TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018
1:00 - 2:00 PM TRAINING OPENING & KEYNOTE: UNDERSTANDING FLOOD RECOVERY FACTORS, WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Speakers:
Bryan Langley, Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director
Colonel Antoinette Gant, Louisville District Commander
Mr. Mark Roupas, Deputy Chief, Office of Homeland Security, Directorate of Civil Works
Presentation (pdf, 1.72 MB)
Dr. Sam Brody, Texas A&M at Galveston
Presentation (pdf, 9.69 MB)
Welcome and opening from Bryan Langley, Colonel Antoinette Gant, and Mr. Mark Roupas.
Dr. Sam Brody, a professor at Texas A&M at Galveston, shared his perspectives as both a flood risk researcher and someone who experienced Hurricane Harvey first hand. He emphasized the importance of our work and why aligning plans with perceptions is a key part of the emergency management cycle and effective flood risk management.
2:00 - 3:00 PM 2017 EXPERIENCE CASE STUDIES
Speakers:
Kory Honea, Butte County (CA) Sheriff
Presentation (pdf, 4.20 MB)
Steve Fitzgerald, Chief Engineer with the Harris County Flood Control District in Texas
Presentation (pdf, 3.45 MB)
Kory Honea described his experience during the 2017 Oroville Dam spillway emergency and provided thoughts on what worked, what surprised him, and information he found most useful as the event unfolded. Steve Fitzgerald shared his thoughts on the difference between managing for floods that can be imagined, and those - like Hurricane Harvey - that reset your perceptions and demand out of the ordinary approaches.
3:30 - 4:30 PM IMPLEMENTATION OF RESILIENT STRATEGIES: MOVING FORWARD — WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Speakers:
Jonathan Godt, USGS Landslide Hazards Program Coordinator
Presentation (pdf, 4.24 MB)
Steve Martin, Florida State Floodplain Manager/National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator
Building on the previous session, panelists from the 2017 Experience Case Studies session joined Jonathan Godt and Steve Martin to discuss how we can improve disaster response and mitigation from a professional perspective. Panelists presented their perspectives on what can be done differently to better implement resilient strategies at all levels of government to improve mitigation for future flood events.
4:30 - 5:30 PM EXERCISE #1: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERAGENCY COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO MANAGE FLOOD RISK
Participants selected one of the topics listed below to join a discussion on challenges and opportunities for interagency collaboration to enhance flood risk management at home. Participants shared best practices related to preparation and mitigation activities or response and recovery efforts that promote resiliency. The session concluded with teams identifying one or two potential interagency team efforts in their state.
DISCUSSION TOPICS:
- Inundation Mapping
- Storm Surge and Sea Level Rise
- Data and Information Integration and Sharing
- Managing Flood Risk after Wildfires
- Levee Risk Communication
- Regional Watershed Planning
- Flood Warning System Improvements
- Floodplain Management Planning
- Updating or Integration of Hazard Mitigation Plans
- Nonstructural Assessments
- Nature-based Flood Risk Management Strategies
- Flood Preparedness Planning
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018
8:30 - 9:00 AM MORNING WELCOME, RECAP AND DIRECTIONS FOR THE DAY
Speaker: Mr. Ray Alexander, SES, USACE Headquarters Director of Contingency Operations and Homeland Security
Presentation (pdf, 2.06 MB)
Welcome and opening from Mr. Ray Alexander. Orientation to the day’s agenda.
9:00 - 10:00 AM FIRST STEPS: HOW TO COLLABORATE IN RECOVERY
Panel shared multiple perspectives on and examples of collaboration in recovery after a disaster event, including approaches to leveraging lessons learned and planning for improved collaboration in the next disaster. Presentations and discussion focused on keeping the momentum for mitigation going after the event, which is critical for changes that lead to risk reduction. Challenges include dealing with infrastructure in highly urbanized settings, where there is economic and political pressure for quick recovery actions that can minimize mitigation. The required actions for proper long-term planning can be obvious, but difficult to accomplish.
