Firm to Assist in Preparation of a Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan

Transcription

SEALED BID
Firm to Assist in Preparation of a
Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan
meeting Federal Emergency
Management and Texas Division of
Emergency Management Guidelines,
RFP# 201306
Prepared for:
City of Georgetown
Purchasing Office
300-1 Industrial Avenue
Georgetown, Texas 78627
NOVEMBER 15, 2012
Prepared by:
H2O Partner, Inc.
P.O. Box 160130
Austin, Texas 78716
Tel: (888) 328-4151
Fax: (888) 318-4542
info@h2opartnersusa.com
RESPONSE TO RFP:
CITY OF GEORGETOWN
MULTI-HAZARD M I T I G A T I O N P L A N
Table of Contents
Section A: Questionnaire .......................................................................................................................... 2
Section B: Detailed Narrative ................................................................................................................... 9
Project Understanding .......................................................................................................................... 9
Understanding of City of Georgetown’s Needs .................................................................................... 9
Project Approach................................................................................................................................. 10
Step-by-Step Approach ....................................................................................................................... 11
Task One – Document the Planning Process ................................................................................... 11
Task Two – Conduct the Capability Assessment ............................................................................. 12
Task Three – Risk Assessment ......................................................................................................... 13
Task Four – Develop Strategies for Plan Evaluation and Update .................................................... 16
Task Five – Develop Mitigation Strategy and Prioritize Mitigation Actions .................................... 16
Task Six – Develop and Submit Draft City of Georgetown Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan .............. 17
Public and Stakeholder Involvement .................................................................................................. 18
Timeline ............................................................................................................................................... 18
Section C: Qualifications ......................................................................................................................... 20
About the Firm .................................................................................................................................... 20
Core Competencies ............................................................................................................................. 20
Past Experience ................................................................................................................................... 21
Previous Project Examples .................................................................................................................. 22
Project Staff ......................................................................................................................................... 24
Staff Experience .................................................................................................................................. 25
Section D: References ............................................................................................................................. 28
Section E: Cost Proposal ......................................................................................................................... 30
Section F: Resumes ................................................................................................................................. 31
Section A: Questionnaire
1.
Legal name of the company:
_H2O Partners, Incorporated_______________________________
Address of office which would be providing service:
_P.O. Box 160130________________________________________
_Austin, Texas 78716 _____________________________________
Number of years continuously in business under present name: _11 years___
Previous company names: _N/A___________________________
Type of Operation:
Sole Proprietorship:
Corporation:
_____
__X__
Partnership:
_____
Joint Venture:
Number of Employees: 25
Annual Sales Volume: $3,000,000.00
Bonding Capacity: $1,000,000.00
Number of years in business:
11 years
Resumes, including years of experience, description of projects of similar scope, professional
affiliations, memberships and certifications, for key personnel that will be assigned to this
project including, but not limited to, the Project Manager will be included in Section F: Resumes.
2.
H2O Partners, Inc. confirms that a copy of the company's financial statements for the past two
(2) years will be provided if requested by the City of Georgetown.
3.
As a small business H2O does not receive a financial rating from Dunn and Bradstreet; however,
our DUNS number is 143688195.
4.
H2O Partners, Inc. is not currently for sale or involved in any transaction to expand or to become
acquired by another business entity.
5.
H2O Partners, Inc. is not and has never been part of litigation arising out of or in connection with
performance under a contract.
6.
H2O Partners, Inc. is not currently in default on any loan agreement or financing agreement with
any bank, financial institution, or other entity.
7.
No relationship exists between H2O Partners, Inc. and any of the City’s officers, employees or
Architect.
8.
H2O Partners, Inc. does not anticipate any difficulties in assisting the City.
RFP City of Georgetown Hazard Mitigation Plan | November 15, 2012
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9.
H2O’s philosophy is to provide exceptional consulting services to our clients through
experienced subject matter experts with proven performance records in helping communities
prepare for and mitigate against disasters. This philosophy is carried out from contract
formation to completion in developing mitigation plans and grants and administering FEMA
funding for communities. We have a 100 percent success rate in completing all FEMA plans and
grants, but we also measure success through hands-on evaluation such as site interviews and
client surveys.
10.
As well as providing the City of Georgetown with mitigation planning services, H2O also offers
expertise in FEMA grant development and management, outreach and training, and NFIP
compliance. Personnel at H2O have in-depth expertise in regard to FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP) compliance including developing successful plans, plan updates, and
grants for communities. In addition, H2O has conducted Community Assistance Visits (CAV) for
the State of Texas by assisting communities meet minimum National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) standards. H2O also has trainers throughout the country and is responsible for training
agents, lenders, and adjusters on the NFIP, nationwide. H2O is part of several teams providing
Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) nationwide through the Hazard Mitigation Technical
Assistance Program (HMTAP) and RiskMAP. Further, H2O keeps abreast of national and regional
mitigation issues and topics with avid participation and volunteer work for the Association of
State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), the Texas Floodplain Managers Association (TFMA), and the
Natural Hazard Mitigation Association (NHMA).
11.
N/A: H2O Partners, Inc. has not previously worked for the City of Georgetown.
12.
H2O Partners Inc. has completed successful plans since formation for over 650 jurisdictions,
including all participating member communities of the Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition
(TCRFC) and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). In addition H2O has completed plans
for areas devastated by hurricanes such as Harrison County Mississippi following Hurricane
Katrina and Otsego County New York following Hurricane Irene. H2O has always ensured that
all plans, whether multi-jurisdictional plans, new plans or updates, pass state and FEMA
regulations. In addition, H2O receives continual praise from previous clients. After completing a
plan update for the West Central Texas Council of Governments (WCTCOG) in 2012, Executive
Director Tom Smith stated the following: “We have contracted with H2O Partners to prepare
both our original regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Update. The H2O Partners staff has
been terrific to work with. They are knowledgeable, easy to reach and willing to take the time
to get to know the issues and concerns of folks here in West Texas. I highly recommend them as
planners or consultants for anything having to do with hazard mitigation.”
13.
H2O maintains internal monitoring through quality control procedures such as requiring project
managers to provide status updates in a specified format on a weekly basis, hosting monthly
conference calls, and entering up-to-date information into the internal, web-based accounting
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and project management software for the company so that upper management can view status
of projects in an efficient manner. H2O uses NetSuite, the leading web-based business software
for project and account management for internal management of contracts. H2O provides
monthly reporting to clients, or more frequently if requested. Once a contract is formalized a
project timeline is established and the project is assigned to a manager who is responsible for
ensuring that all deadlines are met in advance.
For mitigation planning, H2O has developed an internal monitoring and management system,
HM Planner, which is an advanced database modeled after the state and FEMA guidelines used
to approve plans (FEMA Crosswalk or Review Tool). HM Planner follows every regulation and
requirement in 44 CFR 201.6 to ensure that no requirement is overlooked in plan development
and to provide an effective method for staff to follow an accurate process in the development
and maintenance of plans. This unique planning database was utilized for the most recent
mitigation plans that H2O developed including the Concho Valley Council of Governments
(CVCOG) Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, the West Central Texas Council of Governments
(WCTCOG) Hazard Mitigation Plan Update and the Port Freeport Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan in
the following ways:
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14.
Timeline: A timeline can be set in the planner just like in a calendar with deadlines
and reminders that are sent multiple times so that all deadlines are met in advance.
Planning Process: It is important that an accurate contact list is established and
maintained throughout the process and that stakeholders and the public are
provided opportunity for input. HM Planner provides categories of stakeholders to
