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20th Annual New England Mitigation Conference Begins New Tradition

More than 100 New England Federal, state, local and tribal officials and private parties participated in the New England Hazard Mitigation Conference, themed "Rising Waters," on May 20^th to 22^nd, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. The purpose of the conference was to exchange information on mitigation techniques, grant programs, floodplain management and to recognize outstanding achievements and service among their peers. Thawn Harris, Cultural Representative of the Narragansett Tribe, kicked off the conference with Native American ceremonial traditions: storytelling, drumming and song.

The State of Rhode Island with its long history of stellar floodplain management and mitigation programs served as the conference host. J. David Smith, Executive Director of Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency opened the conference presentations by welcoming the participants and encouraging them to share their knowledge and enjoy their stay in Newport.

FEMA's Regional Mitigation Division Director Kevin Merli summarized the successes of the New England’s federal, state and local mitigations programs over the prior year. The remainder of the conference consisted of a number of plenary and technical break-out sessions designed to encourage discussion and share information among the participants. Some of the most important presentations were given by local representatives throughout New England that have the responsibility of carrying out the mitigation programs. We do appreciate the presentations provided by the following local representatives:

Kevin Geiger of Two-Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission of Vermont;
Lauren Gaherty of the Regional Planning Commission of Berkshire, MA;
Becky Newton, City Administrator of Lancaster, NH;
Paige Bronk , Planning and Zoning Director of Newport, RI;
John McGrane, City Engineer of the City of Hartford CT.

Special presentations were provided by the Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, FEMA’s Seattle office, the Rhode Island State Building Code, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. Among the topics discussed during conference were bioengineering solutions for stream bank stabilization, 2008 Ice Storm response operations, stream gauge analysis, flood map modernization, floodplain management and the administration of mitigation grants.

The highlight of the conference was the award luncheon held on May 21^st to recognize individuals and offices for distinguished service and contribution to New England mitigation programs. Recognized for his career contributions, was Joseph Cirillo, who had served as Rhode Island's State Building Commissioner for 28 years, a position he was appointed to in 1974. Mr. Cirillo was a national pioneer in the adoption and implementation of the National Flood Insurance Program requirements in to the Rhode Island State Building Code. The current Rhode Island State Building Code Commissioner, Jack Leyden, had the honor of presenting the award to Mr. Cirillo.

Although this was the twentieth New England Hazard Mitigation Conference, it was the inaugural presentation of the "Victor Parmentier New England Floodplain Manager of the Year Award" to honor future outstanding state or local floodplain managers. Vic Parmentier who passed away several years ago was the longest serving State Flood Insurance Coordinator in New England. He served Rhode Island in that capacity from the inception of the National Flood Insurance Program in the early 70s to his retirement in 2000. Vic's actions served to shape the program as it is today and others often looked to Vic for guidance because of his knowledge of insurance, floodplain management and his good-natured personality.

The recipient of the first annual Vic Parmentier award was
Richard "Rich" Zingarelli, of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Rich serves as both the State Flood Insurance Program Coordinator and the Acting State Hazard Mitigation Officer and Floodplain Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and has been a significant contributor in floodplain management in Massachusetts for over 25 years.

Contributions from the following officials and partners were also recognized:

Michelle Burnett the State National Flood Insurance Coordinator, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), for her hard work, dedication and devotion to good floodplain management in the State of Rhode Island.

Sarah Zingarelli, Hazard Mitigation Planner from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for her contributions to Mitigation Planning and regional contributions to New England.

AECOM Associates for Outstanding work in leading the first five years of the Map Modernization Program in New England. Brent McCarthy led a team of outstanding professional performing the work of updating the flood maps to current digital mapping standards. Receiving the award on behalf of AECOM was Jeff Burm.

Stuart Rooney and the Regional Map Modernization Center for FEMA Region 1, for providing outstanding service to FEMA and the states in the Risk MAP Program.

Jack Sullivan, for outstanding service as both FEMA's New England Regional Environmental Officer and Acting Hazard Mitigation Branch Chief.

For a complete conference agenda, please contact Samantha Clay at samantha.clay@dhs.gov.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 25-Aug-2009 13:39:14 EDT