Panelists:
Mr. Terry Zien, USACE St. Paul District: Moderator
Ms. Hibba Haber, USACE North Atlantic Division Readiness & Contingency Operations
Presentation (pdf, 1.56 MB)
Ms. Mary Moran, Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Presentation (pdf, 1.37 MB)
Mr. Kenny Hale, Morgan County, Indiana
Presentation (pdf, 9.04 MB)
10:30 - 12:00 PM BREAKOUT SESSION: PARTNERSHIPS IN THE FIELD — COLLABORATIVE TOOLS, TECHNIQUES, AND APPROACHES FOR FLOOD RISK MANAGERS
TRACK: DATA, MODELS, AND TOOLS
Speakers:
Mr. Stephen Brown, USACE Albuquerque District
Presentation (pdf, 3.67 MB)
Mr. J. Carver Struve, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Presentation (pdf, 2.13 MB)
Mr. Brown discussed a pilot project effort that collaborates with the Civil Air Patrol to acquire high resolution aerial imagery. Mr. Struve described the tools and data NASA has available to support response and recovery efforts, sharing examples of its application during Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
TRACK: NONSTRUCTURAL APPROACHES
Speakers:
Mr. Kelly Stallworth, Town of Estes Park, Colorado
Presentation (pdf, 3.26 MB)
Mr. Brian Rast, USACE Kansas City District
Presentation (pdf, 4.53 MB)
Mr. Stallworth and Mr. Rast discussed a flood event that impacted the town of Estes Park, Colorado, the nonstructural assessment conducted for the town, and planned next steps for implementing nonstructural flood risk management solutions.
TRACK: LEVEES AND DAMS
Speakers:
Mr. Cory Haberman, USACE Rock Island District
Presentation (pdf, 2.25 MB)
Mr. Christian Ritz, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Presentation (pdf, 4.41 MB)
Mr. Haberman described how MICA (Mobile Information Collection Application) has been used to monitor levee conditions through collaborative data input and data sharing during emergency responses. Mr. Ritz discussed how DamWatch® has supported collaborative risk management to monitor dams during flood events.
TRACK: RISK COMMUNICATION
Speakers:
Ms. Linda Manning, The Council Oak
Presentation (pdf, 3.36 MB)
Ms. Manning discussed the different aspects of risk communication needed after the discovery of a sunny day floodwall failure in Port Arthur, TX prior to Hurricane Harvey.
1:30 - 3:00 PM EXERCISE #2: INTERAGENCY “WORLD CAFÉ” – CONNECTING WITH FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PARTNERS
Participants explored the variety of agency programs, resources, and technical expertise available to tackle interagency flood risk management team activities. Participants self-rotated through stations to learn about agency programs and tools, and identify partner resources to leverage as part of the interagency effort identified by the team during Exercise #1.
3:30 - 5:00 PM LOCAL PRIORITIES: HOW DOES FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT COMPARE?
A panel of local government representatives described where and how flood risk management falls within the broader priorities of a local jurisdiction, and techniques to more successfully leverage local priorities to achieve flood risk management objectives.
Panelists
Ms. Rachel Orellana, P.E., USACE Sacramento District: Moderator
Mr. John Zakian, City of Minot, North Dakota
Mr. Dave Canaan, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, North Carolina
Presentation (pdf, 4.83 MB)
Mr. Brad Jackson, City of Tulsa Engineering Services Department, Oklahoma
Presentation (pdf, 819 KB)
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018
8:30 - 9:00 AM MORNING WELCOME, RECAP AND DIRECTIONS FOR THE DAY
Orientation to the day’s agenda.
9:00 - 10:00 AM INTEGRATING PLAN DEVELOPMENT WITH REGIONAL RESILIENCY
This panel of local government, State government, and Federal agency representatives discussed how plans have been developed and implemented, as well as the benefits of having those plans and potential areas for improvement found during plan implementation.
Panelists:
Mr. Brandon Brummett, USACE Louisville District: Moderator
Mr. J.P. Carsone, Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (KY)
Presentation (pdf, 2.22 MB)
Mr. Gavin Smith, State of North Carolina
Presentation (pdf, 10.4 MB)
Mr. Chris Judge, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Presentation (pdf, 1.14 MB)
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EXERCISE #3: DEVELOPING INTERAGENCY FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Teams scoped their interagency flood risk management effort using relevant resources and information learned during the training seminar and compiled during the two previous exercises. Teams briefed fellow teams about their interagency flood risk management effort and solicit feedback.