consider for the planning team, sets notices for the public, and provides a contact
list.
Capability Assessment and Public Surveys: HM Planner tracks capability assessment
and public surveys received along with contact information.
Risk and Mitigation Workshops: A contact list is maintained in the system which can
be expanded and reminders are sent to the team with notices of workshops. H2O
also utilizes the Adobe Connect webinar platform for use in hosting additional public
meetings if needed.
Mitigation Strategy: H2O has developed a robust list of possible mitigation actions
for communities which are continually updated in the system with best practice
research.
H2O’s methodologies for development of a Plan include multiple phases of plan development.
The primary phase in developing a Plan begins with an initial meeting with the Executive
Committee. H2O will recommend, through initial research, hazards for the City, which may be
included in the Plan. At this internal meeting, H2O will suggest a comprehensive list of
stakeholders to be involved either as planning team members or as part of the general public to
be involved in the plan. A date, time and location for the Kickoff Workshop will then be set.
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H2O will then draft and submit notices to potential team members. Either before or during the
Kick-Off Workshop, H2O will work with local planning departments to begin soliciting data
needed to create the plan, such as GIS data where available.
At the Kick-Off Workshop a Capability Assessment Survey will be distributed along with public
surveys at the public meeting to follow. H2O will then work to collect data and analyze survey
results as well as gather preliminary risk assessment information.
Once primary and secondary data has been obtain and analyzed a draft Risk Report will be
developed followed by a Risk Assessment Workshop. The workshop will detail findings in the
report, present an analysis, provide priority ranking of hazards, and allow for the team to
provide individual hazard ranking as well. The goals for developing mitigation actions will be
distributed at this workshop. A public meeting will follow the workshop.
After the Risk Assessment Workshop, a Mitigation Workshop will be held to facilitate an open
discussion for mitigation strategies and provide guidance on funding opportunities. Although
the goal at the workshop is to develop all mitigation strategies, often individual meetings among
departments may be necessary to finalize the mitigation actions.
Following the submission of all mitigation actions, H2O will finalize the draft of the Plan. It will
be distributed to all planning team members who will then have a month to review and provide
comments to the H2O Team. H2O will make any revisions necessary and submit to TDEM. If
edits are requested, H2O will provide the revised plan to TDEM within two weeks. Once TDEM
approves the Plan, it will be submitted to FEMA for review. A similar review and edit process
will follow, with H2O providing revisions within two weeks of receipt of requested edits. Once
the Plan is approved by FEMA, each participating jurisdiction will then have one year to formally
adopt the plan. H2O will provide a sample adoption resolution and will facilitate the process as
needed.
Throughout the planning process, H2O will assist with grant management tasks, providing
assistance as needed for quarterly reports. After approval H2O will be on hand to assist with
grant development suggestions and provide a funding guide, enabling the City of Georgetown to
implement the mitigation actions included in the Plan. For a more robust discussion of the Plan
Approach, please see Section B in this response.
15.
H2O is currently providing services for Lubbock County through the development of a Hazard
Mitigation Plan. The planning process began in August and a draft is expected to be complete
for the County’s review in May 2013. This comprehensive plan addresses both natural and
technological hazards and includes 11 schools districts, Texas Tech University, and two hospital
systems as planning participants. In 2012, H2O received FEMA approval on the following plans:
1) Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the West Central Texas Council of Governments
(WCTCOG), which included over 80 jurisdictions as well as school districts; 2) Hazard Mitigation
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Plan Update for the Concho Valley Council of Governments (CVCOG); 3) Hazard Mitigation Plan
for the Port of Freeport, Texas; 4) Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City of Round Rock, Texas. H2O
has a 100 percent success rate in obtaining state and FEMA approval of plans and grants, and
has never exceeded a budget on a contract.
16.
Since formation, H2O has successfully developed Hazard Mitigation Plans and Plan Updates
covering over 650 jurisdictions. These plans incorporate scientific techniques that utilize
modeling to analyze risks from the full range of natural and technological hazards and
recommend actions to mitigate future damage.
H2O has worked in areas including mitigation and mitigation planning on behalf of cities,
counties, river authorities and Councils of Government, including:
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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC)
Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
Texas River Authorities
o Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)
o Brazos River Authority (BRA)
o Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA)
o San Antonio River Authority (SARA)
Texas Councils of Government (COGs)
o Alamo Area COG
o Brazos Valley COG
o Concho Valley COG
o Heart of Texas COG
o Houston-Galveston COG
o North Central Texas COG
o Rio Grande COG
o South Plains Association of Government
o West Central Texas COG
Cities and Counties
o City of Austin
o City of Plano
o City of Round Rock
o City of Richardson
o City of Southlake
o Burnet County
o Galveston County
o Ector County
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
o Harris County
o Harrison County, MS
o Houston County
o Jackson County
o Lubbock County
o Otsego County, NY
Stakeholder Groups
o Austin Independent School District (Austin, TX)
o Crockett Independent School District (Crockett, TX)
o Woodsboro Independent School District (Woodsboro, TX)
o Hulbert Public Schools (Hulbert, OK)
o M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX)
o Port of Freeport (Freeport, TX)
o Texas A&M International University
o Texas Tech University
H2O-developed plans have met all State and Federal Requirements as set forth in 44 CFR Parts
201 and 206. To accompany plans, H2O developed a Funding Guide: A Guide to Funding and
Technical Assistance Programs that Support Hazard Mitigation. This Guide identifies and
describes over 90 grant and technical assistance programs that can be used to implement hazard
mitigation plans.
17.
Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City of Round Rock
Mr. Thomas Bradford, CEM
Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Round Rock, Texas
Address: 221 East Main Street, Round Rock, TX 78664
Telephone: (512) 341-3106
Email: bbradford@roundrocktexas.gov
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the City of Austin
Mr. Billy Atkins
Emergency Plans Officer
Homeland Security Emergency Management, City of Austin, Texas
Address: P.O. Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767
Telephone: (512) 974-0999
Email: billy.atkins@ci.austin.tx.us
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC) and
Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)
Mr. Domingo Montalvo
Mayor, City of Wharton, Texas
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Address: 120 East Caney Street, Wharton, TX 77488
Telephone: (979) 533-2328
Email: dmontalvo@cityofwharton.com
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for Jackson County
Mr. Allan Friedrich
Emergency Management Coordinator, Jackson County, Texas
Address: 115 West Main Street, Edna, TX 77957
Telephone: (361) 782-1743
Email: jceoc@co.jackson.tx.us
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority
Mr. Tommy Hill
Chief Engineer, Guadalupe Blanco River Authority, Texas
Address: 933 East Court Street, Seguin, TX 78155
Telephone: (830) 379-5822
Email: thill@gbra.org
For dates and descriptions of each project, please see Section D: References.
18.
H2O develops plans by using a comprehensive approach in involving the largest planning and
stakeholder group possible. Our approach directly follows state and federal guidelines including
lessons learned from previous projects as we: work with the community in developing and
fulfilling a capability assessment; assist with compiling, identifying, and analyzing data for the
risk and vulnerability assessment; and draft the mitigation strategy and assist with mitigation
action development by providing a comprehensive range of activities including preventive
actions, property protection techniques, natural resource protection strategies, structural
projects, prevention and public information, and awareness.
In addition to internal project controls we verify each step of the process by following state and
federal guidelines, including: all applicable provisions of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
(DMA 2000) and FEMA’s criteria for approval of mitigation plans in Section 322 of the DMA
2000; FEMA’s Interim Final Rule established in 2002; FEMA’s series of “How-to” Guides; FEMA
field and web-deployed courses; the Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Guidance “Bluebook” from
2008 and it’s Crosswalk for review of plans; the updated 2012 Local Mitigation Plan Review
Guide and Crosswalk (now referred to as the review tool); and the draft “Local Hazard Mitigation
Planning Handbook”, which was made available in July 2012 and will be finalized in December
2012.
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Section B: Detailed Narrative
Project Understanding
Mitigation planning serves as a vital foundation for saving lives and protecting property from natural and
technological or man-caused hazards. Plans are required on a five-year timetable so that communities
may: leverage FEMA funding; maintain important data regarding critical infrastructure; keep mitigation
actions recent as well as develop new actions; identify new funding opportunities; and address any
changes in hazard vulnerability or risk.
The H2O Partners Team will provide experienced, professional staff to develop a Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan for the City of Georgetown. H2O will also invite and encourage stakeholder groups to
participate including, but not limited to: state and federal agencies; non-profit groups; local schools and
hospitals, the City of Georgetown Emergency Management; Williamson County; Texas Colorado River
Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC) 1 ; Capital Area Planning Council; Texas Forest Service; Texas Water
Department Board (TWDB); Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM); and the American
Red Cross.
All sections will be developed in accordance with the provisions of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000;
