This module introduces different types of flooding and offers long-term planning solutions and near-term adaptation methods to limit future damage and allow those impacted by flooding to recover more quickly.

Overview

Flooding is the most common natural hazard in Connecticut. Sea level rise, an increase in heavy rain events, and more impervious cover contribute to more frequent flooding along both Long Island Sound and our rivers due to extreme high tides, storm surge, major precipitation events and stormwater runoff. Floods can damage state and municipal infrastructure, prevent first responders from reaching emergencies, and cause costly damage and disruption to businesses and residences.

Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Recognize different coastal and inland flooding scenarios in Connecticut;
2. Describe the social and economic impacts of flooding; and
3. Identify flood mitigation examples, opportunities, and programs.

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Video Time: 14 minutes, 55 seconds   Audio: required

 

Speaker Notes and Information | Resources

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Presenter Bios

Diane Ifkovic has been employed at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection since October 1999 within the Land and Water Resources Division.  As the State National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator, Ms. Ifkovic serves as the liaison between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and municipalities to reduce and mitigate flood losses.  She conducts community outreach meetings to promote wise floodplain management and ensure compliance with the minimum federal NFIP standards. She is a member of the board of directors for the Connecticut Association of Flood Managers (CAFM) as well as participating on the state’s long-term recovery force. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven, teaching an online floodplain management class for their masters in emergency management program.

Jeffrey Callahan has been the Stonington Borough Warden since 2013 and has been a member of the Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority Advisory Board since 2004, acting as Chairman from 2010-2013. Mr. Callahan has been active in the Stonington community since 1988 as a member of the Stonington Water Pollution Control Authority from 1988-1990; Chair of the Stonington Harbor Management Commission from 1995-1998; Trustee for the Stonington Library from 1998-2004, acting as Secretary from 2002-2004; and Burgess of the Borough of Stonington as an elected part-time official. Mr. Callahan is also an active member and supporter of many environmental organizations, such as the Avalonia Land Conservancy.

Emmeline Harrigan has been the Assistant Planning Director in Fairfield since 2017, during which time she has worked on updating the Plan of Conservation and Development and worked with the Hazard Mitigation Grants that had been provided be FEMA. Ms. Harrigan has worked in Connecticut since 2004, as the Assistant Planner for Redness & Mead in Stamford from 2004-2005; as the Land Use Planner for the South Central Regional Council of Governments from 2005-2008; Assistant City Planner/Floodplain Manager for the City of Milford Planning & Zoning from 2008-2014; and the Shore Up CT Program Manager from 2014-2016.