IJC invites public comment on draft flood forecasting and mapping report for Lake Champlain and Richelieu River and previews flood inundation maps
The International Joint Commission (IJC) is requesting comments from the public on a draft report to enhance flood preparedness and warnings for Lake Champlain and the Richelieu River by December 10, 2015. Specifically the IJC asks if the report’s recommendations are sound and whether the recommendations address real needs for enhanced flood preparedness and warnings for Lake Champlain and the Richelieu River.
Bounce Forward: Urban Resilience in the Era of Climate Change
Bounce Forward: Urban Resilience in the Era of Climate Change was released in May 2015 by the Island Press and the Kresge Foundation.
This is an exceptional strategy paper reflecting on the meanings of resilience from ecology, sociology, engineering and systems thinking. The document offers a framework to consider actions based on the analysis of facts so as to promote inclusive and adaptive outcomes.
Watershed Grant Applications Due: November 20
The 2016 Vermont Watershed Grants Program is now accepting applications for funding projects that help Vermonters protect, restore and enjoy the state's watersheds. The applications are due no later than Friday, November 20, 2015.
Sept 30 Letter of Intent Due for HMGP Applications
The VT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (DEMHS) is reminding everyone of the current availability of FEMA mitigation grant funds. The State of Vermont received a federal disaster declaration (DR 4207-VT) for damages resulting from the severe winter storm that occurred on Dec. 9-12, 2014.
September 1 and 2 Bennington County - Flood Insurance Meetings
The Bennington County maps showing high risk flood hazard areas will officially change on December 2. Two open house events are scheduled for people that want to learn more about flood risk, flood insurance and the effect of the map update. Is your house or business in a hazard area? This is a particularly important question for buildings that are identified as at a high risk on the December map but not at high risk on the older map.
FEMA Flood Information Open House Events:
9/24 Demystifying Floodplain Maps: Realtors Course
Demystifying FEMA and Floodplain Maps and Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal Program
4 Continuing Education Credits, $75, Rutland
Demystifying FEMA and Floodplain Maps
High Meadows Fund Announces $249,000 in Grants to Build Resilience in Vermont Watersheds
The High Meadows Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation has announced $249,000 in grants to support projects in six Vermont watersheds that will engage and mobilize their residents to find creative solutions to protect communities, land, and water throughout the state.
Flood Inundation Mapper - Waterbury
The US Geological Survey has created a Flood Inundation Mapper site for the Village of Waterbury.
This is the first such site in Vermont.
Training available through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI)
FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI), in Emmitsburg, Maryland is one of the primary national locations for training on topics related to floodplain management, mitigation, CRS, emergency response and other disaster-related concerns. These are available free to municipal, regional and state officials and staff.