Abstract for ASBPA 2014 National Coastal Conference
Sea Level Rise and the NFIP
According to Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, Karl, Melillo, and Peterson,
(eds.) 2009, “Sea-level rise and the likely increase in hurricane intensity and associated storm surge will be among
the most serious consequences of climate change.” This presentation will cover the basics of sea level rise at both
global and local levels and cover tools available to local and state governments to estimate their risk. The
presentation will also cover what FEMA is doing to incorporate sea level rise into the Nation Flood Insurance
Program including pilot projects, non-regulatory products, Community Rating System, and Benefit Cost Analysis
and how these fit into FEMA’s climate change adaption policy released in early 2012.
Presenter information:
Cheryl Johnson, PE, PMP, CFM
Coastal Program Manager
URS Corporation
12420 Milestone Center Drive
Germantown, MD 20876
Cheryl.a.johnson@urs.com
301.915.7527
Ms. Johnson has a degree in Coastal Engineering from Texas A&M, is registered in 4 states, and has over 30
years of experience in coastal flood studies, surface water modeling, and engineering. Her broad experience
includes developing methods for mapping Sea Level Rise (SLR) ranging from simple addition of SLR estimates
to existing flood levels to detailed modeling of the effects of SLR scenarios on water levels and wave heights
during hurricanes. Additional experience includes FEMA flood studies in both the coastal and riverine
environments, hydrology and hydraulic studies to support wetland mitigation projects, wave studies for new
construction, and more. She has a broad range of project experience with all types of clients including local,
state, and federal agencies along with the private sector.
URS Corporation