HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM IV-F
Memorandum
TO Planning and Community Development Committee
FROM: Kelly McLain Aardal, Environmental Protection Manager and Dan Heid, City
Attorney
RE: DISCUSSION: Federal Emergency Management Administration/ National Marine
Fisheries Service floodplain development issues
DATE: July 13, 2009
B
ACKGROUND
On September 22, 2008, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) completed their formal
consultation with FEMA regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This
consultation (Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act) was required following a 2004 court
ruling in NWF v. FEMA.
The consultation found that the NFIP, as administered, is harmful to Puget Sound Chinook,
Chum, Steelhead, and Southern Resident Killer Whales (orcas). These species are all protected
under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The decision listed 7 elements that FEMA is required to implement to protect endangered salmon
and orcas. Please see the attached spreadsheet for information on how the City’s current
regulations meet the requirements specified in the NMFS decision.
D
ISCUSSION
Staff are requesting that council members discuss the information provided in the spreadsheet,
and provide policy direction and guidance for future review of a model ordinance from the
federal agencies.
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