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Federal and State Grants to Reduce Flood Risk
September 23, 2024, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
What federal and state grant opportunities are available for reducing flood risk? Flood reduction grant programs provide funding for pre- and post-disaster mitigation. Join us as we discuss the various grant opportunities available, eligible projects, who to contact with questions, and how to apply. This training covers federal grants, such as BRIC, FMA, Swift Current, and HMGP, as well as Minnesota’s state Flood Hazard Mitigation grants. Presenters: Matt Bauman (DNR), Kristy Dellwo (HSEM), Meghan Cuneo (FEMA), Sarah Stucky (FEMA), and Andrew Weeldreyer (FEMA)
Floodplain Basics
January 6, 2025, 1 – 2 p.m.
Learn about floodplain management roles and responsibilities at the community level. Training highlights include common terms, definitions, where regulations apply, finding FEMA floodplain maps, regulations, and providing clarity on mandatory flood insurance requirements. Presenters: Ceil Strauss (DNR)
Floodplain Administration 101
January 8, 2025, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Learn about reviewing project applications and permitting floodplain developments. This training explains how to navigate your way through floodplain ordinances and your roles and responsibilities. The course also covers how to evaluate limitations on improvements and required documentation. Presenters: Garry Bennett (DNR) and Ricky Hoffman (DNR)
FEMA Map Basics
January 13, 2025, 1 – 2 p.m.
Learn about floodplain mapping zones, finding and printing FEMA maps, types of FEMA maps in the state, and what map updates are in progress statewide. This course also covers highlights of map appeals and amendments (i.e., LOMAs and LOMR-Fs). Presenters: Ceil Strauss (DNR) and Mary Presnail (DNR)
Accessory Structures in the Floodplain
January 22, 2025, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
This training will explain what accessory structures are, where they can be permitted, and the requirements that must be met. The course will also cover the basics of what it means for a structure to be “walled and roofed,” what the requirements are for development that does not meet this definition, and share specific examples. Presenters: Ceil Strauss (DNR)
Floodplain Web-Based Maps and Tools
January 27, 2025, 1 – 2 p.m.
Discover the new features in DNR’s online Lake and Flood Elevations Online (LFEO) app. This training also highlights the FEMA Map Service Center site, FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer, DNR MNTOPO viewer, and useful tips and tricks. Presenters: Ceil Strauss (DNR)
Dealing with Zone A Floodplains
February 3, 2025, 1 – 2 p.m.
Discover how to regulate those notorious A Zones. This training will cover how to find base flood elevations and regulatory flood protection elevations and discuss options to determine floodway versus flood fringe. Presenters: Ceil Strauss (DNR) and Jeff Weiss (DNR).
Flood Insurance Basics
February 5, 2025, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
This training will review current flood insurance basics on mandatory purchase, rates, coverage, premium rating factors, and what has changed in recent years. It will also cover some of the flood insurance myths and frequently asked questions. Presenters: Ceil Strauss (DNR) and James Sink (FEMA).
Floodplain Administration 201
February 10, 2025, 1 – 2 p.m.
Have you ever wondered, “What can be allowed through conditional use permits, standards for activities allowed with CUPs, floodproofing and alternative elevation standards?” If so, please join the fun and discover the answers to these questions, as well as learn helpful tips for permitting and documenting these more complicated situations. This course will also answer commonly asked questions from lenders, real estate, and insurance agents. Presenters: Ceil Strauss (DNR).
Floodplain and Watershed Higher Standards
February 12, 2025, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.Learn about innovative standards to improve flood protection and the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. This course will share exciting examples (both within and outside of FEMA-mapped floodplain areas) of what are out there and why they are important to your community. Presenters: Ceil Strauss (DNR)
Planning and Zoning 101
February 24, 2025, 1 – 3 p.m.Learn about the basic concepts of community land use planning including comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances. This training will review zoning ordinances, the legal standards associated with different types of land use decisions and the responsibilities associated with administering zoning ordinances. This training will also review the responsibilities of zoning regulations as they relate to the administration of local shoreland and floodplain ordinances. This training is designed for those new to planning and zoning administration. Presenters: Dan Petrik (DNR); Ricky Hoffman (DNR). (10 min break between the first and second hours)
Post-Flood Responsibilities and Substantial Damage Determinations
March 10, 2025, 1 – 2 p.m.
This course covers the role of local floodplain administrators post disaster. We’ll also focus on the steps involved in doing Substantial Damage determinations, a key requirement for meeting your local floodplain management ordinance. Presenters: Ceil Strauss (DNR).