Interim Final Rules for the Hazard Mitigation Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (44 CFR,
Part 201); and planning standards adopted by TDEM.
Understanding of City of Georgetown’s Needs
Despite the vast experience of the H2O team, each plan that H2O develops is uniquely tailored to the
needs of the client, from specifying particular hazards to be identified and assessed, to developing
varied approaches for outreach within the community.
In establishing priorities the greatest deference will be given to the City of Georgetown’s goals and
needs. This will be a Plan by and for the City, and community input will be integral. The goals will be
balanced against FEMA and TDEM requirements and rules, and input from citizens, neighborhood
groups, local businesses and other stakeholders will be solicited throughout the planning process.
H2O Partners Inc. has completed successful plans since formation for over 650 jurisdictions, including all
participating member communities of the Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC) and the
Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). H2O has continued outreach to all of the communities in
Williamson County. In addition, H2O has completed plans for areas devastated by hurricanes and
tropical storms such as the City of Round Rock following Tropical Storm Hermine, Harrison County
Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina, Galveston County following Hurricane Ike, and Otsego County
1
H2O developed the Hazard Mitigation Plan for LCRA and the Plan Update for the TCRFC, which included
Williamson County and keeps in contact with both the TCRFC and the County.
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New York following Hurricane Irene. H2O has always ensured that all plans, whether multi-jurisdictional
plans, new plans or updates, pass state and FEMA regulations.
H2O is prepared to provide research on natural disasters that have impacted the City of Georgetown,
such as Tropical Storm Hermine, as well as potential issues due to the effects of these natural disasters.
Project Approach
The primary phase in developing a Plan begins with an initial meeting with the Executive Committee.
H2O will recommend, through initial research, hazards for the City, which may be included in the Plan.
At this internal meeting, H2O will suggest a comprehensive list of stakeholders to be involved either as
planning team members or as part of the general public to be involved in the plan. A date, time and
location for the Kick-Off Workshop will then be set. H2O will then draft and submit notices to potential
team members. Either before or during the Kick-Off Workshop, H2O will work with local planning
departments to begin soliciting data needed to create the plan, such as GIS data where available.
Figure 1. Basic Phases of Plan Development
PHASE 1: ORGANIZE
Planning Team
Planning Process
PHASE 2: ASSESSEMENT
Capability Assessment
Risk & Vulnerability Assessment
PHASE 3: MITIGATION
Create Actions
Develop Unique Strategies
PHASE 4: IMPLEMENTATION
Conduct Benefit-Cost Analysis
Leverage Grant Funding
At the Kick-Off Workshop a Capability Assessment Survey will be distributed along with public surveys at
the public meeting to follow. H2O will then work to collect data and analyze survey results as well as
gather preliminary risk assessment information.
Once primary and secondary data has been obtain and analyzed a draft Risk Report will be developed
followed by a Risk Assessment Workshop. The workshop will detail findings in the report, present an
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analysis, provide priority ranking of hazards, and allow for the team to provide individual hazard ranking
as well. The goals for developing mitigation actions will be distributed at this workshop. A public
meeting will follow the workshop.
After the Risk Assessment Workshop, a Mitigation Workshop will be held to facilitate an open discussion
for mitigation strategies and provide guidance on funding opportunities. Although the goal at the
workshop is to develop all mitigation strategies, often individual meetings among departments may be
necessary to finalize the mitigation actions.
Following the submission of all mitigation actions, H2O will finalize the draft of the Plan. It will be
distributed to all planning team members who will then have a month to review and provide comments
to the H2O Team. H2O will make any revisions necessary and submit to TDEM. If edits are requested,
H2O will provide the revised plan to TDEM within two weeks. Once TDEM approves the Plan, it will be
submitted to FEMA for review. A similar review and edit process will follow, with H2O providing
revisions within two weeks of receipt of requested edits. Once the Plan is approved by FEMA, the City,
and any participating entities, will then have one year to formally adopt the plan. H2O will provide a
sample adoption resolution and will facilitate the process as needed.
Throughout the planning process, H2O will assist with grant management tasks, providing assistance as
needed for quarterly reports. After approval H2O will be on hand to assist with grant development
suggestions and provide a funding guide, enabling the City of Georgetown to implement the mitigation
actions included in the Plan.
Step-by-Step Approach
Steps to be taken in conducting the hazard mitigation planning process include, but are not limited to
the following:
Task One – Document the Planning Process
1.1 Organize Participation in the Planning Process
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H2O will draft a Project Background Paper outlining the mitigation planning process and a
proposal for how the effort will be conducted.
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Staff will solicit participation from the local participating community and citizens in the
planning effort.
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H2O will then request designation of a Mitigation Plan Point of Contact from each
participating department in the City of Georgetown.
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
H2O will help form a Planning Team under the auspices of the City of Georgetown Executive
Committee.
1.2 Conduct Project Kick-Off Workshops and Site Visits
To ensure maximum participation by local elected officials, planners, stakeholders and the public, H2O
will facilitate a Kick-Off Workshop. Invitees will include all relative departments within the City of
Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC), Capital Area
Planning Council, Texas Forest Service, Texas Water Department Board (TWDB), elected officials, key
community leaders, stakeholders, Floodplain Administrators, Emergency Management Coordinators,
Fire District representatives, and members from the private sector such as schools, hospitals and
businesses.
The purpose of the Kick-Off Workshop will be to discuss the proposed planning effort and to obtain an
initial understanding of any concerns and issues regarding hazard mitigation, preparedness and
sustainable development. The initial workshops will be used to obtain feedback to help refine the
process and discuss the timetable and proposed strategy.
1.3 Development of Proposed Format for the Hazard Mitigation Plan
The format for the City of Georgetown Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan will be developed to be consistent
with the requirement of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) set forth in 44 CFR Part
206 and with the requirements of Annex P, Hazard Mitigation, issued by the State Division of Emergency
Management. FEMA’s “How-To” Guides on State and Local Mitigation Planning will also be utilized in
developing the format.
The narrative will indicate who was involved in the planning process and how the public was involved. It
will also provide a description of how citizens and other readers (who may not have been involved in the
plan) were made aware of the planning process. The H2O Team will ensure the public has multiple
opportunities to participate in the planning process, including three separate public meetings held at the
beginning, mid-point, and conclusion of the planning process in addition to a public survey that will be
available online for the general public. This includes an opportunity for the public to provide input on
the final draft version of the plan at least two weeks before submittal of the recommended plan for local
adoption. The narrative will also document how neighboring jurisdictions, governmental agencies,
businesses, academia, non-profits, and other interested parties were involved in the plan process. In
addition H2O will make webinars available for the general public and stakeholders to attend meetings
online.
Task Two – Conduct the Capability Assessment
The capability assessment has two primary components: an inventory of the City’s relevant plans,
ordinances or programs already in place; and an analysis of its capacity to carry them out. Careful
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examination of local capabilities will detect any existing
gaps, shortfalls or weaknesses with ongoing government
activities that could hinder proposed mitigation activities
and possibly exacerbate community hazard vulnerability.
The capability assessment will also highlight the positive
mitigation measures already in place or being
implemented at the local government level, which should
continue to be supported and enhanced if possible
through future mitigation efforts.
The Plan will evaluate the
capabilities of the City of
Georgetown to help identify
gaps in planning and begin
the development of unique
mitigation actions.
For the Kick-Off Workshop described above, a capability
assessment survey instrument will be developed and
provided to the participating jurisdiction. Information gathered in the survey will be documented and
capabilities will be evaluated with attention given to previous state, county or local plans and all
regulations and development requirements as established by FEMA. The information gathered during
this assessment will be documented to help shape the type of policies and projects developed by the
City of Georgetown.
Task Three – Risk Assessment
For the hazard evaluation, analysis and assessment of risks, H2O will compile and analyze information
from a variety of national, state and local sources. In addition H2O will conduct on-site visits and obtain
any input provided by the City and integrate that input into the overall hazard evaluation by comparing
it to risk assessment data in the State of Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Texas Colorado River
Floodplain Coalition Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, and similar risk assessments from neighboring
communities such as the City of Austin Hazard Mitigation Plan and Plan Update, and the City of Round
Rock Hazard Mitigation Plan, all of which H2O developed.
3.1 Background Research, Data Collection and Classification
This subtask involves gathering and compiling all the necessary data (non-spatial and spatial) that will be
needed to conduct a thorough hazard and risk evaluation. This information will include but is not limited
to:

