Florida Sea Grant partnered with Georgia Sea Grant, the Northeast Florida Regional Council, the First Coast Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, and Fernandina Beach to bring the workshop “Local Government Challenges in Dealing with Rising Seas” to northeast Florida on October 28, 2013. The event was held at the Nassau Center at Yulee, Florida.
This full-day workshop provided information on the science and facts about sea-level rise and discussed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Community Rating System. Participants were be able to ask questions of a panel of presenters from smaller local governments in the region that have begun to address sea-level rise. The program will provided examples of adaptation techniques, highlighted some of the resources and possible assistance available to local governments, and examined some of the potential legal issues involved.
The full agenda is available here.
Presenters and their presentations, if applicable, are available below:
The science of sea level rise – past data, future projections, and expected impacts. Charles Hopkinson, Director of the Georgia Sea Grant College Program and Professor of Marine Sciences at UGA (with slides contributed by Glenn Landers of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). Additional information on tide gage data from Mayport, Florida and associated U.S.A.C.E. sea-level rise estimates.
The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012. Samantha Medlock, Association of State Floodplain Managers.
Introduction to the NFIP’s Community Rating System Program. Sue Hopfensperger, Insurance Services Organization (ISO).
Sea Level Rise Adaptation Options for Local Communities. Jason Evans, University of Georgia.
Let’s Learn From our Colleagues—Community Responses and Adaptation. Roger Weaver, City of St. Mary’s GA; John Fergus, Satellite Beach Comprehensive Advisory Planning Board; Rick Carper, P.E., City of Atlantic Beach.
How the Regional Councils Can Help. Margo Moehring, NE Florida Regional Council; Lupita McClenning, Georgia Coastal Regional Commission.
St Johns County – A Case of Local Government Financial and Legal Liability. Patrick McCormack, St. Johns County, FL.
Federal and State Legal Issues Associated with Sea Level Rise Adaptation Options: Presentation of Thomas Ruppert, Florida Sea Grant; Presentation of Scott Pippin, University of Georgia Institute of Ecology.
