Record Details
The problems and issues of implementing the National Flood Insurance Act in Oregon
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | The problems and issues of implementing the National Flood Insurance Act in Oregon |
| Names |
Emmer, Rod E.
(creator) Muckleston, Keith (advisor) |
| Date Issued | 1974-05-03 (iso8601) |
| Note | Graduation date: 1974 |
| Abstract | Floods and ensuing damage have always been a problem for man. Initial reaction to the frequent destruction was to avoid siting permanent domiciles on flood-prone lands. As a result of increasing population and pressure for development, flood control structures were built. Instead of reducing flood losses, however, flood control projects encouraged development of more hazardous zones by giving a false sense of security to flood plain occupants. In the 1960's Congress began to evaluate alternatives to flood control and abatement projects in an attempt to retard and eventually eliminate further flood losses. In 1968 it sought to resolve the problems of aid to flood victims and reduce the increasing losses by enacting the National Flood Insurance Act (NFIA). If implemented the Act will furnish assistance to flood victims through insurance policies and reduce further losses by establishing a mandatory set of minimum standards for land use on flood plains. This study analyzes the problems and issues of implementing the NFIA in Oregon between enactment of the law in 1968 and June 1972. The study reveals that extensive revisions of local ordinances will be necessary if participating governments are to meet the minimum standards of the Federal Insurance Administration. The four standards most commonly omitted in the regulations promulgated by local governments are those pertaining to: fill in the floodway, raising utilities above the 100-year flood level, providing adequate drainage, and considering neighboring flood plain programs. A sample of flood plain occupants suggests that the availability of flood insurance and the potential flood hazard of an area are, not widely known. In sum, the implementation of the NFIA proceeded slowly between enactment in 1968 and the summer of 1972. Even where it was accepted by local governments, the ordinance would not restrict flood plain use to the degree Congress intended. |
| Genre | Thesis/Dissertation |
| Topic | United States -- National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/46063 |
