by
Joseph Young
Maine Floodplain Mapping Cordinator
York FIRM Map We all know that there are errors in the floodplain maps. However, we probably haven't done as good a job as we should in documenting where the errors are. Over the next year it is our goal to reevaluate all of the over 1800 Floodplain mapping panels to determine whether or not they are accurate and, if they are not, to determine what needs to be done to improve their accuracy. This cannot be done with out the
help of all the local officials and professionals out there who use the maps on a regular basis.As you become aware of mapping issues we would appreciate it if you would call them to our attention and notify us of the problem. You can do this by using our online map correction form. or by contacting Joe Young at 207.287.8051 or by e-mail. |
Remember This?
Do we have any grey beards who can identify this location?
We will publish the location in our next newsletter along with the names of anyone who can identify it.If you have any flooding pictures you would like to contribute to our archives please send them along either by e-mail or regular parcel post to: Joseph Young
Maine State Planning Office
184 State St.
38 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0038.
We can scan the images and return your originals.
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Jonathan
P. LaBonté
Executive
Director
Androscoggin
Land Trust
Identified last months Picture
His note is reproduced below
Lewiston Auburn Bridge in the Flood of 1936
"That picture in the e-memo was of the Androscoggin River crossing from Lewiston
into New Auburn. In 1936 (three years after a fire demolished that same
neighborhood), the great flood cause more damage and ultimately washed out the
first South Bridge. St. Louis Church is seen in the background of the
Franco-American neighborhood."
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Strategic Plan Taking Shape
By Will Mitchell, Project Manager, Maine GeoLibrary
The Maine Library of Geographic
Information (GeoLibrary) is currently working on 2 significant parallel studies;
a strategic plan update for the GeoLibrary, and a Land Records integration
program.
The strategic plan update will guide
geographic data development and coordination priorities for GIS in the state for
years to come, and covers such things as orthophotography acquisition, parcel
mapping grants, and much more.
The Maine "Integrated Land Records Information
System" study is focused on providing a conceptual framework and functional
specification for integrating land records throughout the State. This involves
property parcel data, managed at the municipal level, deeds data, managed by the
counties, and state data managed Maine Revenue Services. The project goals
include the development of methods to formalize the Capture, Integration,
Maintenance, and Distribution of Cadastral Data. The project objective is to
lay the groundwork for optimizing access to and utility of these valuable data
assets by stakeholders at all levels, creating a statewide blanket digital
parcel map fabric and tying it together with deed and other information in a
sustainable manner.
Stakeholder forums were held around
the state and an online survey was conducted in the Spring. Results of these
activities as well as other interim project documents can be found at the project
web site. You are invited and encouraged to review and submit comments on
these reports and help guide these efforts to meet your
needs.
The J.W. Sewall Company was hired by
the Board to complete this important work. This project is slated to continue
throughout 2008 and into early 2009. For more information on the project visit
the GeoLibrary web site or contact Board
project manager Will Mitchell at will@mitchellgeo.com or
207.879.7769. |
Floodplain Managers Corner
by: Sue Baker, CFM
Maine Floodplain Coordinator
Reshaping How America Manages Its Floodplains.
The
Maine Floodplain Management Program is pleased to report that the Association of
State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Foundation has released their report from
the 2nd assembly of the Gilbert F. White National Flood Policy Forum, held
in November 2007 at George
Washington University in Washington, D.C. The
primary goal of this forum was to address the question of the long-term future
of floodplain management and its role in shaping the United
States by the year 2050. The 92 diverse experts
in attendance used their considerable wisdom to consider what the future of
floodplain management could look like under both a business-as-usual scenario
and also under an alternative scenario of carefully crafted and aggressive
action. The report conveys the result of that dialogue and is available at Floodplain Management 2050.(Caution very large File)
Contact Sue Baker at 207-287-8063 or by email
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 Maine Guard Blocking Traffic on Flooded Road
Danger in Freeport
Joe Young at 207.287.8051 or by email.
"Beware of water on the road. Water covering the road could hide potholes or washed-away sections of road. Never drive around barriers. Cars are buoyant and can begin to float in less than 24 inches of water. Also, water can rise very quickly. You don't want be caught half way to the other side."
This is all part of a national public awareness campaign, "Turn Around Don't Drown", to educate the public of the dangers in driving across flooded roads. This slogan came close to home during the recent flooding in Freeport. Thanks to an WMTW news photographer a slow motion road failure was captured on film. Follow this link to view the video of a dangerous situation happening.
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Code Enforcement Training and Survey
by Joseph Young, Mapping Coordinator
Maine Floodplain Mapping Program
The State Planning Office, Code Enforcement Officer Training and Certification Program, will sponsor a floodplain management workshop for Municipal Code Enforcement Officers during the month of October. This workshop will cover some of the basic issues that code officers are confronted with regularly. It will start out with a short review and then move on to cover some topics in a little more depth. Topics currently under consideration are: substantial damage/improvement, dealing with unnumbered A Zones, map determinations, hands on mapping exercises, and an update on flood mapping in Maine. If you haven't registered you can do so online at this link.
As part of an effort to improve our training program for code enforcement officers we recently e-mailed a short survey to over 400 professionals in the field to gauge their interest in having access to web based training in addition to our regular programs held in the fall and spring. The survey was initiated on September 2, 2008 and so far we have received 121 responses.
The initial response indicates an interest in web based workshops. However there is also a strong desire to maintain the in person group workshops we have coordinated in the past. If you are interested in participating in Code Enforcement Survey but didn't receive a survey please contact Joseph Young at 287-8051 or by e-mail.
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Quote of the Day
"Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else."
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Newsletter Funding
This newsletter is funded with a grant provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
EMB-2007-CA-0874
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