Flooding has become a real concern for local jurisdictions in Maryland, particularly those with coastlines. What proactive steps can counties take prior to flooding to reduce its impacts, and what role do other levels of government play in prevention?
An expert panel at the 2019 MACo Winter Conference session “2 for 1: Flood Prevention (And Cleaner Water, Too!)” gave insight into flood mitigation tactics and how to take advantage of state and federal funds. “For every dollar invested in mitigation, six dollars are saved in recovery”.
Speakers included:
- Jim Bass, Coastal Resilience Program Manager, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy
- Victoria Jackson-Stanley, Mayor, City of Cambridge
- Patty Bubar, Deputy Director, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and Member, Local Government Advisory Committee to the Chesapeake Bay Executive Commission
- Russ Strickland, Executive Director, Maryland Emergency Management Agency
Jim Bass gave an overview of his work with the Coastal Resiliency Program at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and discussed climate adaption practices currently being used.
Cambridge Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley described how flooding has effected the City and discussed flood mitigation plans for waterfront areas.
Russ Strickland described Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s role in collaborating with local jurisdictions to address and plan for flooding. He stressed the need for strong mitigation planning, because there are federal funds that can help address flooding concerns. He stated that there is a sixfold return on mitigation funds utilized.
Patty Bubar discussed how Montgomery County is addressing stormwater management and draining issues locally.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball moderated the panel.
The 2019 MACo Winter Conference, “Building for the Future,” was held on December 4-6, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, Maryland.