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Purpose The Pennsylvania Association of State Floodplain Managers is a statewide organization of floodplain managers, engineers, planners, local, state and federal officials, and water resource professionals whose purpose is to:
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History
PAFPM began to evolve in 2006 when the PA Mapping and Geographic Information Consortium (PaMAGIC) partnered with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to promote and develop a more coordinated and active approach to FEMA’s Flood Map Modernization (MapMod) in the Commonwealth. The core of individuals involved with MapMod in Pennsylvania met 3-4 times per year and expanded to include state and federal agencies, county representatives, large and small private entities (primarily engineering), and non-profit groups interested in the natural function and management of floodplains. That group was able to accomplish the following:
- Increasing information flow from state agencies to support MapMod (now Risk MAP) activities,
- Effective support for completion of LiDAR-based topography and prioritization of PAMAP production in areas needed for MapMod production,
- Initiation of interagency flood mitigation coordination among state agencies,
- Discussions and the development of documents leading to Executive support for investment in infrastructure related to flood mitigation,
- Increased orientation of DCED community outreach to counties for efficiency in flood map ordinance adoption at the municipal level,
- Mutual education and increased communications among participating individuals,
- A natural outgrowth of improved flood maps as the promotion of flood plain management.
In 2008/2009 Pennsylvania began developing its own affiliate of the Association of Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). PAFPM adopted by-laws and formally elected officers to the board in 2009. The group began to establish itself independent of PaMAGIC and committees and monthly board meetings were formalized. The Annual Meeting, now known as the Annual Conference was identified as a top priority. Past conferences have been each year since in the following locations:
| Year | Location |
| 2009 | Enola |
| 2010 | Williamsport |
| 2011 | Johnstown |
| 2012 | Wilkes-Barre |
| 2013 | Erie |
| 2014 | Philadelphia |
| 2015 | Harrisburg |
| 2016 | Villanova and Pittsburgh |
| 2017 | State College |
| 2018 | Harrisburg |
| 2019 | Harrisburg |
PAFPM is a member driven organization. Members are welcomed and encouraged to participate in committees and attend our annual meeting, annual conference, and various outreach and training events.