constructed wetlands and other measures that can be considered nature-based solutions. THE ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The technical aspects of flood management also play a major role in increasing awareness and gaining buyin and support for mitigation efforts. As mentioned, current flood risk management practices may not keep up with current development. This may mean that there are more hard surfaces with increased runoff than the latest FIRMs would indicate, and a higher risk of flooding. Major technological developments that can complement and enhance current methods of flood risk management are: • Artificial intelligence (AI) based flood modeling tools can quickly and accurately model current and future risks, such as increased storm frequency and severity, as well as multiple flood risks such as riverine (fluvial), rainfall-related (pluvial) and coastal flooding, which was previously costly and time intensive to model. Because these models can be effectively deployed, current condition inputs such as the latest LiDAR and land use datasets, can be incorporated as new data becomes available. • Internet of Things (IoT) data, such as gages or sensors, in public domains and commercial sources, can provide real-time information on potential risks and more accurate information on possible upstream impacts. • Quick response tools. With AI-based flood models, it’s possible to enter real-time IoT data such as weather or gage information and provide emergency responders a prognosis on when and where a flood is likely to develop over time In this way, AI-based flood modeling becomes a transparent, verifiable, data-driven method to perform readiness and preparedness actions, mitigation and resilience planning, capital spending, and real-time emergency response to protect lives, property, and infrastructure. It also provides a means for local communities with limited budget and schedules to assess best available data where there may be outdated information, no information, or no instrumentation data available. Pairing advanced technologies with local expertise and engagement creates a new level of understanding of the need to support measures that will protect our communities. • Pluvial or flash flood risk: Although a significant risk, pluvial analysis is not available to most communities in the United States. These types of events are often extremely costly because they affect infrastructure outside of the SFHAs. • Available resources: Most communities are unable to acquire floodplain studies or real-time warning tools due to limited resources and funding. It is also difficult for communities to prioritize flooding over other hazards that may impact the population. Municipal leaders may be aware of increased flood risk, but it can be challenging to obtain buy-in and associated financial support to protect against an event that may not happen. It’s hard to determine how much to allocate for flood mitigation measures. But the potential implications can’t be ignored, including considerations to health and safety, the economy and environment, and overall growth and advancement. SOLUTIONS LIE IN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT The solutions to managing flooding effectively come in two aspects—human and technical. Let’s start with “human.” • Look for community involvement and interest groups that share the vision and can support the municipality’s efforts. In addition, look to engage interested parties and groups that are not necessarily in alignment in order to better represent the unique profile of your community. Having diverse inputs and stakeholder priorities minimizes the risk of confirmation bias, while fostering partnerships to resolve meaningful change through real time solutions. Creating these groups or organizations can also provide resources and cost-sharing opportunities. • Look for ways to meet shared goals among municipal departments—e.g. Parks & Recreation may want to develop more parkland and multiuse trails, so they may support measures that limit development of floodplain areas. • Access state and federal funding through supporting priorities of agencies such as FEMA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For example, in your funding requests, highlight proposed flood control plans which involve 16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
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