Natural and Beneficial Floodplain Functions: Floodplain Management— More than Flood Loss Reduction

This is a position paper prepared by the Association of State Floodplain Managers, (ASFPM), a non-profit professional organization dedicated to reducing flood losses and protecting floodplain functions and resources in the United States. Background With the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act over three decades ago, the United States established a foundation for protecting the environment amidst human development. In Section 101 of the Act, Congress declared that . . . it is the continuing policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, and other concerned public and private organizations, to use all practicable means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner calculated to foster and promote the general welfare, to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans. However, the reality is that we seldom achieve this “productive harmony” with regard to our rivers, streams, wetlands, and coastal lowlands. As we move into the new century, we face hard choices about our riverine and coastal floodplains1. Relatively unfettered economic development, with only a token allowance made for floodplain functions and resources, cannot continue as the status quo. Instead, we need to strike a balance between development and the benefits that would be realized if we were to protect the natural functions of floodplains and coastal areas.