Base map data - includes administrative boundaries, transportation networks, water areas and
courses, hydrology, etc…

Hazard specific data - includes information such as Digital Elevation Models, climate and
weather data, geology, soils, and flood zones, etc…
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
Critical Facilities – those facilities that provide services to the community and should be
functional after a hazard event. Critical facilities include hospitals, police stations, fire stations
and schools.
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General Building Stock - includes residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, religious,
government, and educational buildings.
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Lifelines and Infrastructure – these are separated into distinct classes (transportation systems
and utility lifelines) to provide the ability to differentiate between varying lifeline system
components with substantially different damage and loss characteristics.

Social/Demographic Characteristics - used to estimate direct social losses (i.e., vulnerable
populations, displaced households, potential casualties, etc.). Social and demographic
information is derived from census data that describes the characteristics of the population
including age, gender, income, housing and ethnic origin. These characteristics are important
descriptors to define social vulnerability.
The consultant team will work closely with City Municipal Utility Districts, Lower Colorado River
Authority (LCRA), Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District, TCRFC, Williamson
County, Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District, Texas General Land Office, Texas Department of
Transportation, Governor’s Division of Emergency Management, Texas Water Development Board,
National Marine Fisheries, and Texas Parks and Wildfire Department to gather and compile this
information. Where necessary, the information will be compiled into a Geographic Information System
(GIS), which will allow the members of the planning team to gain a better understanding of each
geographic area and identify areas of concern.
3.2 Hazard Event Profile and Mapping
The consultant team will determine the extent to which
specific hazards may affect the project area. This will
include reviewing and incorporating the Risk Assessments
from the current TCRFC Hazard Mitigation Plan, which
H2O developed, in addition to Repetitive Loss Plans,
Emergency Management Plan, and Floodplain
Management Program Activities.
1
Identify Hazards
2
Profile Hazard
3
Inventory Assets
4
Estimate Losses
The development of hazard/damage profiles is an important step in evaluating the changed frequency
and impact for risks for the City of Georgetown. The team will utilize skilled personnel to conduct
statistical analysis to relate frequency to intensity. This will allow an analysis of variations of intensity
within each type hazard event (50-Year Flood, 100-Year Flood, etc.) as well as determine the probability
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(frequency) of future events occurring. By developing hazard intensity-frequency relationships for each
hazard, the team will determine:

The likelihood or probability of the natural hazard occurring, measured in terms of frequency
(i.e., annual probability) or return period (i.e., years); and

The intensity associated with the event, which refers to the damage generating attributes of a
hazard.
Where applicable, H2O will produce a series of natural hazard maps to demonstrate the change in data.
These maps will provide a spatial understanding (location and extent) of hazard intensity that is related
to a specific return period.
3.3 Risk Assessment
H2O will utilize GIS and other information technologies to aggregate data to be portrayed on both maps
and spreadsheets to demonstrate the change in risk assessment estimates and will show potential
damages, injuries and costs within specific areas and across the entire City.
The risk assessment will provide estimates of the probability of various levels of damage to provide local
decision makers and members of the private sector, such as school
systems, with a more complete understanding of the full range of
natural hazards that they face and potential casualties, damages
and economic losses from different hazard events.
This comprehensive risk methodology provides the mechanism for
participating community officials to target limited resources to
those areas that have the highest vulnerability to natural hazards.
The quantitative assessment provides a basis of current risks to
the City of Georgetown. This information can facilitate sustainable
risk management decisions to implement future planning and
development projects. It also provides a basis to assess changing
vulnerability due to growth and development patterns.
3.4 Vulnerability Assessment
H2O will conduct a vulnerability analysis to determine the
potential for detrimental impacts of hazards on critical facilities,
general building stock, lifelines and infrastructure, populations and
economic and financial assets. This analysis will provide the City of
Georgetown with a risk assessment approach that is consistent
with Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and TDEM criteria.
Page 15
Specifically, the team will estimate damages in terms of potential dollar losses to property and
populations. Methodologies for the impact and consequence assessment will be well documented to
assure replication and data tabulations and/or map(s) that illustrate the potential losses in the hazard
impact areas will be developed. These include, but are not limited to critical facilities, general building
stock, lifelines and infrastructure, and social/demographic characteristics.
Task Four – Develop Strategies for Plan Evaluation and Update
The consultant team will work with the planning committee to develop a Plan Evaluation section to
include procedures that will include a description of the method and schedule to be used over the next
five (5) years to monitor, evaluate, and update the plan. The procedures will also include a description of
how the City of Georgetown will involve the public during the plan maintenance process over the next
five (5) years.
The Plan Evaluation section will include a description of the process and procedures by which the City of
Georgetown incorporate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms such
as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, when appropriate.
Task Five – Develop Mitigation Strategy and Prioritize Mitigation Actions
Based on the background research, the risk assessment described in
previous steps, and input received, H2O and the City of Georgetown
planning members will focus on specific prioritized mitigation
NFIP participation,
actions that will reduce the impact of current hazards to be
maintenance and
included in the Plan. H2O will work with the planning team and
compliance and Severe
stakeholders at the mitigation workshop to identify mitigation
Repetitive Loss (SRL)
goals and objectives and specific mitigation strategies that will
properties must be
reduce the impact of future hazard events based on the hazard
addressed in the Plan per
analysis. It is important that mitigation strategies connect to the
latest FEMA guidance.
risk and vulnerability assessments therefore, the H2O team will
present a comprehensive list of potential actions, in particular strategies
that have become successful grant projects for nearby jurisdictions, at the risk
workshop so that the planning team may begin thinking about strategies at an early stage in plan
development. The mitigation strategy session will include a discussion of the status of pre-and postdisaster hazard management policies, programs and capabilities to mitigate the hazards in the areas.
Strategies will be consistent with parameters identified in the capability assessment.
Municipal officials will determine the feasibility for implementation of each policy or project after an
examination of the proposed actions. After completion of mitigation strategies, the planning team will
prioritize the mitigation actions, as required by the State and FEMA. The mitigation actions will be
prioritized based upon:
Page 16

Their potential impact in reducing overall risk to lives and property from all hazards;

Ease of implementation;

