Stormwater and Flooding Programs: Responsibilities and Opportunities

The major and growing risks of stormwater and flooding to cities, transportation systems, people, and the environment are leading to difficult decisions by public agencies. Flooding is the major cause of property damage in the U.S., and recent catastrophic events like atmospheric rivers and hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Sandy and Katrina have raised losses to unprecedented levels. Stormwater management requires the organization of public utilities and responses to rain tax politics, consent orders, and demands for green infrastructure. In response to increasing damages, liability, and climate change, a new legal environment has evolved from statutes and cases. Recent high-profile cases go beyond torts to involve takings litigation under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. Changes are coming to the National Flood Insurance Program, which has required federal bailouts. Local government responsibilities must be financed by ratepayers, which causes rate shock in some cases. Homeowners are often in a quandary about their risks and losses. Learn how the increasing importance of stormwater and flooding programs creates new responsibilities and opportunities. The legal aspects of stormwater and flooding will be explained through doctrines, statutes, and cases. Major issues of floodplain mapping and programs, combined sewer overflows, and challenges of stormwater utilities will be explained. A detailed explanation of the National Flood Insurance Program will be provided, including its payouts, revenues, and challenges. Recent court decisions will be reviewed, and you will be alerted to how stakeholders should respond to future issues.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for engineers, urban planners, lawyers, government officials, investors, and anyone interested in understanding the legal and financial aspects of stormwater and flooding management programs.

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course. However, a basic understanding of water and flood management concepts is beneficial.

What You Will Learn

• Define types of floods, likely damage scenarios, and flood data that enables you to understand the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Discuss risk analysis methods such as flood forecasting and dam safety models and how hydrologic analysis is used to predict flood risks under nonstationary climates and floodplain hydraulics are analyzed.
• Recognize economic, social, and environmental flood risks.
• Review legal and policy frameworks of flooding and stormwater programs and litigation.

After Completing This Course You Will Be Able To

• Identify different types of floods and their potential risks.
• Analyze flood data and understand the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Evaluate risk analysis methods used in flood forecasting.
• Identify the economic, social, and environmental risks of floods.
• Understand the legal and policy frameworks surrounding flooding and stormwater programs.

Course Costs

The cost of the course is $149.00.

What Is Included?

• Instructional videos.
• Downloadable course materials.
• Course exam.
• Certificate of completion.