Floodplain Administrator Basic Training: Responsibilities, Regulations and Base Flood Elevations

Join us for a two-day Floodplain Administrator Basic Training, designed to equip municipal officials with the essential skills needed to manage flood risk effectively. Tailored to the unique challenges of Catskill communities, this training covers flood dynamics, building types, and key regulatory requirements. Interactive mapping exercises will help participants apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, strengthening municipal resilience to climate change. By the end of the training, attendees will be prepared to implement these critical skills to better protect their communities and residents.

This comprehensive, two-day Floodplain Administrator Basic Training Course is designed for floodplain administrators, local officials, planners, and professionals responsible for floodplain management. This interactive workshop will provide essential knowledge and practical skills to navigate floodplain regulations, permitting, and flood hazard mitigation. 

This in-depth training will cover fundamental responsibilities of floodplain administrators, including understanding flood zones, interpreting elevation certificates, and applying flood development permit requirements. Participants will learn how to read Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and utilize Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) to assess development projects accurately. The course structure includes a combination of lectures, knowledge review questions, interactive exercises, and real-world project scenarios. Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring participants can confidently apply regulations in their own communities.

This training is an invaluable opportunity for local officials and professionals involved in floodplain administration to strengthen their expertise and stay updated on best practices in flood hazard mitigation. Whether you are new to the field or looking to deepen your knowledge, this course provides a structured and engaging learning experience led by nationally recognized experts.

Lunch and a light breakfast will be provided both days. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions in your registration questionnaire.

About the Instructors

William (Bill) Nechamen, CFM

Bill Nechamen is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) with nearly three decades of experience in floodplain management. He served for 21 years in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, including 16 years as Chief of the Floodplain Management Section, where he worked extensively with municipalities to enforce floodplain regulations. A founding member of the New York State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association, Bill also served as Chair of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) and has received the ASFPM Meritorious Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the field. He is a highly respected educator, having delivered over 100 workshops on floodplain management and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Bill is also a certified instructor for FEMA’s Managing Floodplain Development course, helping train local officials nationwide.

Gary Heinrichs, CFM

Gary Heinrichs is a floodplain program manager with 28 years of experience in state and federal floodplain management programs. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in natural resources communications and organizational management. As the Floodplain Management Team Leader for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before his retirement, Gary played a key role in developing state floodplain policies, overseeing mitigation programs, and leading strategic planning efforts. He was instrumental in establishing Wisconsin’s Municipal Flood Control Grant Program and served as Co-Chair of ASFPM’s Flood Insurance Committee. With extensive experience in training and public outreach, Gary has worked with communities, state agencies, and national organizations to improve floodplain management practices and policy implementation.