- Alaska, Idaho, Oregon
- Alabama, Florida, Georgia
- Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi
- California, Nevada, Utah
- Colorado, Wyoming
- Connecticut, Maine
- District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania
- Delaware, New Jersey
- Iowa, Illinois
- Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio
- Massachusetts, New Hampshire
- Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
- North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia
- North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana
- New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
- New York, Vermont
1:30 - 3:00 PM INTEGRATED PLANNING: BUILDING ON OPPORTUNITIES
After reconvening in the auditorium, participants split into break-outs for four concurrent topic-focused sessions. Each breakout session highlighted the integration of planning and execution to improve flood risk management and resiliency.
TRACK: DATA, MODELS, AND TOOLS – UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES AND AUGMENTED REALITY
Speakers:
Mr.Siavash Beik, Christopher B. Burke Engineers
Presentation (pdf, 6.36 MB)
Mr. Jeff Frey, U.S. Geological Survey Indiana Water Science Center
Presentation (pdf, 1.99 MB)
Mr. Frey discussed the use of augmented reality tools in the USGS stream gage program, and other applications. Mr. Beik described how the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) enhanced the collection of data on the Yellow River Initiative in the Kankakee River Basin in Indiana.
TRACK: NONSTRUCTURAL APPROACHES AND WORKING WITH NATURE
Speakers:
Ms. Beth Burgess, Department of Planning and Zoning for Howard County, Maryland
Presentation (pdf, 9.06 MB)
Mr. Jason Bernagros, U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development
Presentation (pdf, 2.21 MB)
Mr. Chris Haring, USACE Engineer Research and Development Center
Presentation (pdf, 3.99 MB)
Ms. Burgess addressed needs, concerns, and potential partnerships associated with mitigating flood risks for historic structures. Mr. Bernagros highlighted how a Smart Growth Implementation Assistance initiative can mitigate flooding by working in tandem with proposed improvements to conventional drainage infrastructure, while addressing water quality concerns and quality of life. Mr. Haring overviewed ongoing research and coordination efforts regarding natural and nature based features, including level of uncertainty regarding flood risk management benefits.
TRACK: LEVEES AND DAMS
Speakers:
Ms. Catherine Sanders, USACE Kansas City District
Presentation (pdf, 2.19 MB)
Mr. Terry Zien, P.E., CFM, USACE St. Paul District
Presentation (pdf, 991 KB)
Mr. Daniel Carthel, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Water Management Center
Presentation (pdf, 2.15 MB)
Ms. Sanders discussed current work under the National Levee Database program with a focus on opportunities for state, tribal, and other partner involvement. Mr. Zien described work done to apply two alternative methods for identifying non-levee structures that are functioning as levees in the context of meeting community needs. Mr. Carthel described ongoing work to identify and mitigate risks associated with aging dams through the NRCS Dam Rehabilitation Program.
TRACK: RISK COMMUNICATION
Speakers:
Ms. JoAnn Combs CFM, MPM; Ms. Ashley Stephens CFM, USACE Huntington District
Presentation (pdf, 1.86 MB)
Mr. Joe Goldstein, P.E., USACE Los Angeles District
Presentation (pdf, 2.80 MB)
Mr. Marco Ciarla, USACE Baltimore District
Presentation (pdf, 4.80 MB)
Ms. Combs and Ms. Stephens presented two examples of risk communication efforts: the Upper Ohio- Shade River Regional Nonstructural Workshops to address needs of communities not included in the FEMA RiskMAP discovery process; and a flood awareness campaign to educate the public about flood risks in communities prone to severe flash flooding. Mr. Goldstein described work done to identify and meet the needs of levee sponsors / owners in developing strategies and tools for communicating levee-related flood risks to affected communities. Mr. Ciarla described the role of risk communication, community outreach, and partner collaboration in developing workable nonstructural options for addressing flash-flooding risks.
3:30 - 4:30 PM ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE: LESSONS FROM CASE STUDIES
Speakers:
Mr. Rob Davis, the City of Cedar Rapids
Presentation (pdf, 4.90 MB)
Mr. George Ramseur, Jr
Presentation (pdf, 6.03 MB)
This session reviewed two efforts that successfully reduced flood risk while simultaneously improving the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions as well as withstand and recover from disruptions. Mr. Rob Davis highlighted notable improvements there since the devastating 2008 flood; the improvements re-energized the downtown and allowed the City to weather the 2016 flood in stride. Mr. George Ramseur, Jr., described successful adaptation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast that includes a system-wide focus on local implementation, work with partners, and consideration of a broad suite of measures aimed at improved resiliency.
