
11 AM – 12:15 PM
Concurrent Technical Session 1
1215 PM
Keynote Luncheon
Remarks by Elissa Commins, PE, CFM, NJAFM Chair
Keynote Speaker: George Siegal, Director/Producer Founder, Move the World Films, Inc.
Director, Last House Standing
Podcaster, Tell Us How To Make It Better
George will provide a film director's perspective of why people choose to live where they do, without having any understanding of the risks. George’s experience working with storm victims has given him a unique perspective on storm impacts to people and the challenges of human adaptation to increasing hazards. Click HERE to Meet Our Keynote.
2 – 3:15 PM
Concurrent Technical Session 2
3:15 – 3:45 PM
Conference Exhibits, Light Refreshments
3:45 – 5:00 PM
Plenary Session 2: Hurricane Ian in Florida: Impacts and Implications for New Jersey
Ian was a Category 5 hurricane that made landfall in western Florida on September 28, 2022. Ian was the third costliest weather-related disaster on record and resulted in the deaths of 150 people. In many ways, this storm was very similar to Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, with extreme storm surge, flooding and associated damages and recovery costs. This session will include an overview of Ian and Sandy, with a discussion of lessons learned, what worked and didn’t, and what lies ahead to address increasing storm hazard vulnerability in New Jersey.
Patrick Fuller, Director, Charlotte County (FL) Emergency Management
Vince Mazzei, PE, State Floodplain Administrator, NJDEP
Moderator: Tom Herrington, PhD, Associate Director, Urban Coast Institute of Monmouth University
5 - 7:00 PM
NJAFM Social Networking Event and Scholarship Auction
Unwind after a busy day, reconnect and network with friends and colleagues, meet with some amazing exhibitors, enjoy complimentary food and beverages and participate in our renowned auction, with all proceeds devoted to NJAFM training, education and scholarships.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26TH
8:00 AM
Registration, Exhibits, Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 9:00 AM
NJAFM Members Meeting
9:00 AM
NJ Interagency Council on Climate Resilience
Opening Comments: Joe Barris, CFM, NJAFM Executive Director
9:15 AM
Plenary Session III: NJ Interagency Council on Climate Resilience
Through Executive Order No. 89, the Interagency Council on Climate Resilience (Interagency Council) was established by Governor Murphy to develop short- and long-term action plans that will promote the long-term mitigation, adaptation, and resilience of New Jersey’s economy, communities, infrastructure, and natural resources. In addition to these coordinated efforts, the Interagency Council will support the development and implementation of the Climate Change Resilience Strategy that will guide and inform State actions to address the impacts of climate change. This session will provide an overview of the Council’s work, how it will benefit NJ communities and how you can get involved.
Nick Angarone, Chief Climate Resilience Officer, NJDEP
Sam Viavattine, NJ Department of Community Affairs
John Riggi, Environmental Specialist, NJ Department of Transportation
Chris Testa, Manager, Hazard Mitigation Unit, NJ Office of Emergency Management
Moderator: Chris Sturm, Land Use Policy Director, NJ Future
10:30 - 11 AM
Conference Exhibits, Light Refreshments
11 AM – 12:15 PM
Concurrent Technical Session 3
12:15 - 2 PM
NJAFM Awards Luncheon
MC: Joe Barris, CFM, NJAFM Executive Director
- NJAFM Awards
- NJAFM 2022-2023 Officer Election Results
- FEMA Updates, William McDonnell, Acting Director, Mitigation Division, FEMA Region 2
2 - 4 PM
Ethics Training for PEs, PLSs, PPs, CFMs (open to all attendees)
Engineering concepts are often quantifiable and discreet. Engineers find themselves comfortable in this context. The works undertaken between civil engineers and their clients can pose unique challenges that require engineers to make judgements beyond the quantifiable. This presentation will provide an overview of Engineering Ethics and the ASCE Code of Ethics, and present and discuss the video Henry’s Daughters, a production by the National Institute for Engineering Ethics. This interactive workshop will strengthen your understanding of engineering ethics in an informative and entertaining setting
Robin A. Kemper. PE, LEED AP, Pres.19.ASCE
Senior Risk Engineer, Zurich Resilience Solutions/Risk Engineering
* Separate Registration Required
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Exam Note:
The Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Exam will not be offered as part of the annual conference this year, since ASFPM now requires that all exams be taken online. More information regarding the CFM exam registration and requirements can be found here: https://www.floods.org/certification-program-cfm/