Community and political support; and

Potential funding sources.
Based on these factors, the mitigation actions will be characterized as high, moderate or low priority in
the Plan.
Task Six – Develop and Submit Draft City of Georgetown Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Based on its planning efforts, H2O will develop a draft Hazard Mitigation Plan, which at a minimum, will
comply with all State and Federal requirements and include:
 Documentation of community planning processes, policies, capabilities and involvement of
the public;
 A section on Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment;
 Mitigation vision, goals and objectives;
 Mitigation actions and strategies specific to the City (including prioritized list of actions and
implementation plans, to include costs, benefits, responsible organization, implementation
schedule, priority, and potential funding sources); and
 Documentation that the participating jurisdiction has formally adopted the plan.
The initial draft Hazard Mitigation Plan will be provided to the Texas Department of Emergency
Management. As required by TDEM, a FEMA Crosswalk will be completed and provided along with the
draft plan. After TDEM conducts its initial evaluation of the draft Plan, it will be forwarded to FEMA
Region VI in Denton, Texas, for review and approval of the draft.
The final Hazard Mitigation Plan will be developed, taking into consideration any comments from the
state and local officials. In accordance with both federal regulations and state guidelines, immediately
upon approval of the draft Plan by the state and FEMA, the Plan will be provided to the City of
Georgetown for adoption and approval.
H2O will provide support, as requested, for the adoption of the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan once the
Plan is approved pending adoption. The team can also assist in identifying funding sources for hazard
mitigation programs and projects to implement the Plan.
Page 17
H2O’s online survey
system and webinar
platform allow for
increased public
participation and
detailed and accurate
reports.
Public and Stakeholder Involvement
Throughout each of the phases of plan development and
implementation, public involvement will be solicited through a
variety of mechanisms to not only support the mitigation goals of
TDEM and FEMA, but also to provide for an environment of
collaboration and support to help ensure the implementation of
mitigation measures.
At least three public meetings will be conducted, preferably after
the Kick-off, Risk Assessment and Mitigation Workshops, to gather input from the general public and
elected officials. Second, H2O will develop a detailed public hazard survey that can be completed online
to obtain feedback from the community regarding their opinion and ranking of risks. The public survey
link will be provided to the City of Georgetown and all planning team members for posting on websites
or forwarding to friends, neighbors and community groups. H2O will draft an announcement for the City
of Georgetown officials to provide to the media prior to each meeting. Finally, H2O will also make
public webinars available for the general public and stakeholder members that cannot attend meetings.
Throughout the planning process, outreach will also be conducted on an on-going basis with local
elected officials, area businesses, schools, the media, and strategic partners throughout the project
area. In conducting outreach, H2O will build on previous successes in engaging the public, the media and
key stakeholders. Periodic updates will be provided to the media and key stakeholders about the
planning process and how they can participate.
Timeline
The following presents an overview of the monthly schedule of work for the development of the MultiHazard Mitigation Plan for the City of Georgetown. H2O proposes an expedited schedule in returning
the draft plan to TDEM and FEMA. While both TDEM and FEMA try to ensure that plan reviews last no
longer than 45 days, sometimes unforeseen circumstances such as a disaster in the state or backlog of
plans can extend reviews. Therefore it is imperative that the draft plan is submitted to TDEM as early as
possible.
H2O can work with the City of Georgetown on an expedited schedule. In 2011, H2O completed a Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update for Jackson County, Texas in four months and obtained FEMA approval for the
Plan Update in seven months. Although such an expedited schedule is not recommended, H2O is flexible
and can adjust the estimated timeline if needed.
Page 18
Timeline (after Contract
Award)2
February – March 2013
February – March 2013
Service/Deliverable
Organize Planning Team and Planning Process; Conduct Kick-off
Workshop and Public Meeting.
Conduct Capability Assessments and Documentation
Development. Evaluate Risk Assessment and Begin Drafting
HMAP.
April 2013
Prepare/Conduct Risk Workshops and Public Meeting.
May 2013
Revise Risk Assessment per Comments from Planning Team.
June – July 2013
Prepare/Conduct Mitigation Workshop and Public Meeting.
Conduct Correspondence with Planning Team to Develop
Actions and Strategies.
August 2013
Draft Plan and Submit to Planning Team for Review.
September 2013
Finalize Draft Plan Revision and Submit to TDEM.
October 20133
November 20134
Provide Revision to TDEM if Comments Received. TDEM to
Approve and Submit to FEMA.
Provide Edits to FEMA if Requested; Obtain FEMA Approval and
Assist with Plan Adoption. Provide Final Status
Update/Closeout.
2
This schedule presumes a contract will be awarded in January, 2013.
Estimated date based on regulatory timelines. Exact review time of TDEM is indeterminable at present.
4
Estimated date based on regulatory timelines. Exact review time of FEMA is indeterminable at present.
3
Page 19
Section C: Qualifications
About the Firm
H2O Partners, Inc. (H2O), headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB)
and a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), formed in 2001 by Jo Ann Howard, former National Flood
Insurance Program Administrator at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
H2O is comprised of a team of seasoned professionals, who are experts in strategic planning,
communications and inter-governmental relations. Since formation, H2O has worked with cities,
counties, school and hospital systems, universities, Councils of Government, River Authorities and
stakeholder groups nationwide in the development of Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMP), Plan Updates,
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) applications,
Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) and Repetitive Flood Claim (RFC)
applications, Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Grant Program
H2O is a certified HUB
applications, and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
and WBE with a 100%
compliance to protect lives and property from natural and
success rate for FEMA
technological hazard events.
mitigation plans and
H2O Partners can provide the City of Georgetown with
grants.
specialized expertise in FEMA planning, grant development
and management, flood related mitigation strategies, and
overall disaster recovery services. The H2O team provided
expert advice, assistance and guidance to the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in
support of the agency’s mission of promoting NFIP implementation. The firm’s work included
conducting over 75 Community Assistance Visits (CAVs) to inspect construction in and out of the FEMAmapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
H2O has also conducted NFIP “Floodplain 101” training for Floodplain Administrators and Flood Industry
professionals nationwide, covering all aspects of NFIP and FEMA regulations pertaining to responsibly
managing a local NFIP program.
Core Competencies
H2O has extensive experience assisting local, state and federal governments as well as the private sector
to effectively mitigate against, prepare for, and recover from all types of disasters.
Our experience includes:




Developing Hazard Mitigation Action Plans (HMP) for over 550 jurisdictions;
Developing Mitigation Plan Updates for over 100 jurisdictions;
Conducting training and curriculum development as a FEMA contractor regarding the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for agents, lenders and adjusters nationwide;
Serving as an appointee on the Governor’s Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal for
the State of Texas following Hurricane Ike (2009);
Page 20










Developing FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) and Public Assistance (PA) grants;
Working for the states of Louisiana and Mississippi to maximize funding after Hurricanes Katrina
and Rita;
Serving on national RiskMAP and HMTAP teams for FEMA;
Incorporating technical knowledge concerning coverage, underwriting and the relation of the
flood insurance and flood maps to Public Assistance (PA), Hazard Mitigation (HM) and 44 Code
of Federal Regulations;
Administering and managing FEMA grants for subgrantees;
Developing Long-Term Recovery Plans;
Assisting communities with PA and HM closeout of projects and disasters, including
communities in New York impacted by Hurricane Irene;
Serving on the Foundation Board of the Association of State Floodplain Mitigation and as
members of National Association of Emergency Managers;
Conducting Community Assessment Visits (CAV’s), including community visits to assess
floodplain ordinance enforcement, permitting, and enforcement with mitigation implications;
and
Working with local communities, states and FEMA on more efficient ways to recover from
disasters.
Past Experience
H2O has an experienced team of reliable professionals who are dedicated to delivering quality work.
Since formation, personnel at H2O have successfully developed Hazard Mitigation Plans and Plan
Updates covering over 650 jurisdictions.
For all grants, plans, plan updates, and environmental studies and assessments, H2O has achieved a 100
percent success rate with FEMA.
In developing Hazard Mitigation Plans, H2O Partners:

Identified and assessed natural and human-caused hazards that threatened the area;

Profiled hazards based on their severity of impact, frequency of occurrence, seasonal patterns,
warning time, and cascading potential;

Using Geographic Information Systems-based analyses, conducted an inventory of populations,
buildings, critical and special facilities and commercial facilities at risk;

Estimated probability of occurrence and potential dollar losses from hazards using the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's HAZUS-MH model and the ALOHA plume model and other
methodologies;
Page 21

Developed a mitigation vision, goals and long-term objectives for the plan;

Prioritized the hazards in terms of potential dollar losses and their likelihood of occurrence,
spatial extent, and severity of impact;

Developed mitigation actions to reduce the long-term risk to people and property;

Conducted public meetings and stakeholder outreach to gain input into the planning process;

Documented the planning process;

Developed plan maintenance procedures; and,

Obtained state and FEMA plan approval.
In addition to the tasks listed above, in developing Hazard Mitigation Plan Updates, H2O Partners:

Assisted communities with reviewing and analyzing previous mitigation actions;

Helped planning team members revise and reorganize, if necessary, previous mitigation
strategies;

Completed revised and updated risk and vulnerability assessments to meet FEMA standards for
Plan Updates; and,

Provided updates for incorporation of the revised mitigation plan.
To accompany the plans and assist communities in selecting grant projects, H2O Partners developed a
Funding Guide: A Guide to Funding and Technical Assistance Programs that Support Hazard Mitigation.
This Guide identifies and describes over 90 grant and technical assistance programs that can be used to
implement mitigation projects.
Previous Project Examples
Below is a sample list of highly successful, similar projects:
1) Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the City of Austin, Texas (2009-2011):
The team developed a revised mitigation plan for the City, which maintains over 250 critical
facilities and has a population of over 800,000. FEMA approved the Plan Update upon the first
review with no edit or revision requests.
2) Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for Galveston County, Texas (2008-2011):
Page 22
H2O developed a revised mitigation plan for Galveston County. Planning was initiated three
months before Hurricane Ike ravished the Texas Gulf Coast, destroying buildings, homes and
critical facilities in the County. Despite the devastation and temporary delay due to the disaster,
H2O was able to help the County receive FEMA approval for the Plan Update, less than three
years after the project began. All communities participated in the plan and created unique
mitigation strategies, which are already being developed into grant applications.
3) Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for Jackson County, Texas (Jan-Aug. 2011):
H2O completed the initial plan for Jackson County in 2004. In 2011, H2O was recommended by
the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to complete an update for the County on
an expedited timeline due to a potential grant that was dependent upon the update for
submittal. H2O completed a draft in just four months and obtained FEMA approval in seven
months.
4) Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC) and
Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), (2008-2011):
H2O completed the initial plan for the TCRFC and LCRA, and began the update process at the
end of 2008 after developing a successful HMGP application for the TCRFC to fund development
of the plan. The Plan Update included 61 jurisdictions and was the first multi-jurisdictional Plan
Update to be approved for the State of Texas.
In addition to the representative projects listed above, H2O has also worked with the following groups
since 2004:

Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

Texas River Authorities


Brazos River Authority

San Antonio River Authority

Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
Texas Councils of Government (COGs)

Alamo Area COG

Brazos Valley COG

Concho Valley COG

Heart of Texas COG

North Central Texas COG

Rio Grande COG

South Plains Association of Government
Page 23




West Central Texas COG
Cities and Counties

City of Plano

City of Richardson

City of Round Rock

City of Southlake

City of Odessa

Village of Owego, New York

Ector County

Harris County

Burnet County

Harrison County, Mississippi

Lubbock County

Otsego County, New York
Stakeholder Groups

Port of Freeport, Texas

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Texas A&M International University