4:30 - 5:30 PM ASPIRING TO GREATNESS: LESSONS FROM SUCCESSFUL TEAMS
The 2017 Flood Risk Manager of the Year, Silver Jackets Coordinator of the Year, and Silver Jackets Team of the Year shared their lessons learned and best practices.
Aspiring to Greatness: Lessons from Successful Teams Presentation (pdf, 1.50 MB)
Indiana - 2017 Silver Jackets Team of the Year Presentation (pdf, 35.6 MB)
Opportunity at the Crossroads in Flood Risk Management Presentation (pdf, 1.63 MB)
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2018
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CONCURRENT HANDS-ON/IN-DEPTH TOPIC SESSIONS
WAVERLY FIELD TRIP HOSTED BY THE INDIANA SILVER JACKETS TEAM
Participants traveled 30 minutes to Waverly and visit a Living History Park and Urban Forest developed using FEMA hazard mitigation grants to buy out properties in the floodplain. Over the last 9 years, the area has changed from a community underwater to a living history park with restored/reclaimed historical structures, added walking paths (with other grant dollars), canoe/kayak portage sites, and other amenities.
SCHOOL BRANCH FIELD TRIP HOSTED BY THE INDIANA SILVER JACKETS TEAM
Participants traveled 30 minutes to explore the School Branch Watershed. The collaborative effort between federal (led by NRCS), state, local, and academic entities as well as conservation-minded farmers included monitoring conservation practice implementation at the watershed, sub-watershed, and edge-of-field levels within the watershed to encourage better agricultural water management that results in improved water quality in waterways.
NONSTRUCTURAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT HANDS-ON TRAINING HOSTED BY THE USACE NATIONAL NONSTRUCTURAL COMMITTEE
Trainers:
Mr. Kim Gavigan, USACE Los Angeles District
Mr. Brian Rast, USACE Kansas City District
Ms. Mary Weidel, USACE Institute for Water Resources
Presentation (pdf, 3.81 MB)
Session participants received an overview of physical and nonphysical flood risk adaptive measures and then conducted vulnerability assessments for two structures off-site. The assessment included identifying vulnerability to flooding and summarizing potential nonstructural techniques to reduce flood risk.
STORYTELLING WORKS BETTER THAN FACT SHARING HOSTED BY FEMA TRAINER: MS. KELLIE MULLEN, RESILIENCE ACTION PARTNERS
Trainer: Ms. Kellie Mullen, Resilience Action Partner
Presentation (pdf, 2.50 MB)
"In our field, it’s easy to get stuck in the data trying to solve a problem. This workshop will change your thinking. It’s time to stop leading with facts and start telling stories to drive action. This is an engaging and practical workshop that made an impact on our team.”
— Dennis Dixon, Pierce County (Washington) Planning and Public Works
This training was for anyone who wants to know how to communicate risk more effectively and persuasively. Case studies and research were presented, demonstrating that data alone will never drive community action at the scale necessary to protect the public and property. This training delved into the science behind our behavioral biases and decision making processes, and how to use the power of stories to overcome them. Participants practiced using stories instead of facts to deliver key risk messages.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS RECOVERY SUPPORT FUNCTION (IS-RSF) FIELD COORDINATOR
Trainers:
Mr. Colton Bowles, USACE Charleston District; Mr. Dave Apple, USACE Jacksonville District
Presentation (pdf, 1.67 MB)
Ms. Hibba Haber, USACE North Atlantic Division
Presentation (pdf, 2.42 MB)
Ms. Alana Kuhn, FEMA
Presentation (pdf, 2.37 MB)
The National Disaster Recovery Framework defines how Federal agencies organize and operate to support states, Tribes and other jurisdictions affected by a disaster. Under this framework, USACE serves as the lead coordinating agency for developing an infrastructure systems recovery support strategy. This session provided information to effectively prepare the participant for this role, identifying available training, reviewing the steps involved in completing this mission, and offering lessons learned and tips from experienced USACE and FEMA staff.