Flood Ready Tennessee announced on March 11 that the Tennessee Association of Floodplain Management (TN AFPM), a group of experts who work to promote public awareness of proper floodplain management, has joined the coalition to encourage proactive flood resilience policies in Tennessee.
“Floodplain managers are critical to reducing flood risk for neighborhoods, counties, and regions,” said Roger Lindsey, Chairman of TN AFPM. “TN AFPM’s mission to protect the natural and beneficial functions of Tennessee’s floodplains is directly aligned with the priorities of Flood Ready Tennessee. Our membership stands ready to assist the state in the creation and implementation of a statewide flood resilience plan.”
Floods cost Tennessee on average $243 million every year, according to a 2020 TACIR report. It is far less expensive to prevent damage than it is to recover from it. Every dollar invested in resilience results in up to $12 savings. Over 395,208 homes, business, churches, and public properties are at risk of being severely affected by flooding in the next 30 years, impacting all corners of the state.
“Flood Ready Tennessee is excited to welcome the Tennessee Association of Flood Plain Management to the coalition. Their membership further strengthens our calls for a comprehensive, statewide flood resiliency plan so our communities can be prepared the next time it rains,” said Dwain Land, Tennessee Renewable Energy & Economic Development Council President, and former Dunlap Mayor. “Nearly 400,000 properties are at risk of severe or extreme flood damage in the next few decades. Increasing effective floodplain management will help reduce those risks. TN AFPM provides invaluable expertise to our coalition, and we are grateful for their support.”
Following the lead of other southern states like Florida, Texas, and South Carolina, Gov. Lee and the General Assembly can pass HB2516/SB2525 and work together to develop and implement a comprehensive, statewide flood resilience plan which will recommend thoughtful infrastructure investments and demonstrate smart stewardship of taxpayer dollars to support regional solutions to flooding.