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
School Districts

Crockett Independent School District in Crockett, Texas

Woodsboro Independent School District in Woodsboro, Texas

Hulbert Public Schools in Hulbert, Oklahoma
Project Staff
Team members at H2O have a keen understanding of the requirements promulgated by FEMA and the
TDEM, including the applicable provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act, Section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), the Bunning-BereuterBlumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2006, and FEMA’s February 26, 2002 Interim Final Rule (“the
Rule”) at 44 CFR Part 201 which specifies the criteria for approval of mitigation plans required in Section
322 of the DMA 2000. Plans developed by H2O specifically adhere to the “Multi-Hazard Mitigation
Planning Guidance under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000” (Blue Book) and standards found in
FEMA’s “Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance” (released June 1, 2010).
Page 24
The H2O Partners Team will provide experienced professional staff to develop a HMP for the City of
Georgetown and any stakeholder groups that join the planning effort. For the City of Georgetown Plan,
H2O will provide key personnel in the area of mitigation planning, including Project Manager Erin Capps,
J.D., Senior Mitigation Associate Cathy Meek, CFM, LRA, Lead Writer, Heather Ferrara, M.C.P., and
Planner Nan Krankel, B.A. In addition, Anne Williams and Craig Eissler, who will also be dedicated to
developing the Risk and Vulnerability portions of the Plan, are also Certified Floodplain Managers (CFM).
This leadership team has been involved in successful plans
and will ensure that key components of the Plan are not
only met but exceeded. This dedicated group will bring a
unique perspective in assisting with the development of
mitigation strategies and completing the risk assessment.
H2O will provide a
dedicated staff of key
personnel for the City
of Georgetown Plan
Staff Experience
Erin Capps, J.D.
Erin Capps became a licensed attorney in 2008, and, in addition to her role as Hazard Mitigation
Assistance (HMA) Program Manager, has performed tort and administrative law research on federal acts
dealing with flood insurance, the Stafford Act and other guidance regarding federal assistance to
disaster victims. She has attended and participated in Regional Water Planning Groups in Texas,
provided support to the TCEQ Source Water Assessment and Protection Program and developed
presentations for national groups regarding Gulf Coast hurricanes and recovery. Ms. Capps has
authored hazard mitigation plans for over 250 jurisdictions, including the Heart of Texas Council of
Governments and the West Central Texas Council of Governments as well as a plan updates for the
Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC) and the City of Austin. Ms. Capps acts as lead for all
H2O-developed grants, plans and plan update projects.
Cathy Meek, CFM, LRA
Cathy Meek, former Floodplain Administrator for the City of Austin, has over 25 years of experience with
flood insurance and floodplain management and mitigation. She has conducted training on flood
insurance and floodplain management throughout the nation and works directly with communities to
help them improve their floodplain management regulations and permitting and inspection processes.
In this work, Ms. Meek “coaches” local officials on mitigation Best Management Practices and points out
mitigation opportunities. She has served as project manager and participated in the development of
FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plans for H2O Partners, for over 100 counties and 300 cities in the
State of Texas since 2006, including the Galveston County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, which was
conducted after Hurricane Ike, and the City of Round Rock Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Page 25
Anne Williams, M.S., CFM
Anne Williams is a Certified Floodplain Manager and OSHA/RCRA Hazardous Materials Handler with a
Masters degree in Environmental Science from Texas A&M University. She has over ten years of
experience working with environmental science and over six years working with FEMA programs,
including Hazard Mitigation. She has assisted with the development of both planning and project HMGP
and PDM grants, including developing Benefit/Cost Analyses and conducting environmental and
historical reviews. Ms. Williams provided support for the Galveston County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Update, and acted as project lead for the development of a Hazard Mitigation Plan for Ector County,
Texas and a Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Port of Port Freeport, Texas.
Nan Krankel, B.A.
Nan Krankel has expertise in Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs and has conducted
community outreach and planning throughout the Gulf Coast. Ms. Krankel provided technical assistance
and training in Public Assistance for Katrina relief to applicants and subgrantees in Mississippi and
Louisiana. While working with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), she was
responsible for detailed review and reconciliation of application materials for the disbursement of Public
Assistance funds to local governments, schools, and nonprofits. In addition, she managed both small and
large FEMA Project Worksheet financial analysis of subgrantee documentation. This included monitoring
contracts, reviewing debris removal load tickets for accuracy and reconciling contractor’s invoices. Ms.
Krankel’s attention to detail and technical expertise are invaluable in hazard mitigation planning
reviews. She has provided input on: the City of Austin Hazard Mitigation Plan Update; the Galveston
County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update; and the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the TCRFC. Further,
she was integral to the subcontract team for the development of a Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for
Harrison County, Mississippi.
Heather Ferrara, B.A., M.C.P.
Heather Ferrara has experience in Hazard Mitigation and holds a Masters degree in Community Planning
from Auburn University. She has assisted with the development of HMGP and PDM grants, as well as
hazard mitigation plans and updates both in Alabama and Texas. As lead writer, Ms. Ferrara provided
support for the West Central Texas Council of Governments (WCTCOG) Hazard Mitigation Plan Update,
which had 80 participating jurisdictions, as well as Concho Valley Council of Governments Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update. Heather is also adept at conducting TDEM and FEMA reviews and expedites
any edit request from the state and FEMA for quick turnaround and approval of plans.
Craig Eissler, M.S., CFM
Craig Eissler is a CFM and certified HAZUS-MH trainer for FEMA who specializes in using GIS technology
to identify and assess risks for communities. HAZUS-MH is the preferred software by FEMA for
developing risk and vulnerability assessments and updates; Mr. Eissler has trained government officials
on its use since 2006. In addition to his expertise with HAZUS-MH, Craig has also developed innovate
techniques to assess the potential impacts of natural and man-caused hazards through detailed GIS
Page 26
mapping. Mr. Eissler has assisted with the development of mitigation plans and updates throughout
Region VI, and his work has been invaluable in the development of the risk assessment for the State of
Texas mitigation plan and plan update. Currently Mr. Eissler manages and an online GIS data
distribution and map viewing tool to assist communities in identifying risk areas, thereby allowing them
to prioritize mitigation strategies.
Page 27
Section D: References
H2O provides a full realm of disaster consulting services to clients from applying for and managing
grants, to assisting communities after a disaster. The following are a representative list of references for
work completed on Hazard Mitigation Plan Updates:
City of Round Rock Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2010-2012
Mr. Thomas Bradford, CEM
Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Round Rock, Texas
Address: 221 East Main Street, Round Rock, TX 78664
Telephone: (512) 341-3106
Email: bbradford@roundrocktexas.gov
Description: FEMA approved a Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City of Round Rock in 2012 which included
Round Rock Independent School District and address both natural and technological hazards, including:
hail, severe thunderstorm, tornado, winter storm, extreme heat, hurricane wind, flooding, dam failure,
wildfire, drought, hazardous materials release, pipeline breach, pandemic, and terrorism.
City of Austin Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, 2009-2011
Mr. Billy Atkins
Emergency Plans Officer
Homeland Security Emergency Management, City of Austin, Texas
Address: P.O. Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767
Telephone: (512) 974-0999
Email: billy.atkins@ci.austin.tx.us
Description: The team developed a revised mitigation plan for the City, which maintains over 250 critical
facilities and has a population of over 800,000. FEMA approved the Plan Update upon the first review
with no edit or revision requests.
Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC) Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, 2008-2011
Mr. Domingo Montalvo
Mayor, City of Wharton, Texas
Address: 120 East Caney Street, Wharton, TX 77488
Telephone: (979) 533-2328
Email: dmontalvo@cityofwharton.com
Description: H2O completed the initial plan for the TCRFC and LCRA, and began the update process at
the end of 2008 after developing a successful HMGP application for the TCRFC to fund development of
Page 28
Section D: References
the plan. The Plan Update included 61 jurisdictions and was the first multi-jurisdictional Plan Update to
be approved for the State of Texas.
Jackson County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, 2010-2011
Mr. Allan Friedrich
Emergency Management Coordinator, Jackson County, Texas
Address: 115 West Main Street, Edna, TX 77957
Telephone: (361) 782-1743
Email: jceoc@co.jackson.tx.us
Description: H2O completed the initial plan for Jackson County in 2004. In 2011, H2O was
recommended by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to complete an update for the
County on an expedited timeline due to a potential grant that was dependent upon the update for
submittal. H2O completed a draft in just four months and obtained FEMA approval in seven months.
Guadalupe Blanco River Authority Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, 2009-2011
Mr. Tommy Hill
Chief Engineer, Guadalupe Blanco River Authority, Texas
Address: 933 East Court Street, Seguin, TX 78155
Telephone: (830) 379-5822
Email: thill@gbra.org
Description: H2O developed both the original Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Plan Update for the GBRA,
which included over 28 jurisdictions. Participating entities involved in the Plan Update also include the
drainage districts and school districts. Based on this planning effort H2O was able to develop an
approximately $2,000,000.00 FEMA-funded disaster safe room or tornado shelter for Woodsboro ISD (a
participant in the plan), which the school will use a new gymnasium and the community will use in the
event of a tornado.
Page 29
Section E: Cost Proposal
H2O follows a flexible approach to cost estimating. Although our hourly rate remains at $150.00 for
tasks, we work with clients to set maximum amounts. H2O has never requested an increase in funds
from a client, nor have we ever experienced a budget overrun.
Tasks for each step of the Plan are included in the table below. Total estimated hours for each task are
based on estimates from work completed on similar projects. If the City proposes to take on sub-tasks
within the chart below, our price estimate may be reduced. We are willing to negotiate to make this
work for the budget and grant for the City of Georgetown.
Cost Proposal – City of Georgetown Plan
Description
Amount
Plan Process Documentation
Gathering/Development and Capability
Assessment Evaluation (20 hours)
$3,000
Organize Planning Team; Prepare for and
Conduct Kick-off Workshop (20 hours)
$3,000
Develop Risk Assessment Report (66 hours)
$9,900
Assist with the Development of Mitigation
Strategies and Develop/Prioritize Mitigation
Actions (35 hours)
$5,250
Prepare for and Conduct Risk and Mitigation
Workshops (20 hours)
$3,000
Conduct Public and Stakeholder Outreach (20
hours)
$3,000
Develop Draft Plan (119 hours)
$17,850
Submit Plan to TDEM and Provide Edits as
Necessary (15 hours)
$2,250
Submit Plan to FEMA and Provide Edits as
Necessary (15 hours)
$2,250
Subtotal (330 hours)
$49,500
Incidental Expenses (printing)
Grand Total
$500
$50,000
Page 30
Section F: Resumes
Erin Capps, J.D.
Project Manager
Education and Credentials
J.D., Baylor University Law
School, 2007
B.S., Advertising/Business,
University of Texas Austin, 2002,
Magna cum Laude
Licensed to practice law in Texas
Professional Affiliations
Natural Hazards Mitigation
Association (NHMA)
Association of State Floodplain
Managers (ASFPM)
Erin Capps oversees the development of FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Assistance (HMA) plans and grants and helps develop Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG) for disaster recovery. As an attorney she
is well versed in the Stafford Act and has hands-on experience integrating
44 CFR Sections 404 and 406 mitigation. She has worked closely with the
state and federal agencies, non-profit groups, and legislative entities,
having served on the 2009 Governor’s Commission for Disaster Recovery
and Renewal after the devastation of hurricanes Dolly and Ike in Texas. Her
broad experience in working with different stakeholder groups has helped
shape her understanding of 44 CFR, how it is interpreted and how it can be
used to leverage funding for various entities.
Work Experience
Project Manager, H2O Partners, Inc., (2003-Present)
As lead for HMA planning and grant development for H2O Partners, Erin
has completed mitigation plans and updates, including:

An update for the Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition
National Emergency Management
(TCRFC) multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HMAP). This
Association (NEMA)
Plan Update covers 61 jurisdictions throughout the Lower Colorado River
Basin. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has approved
the Plan, which is currently pending FEMA approval. Once approved, it will
American Bar Association (ABA)
be the first multi-jurisdictional mitigation plan update for the State of
Texas.
State Bar of Texas

The City of Austin HMAP Update, currently pending FEMA review.
Responsible
for: organizing and holding meetings, inviting stakeholders,
Courses/Seminars
such
as
hospital
and school districts to participate; developing a new
Hazard Mitigation Planning
Mitigation Grants – G720
format to address concerns such as pandemic influenza in the plan; and
Community Rating System
writing and submitting the plan.
Benefit-Cost Estimating – E276

An HMAP Update for Galveston County, currently pending FEMA
review. The plan update process began in 2008, but immediately was put
on hold due to Hurricane Ike. After initial recovery efforts were underway the communities joined
together to continue the planning process and develop unique actions in response to Hurricane
Ike.
 Ector County HMAP, which included the City of Odessa, currently pending FEMA Review.
 The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) HMAP Update
 The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) HMAP
Texas Floodplain Managers
Association (TFMA)
Ms. Capps has provided policy analysis and review of the Stafford Act including:
 Developing training regarding Stafford Act regulations on a state-wide basis;
 Assisting with the interpretation of policy memos in regard to Hazard Mitigation Assistance for the
State of Louisiana
 Legislative research for changes in regard to water laws in Texas
Page 31
Section F: Resumes
As principal author Ms. Capps has worked on mitigation and disaster recovery plans including:
 The City of Round Rock Mitigation Plan, initiated in 2010
 The Port Freeport Mitigation Plan, initiated in 2010
 Previous multi-jurisdictional
Ms. Capps has also developed Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant applications through the
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program (PDM), including:
 Developing grant applications for: the City of Austin; the TCRFC; Woodsboro, Texas; Crockett ISD;
Burnet County; WCTCOG; and CVCOG
 Assisting with the management of an HMGP grant for Woodsboro ISD
 Conducting outreach and correspondence with jurisdictions throughout Texas as well as state and
federal agencies.
Ms. Capps Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for disaster recovery includes:
 Developing and administering CDBG disaster recovery for Burnet County after DR 1709. The
County was approved for $350,000 in matching funds to cover the non-Federal cost share for
projects under FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. Development of
this successful grant application involved interacting with local elected and appointed officials and
the public; analyzing the County’s Public Assistance Project Worksheets; creating engineering cost
and material reports; providing technical advice to the County on options for funding availability;
and assisting the State Agency overseeing CDBG with writing the final contract for the county.
 Working with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to manage CDBG after
Hurricane Rita, which included: identifying local opportunities, integrating mitigation plans, and
coordinating with FEMA programs, identification of local mitigation opportunities to minimize
future damage, including outreach and technical assistance on elevations and floodplain
management requirements
Mrs. Capps’ experience prior to H2O includes:
Management and Administration, Jo Ann Howard & Associates, P.C., (2003 – 2005)
Helped write, organize and submit bid proposals; conducted legal research; assisted with litigation
summaries sent to the Texas Department of Insurance; developed spreadsheets for receivership estates;
designed and updated company website.
The Fuller Law Group, (2006-2007)
Assisted with drafting testimonies for a rate hearing before the Public Utility Commission; conducted
research in administrative law; wrote memos; assisted with an appeal for Public Assistance Funding for
the GBRA.
Baylor Law Externship, Department of Veterans Affairs, (2005-2006)
Reviewed detailed medical reports to create summaries and memos regarding patients’ medical
malpractice claims; researched various tort law issues, such as sovereign immunity under the Federal
Torts Claim Act; developed memos for VA attorneys.
HillCo Partners, (2002-2003)
Tracked legislation in the Texas Senate and House of Representatives; reviewed bills and conducted
policy analysis; prepared reports and presentations for lobbyists; interfaced with clients as company
liaison.
Page 32
Section F: Resumes
Cathy L. Meek, CFM, LRA
Senior Mitigation Associate
B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies,
University of Houston Downtown,
2002, Honors, Cum Laude
A.S., Physical Science, Austin
Community College, 1984
State Board of Insurance Property
and Casualty Agent,
license #686443
Nationally Certified Floodplain
Manager, CFM 2001 #0145-99N
Founding Member, Texas
Floodplain Management
Association (TFMA)
Cathy Meek, former Floodplain Administrator for the City of Austin, has
over 30 years of experience with flood insurance, floodplain management,
hazard mitigation, and grant writing. She has conducted online and webbased mitigation workshops, training and outreach on RiskMAP, flood
insurance and floodplain management throughout Texas. On behalf of the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Ms. Meek has worked
directly with communities to help manage and improve compliance
regulations and strengthen ordinances pertaining to their local National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In this work, Ms. Meek conducts “NFIP
101” for local officials and on Best Management Practices to improve flood
mitigation opportunities. She has served as project manager and
participated in the development of FEMA-approved hazard mitigation
plans for H2O Partners for over 100 counties and 300 cities in the State of
Texas since 2006.
Ms. Meek’s knowledge includes in-depth experience with environmental
compliance, and in conducing historical and environmental reviews for HMA grants, including detailed
analyses as part of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) project
grants. Ms. Meek is versed in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, FEMA
environmental policy guidance, and environmental considerations and concerns relating to construction
in environmentally-protected areas. H2O has conducted environmental reviews nationwide as part of
FEMA’s HMTAP Team in addition to individual environmental assessments for communities and
stakeholder groups. Following Hurricane Irene in 2011, Ms. Meek successfully completed HMGP Grant
Applications for Acquisition and Structural Elevation of repetitive flood loss properties in New York
State.
Ms. Meek has strong working relationships with NFIP stakeholders, including local, state, and federal
NFIP floodplain managers, community officials, private engineering firms, and insurance and lending
professionals throughout the State.
Work Experience
Grants Manager, NFIP Trainer/Subject Matter Expert, H2O Partners, Inc., (2002-Present)
Ms. Meek provides professional services to H2O’s clients related to various aspects of HMA planning and
grants development, flood industry training and public outreach.
Ms. Meek’s accomplishments include:
 Developing and presenting National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) training for lenders in FEMA
Region VI.
 Assessing NFIP communities’ compliance implementing FEMA and NFIP requirements associated
with responsible floodplain management.
 Conducting Community Assistance Visits (CAV) and training for over 65 jurisdictions in Texas.
Page 33
Section F: Resumes






Developing Hazard Mitigation Plans and Plan Updates for over 300 communities.
Conducting NFIP training courses developed by TCEQ for area Floodplain Administrators and Flood
Industry professionals throughout Texas covering all aspects of NFIP and FEMA regulations
pertaining to responsibly managing a local NFIP program.
Assisting communities with the development of unique mitigation actions to reduce the risk to
high-risk natural disasters, such as flooding, as well as increasing compliance within the NFIP.
Providing Hurricane Katrina Disaster public assistance support services to the Mississippi
Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
Developing HMA grants for local and regional governmental entities in Texas and New York.
Providing support to the RAMPP team for RiskMAP. This work included providing coastal outreach
regarding flood insurance and Stafford Act compliance to communities in FEMA Region VI and
developing a levee safety outreach program for children as part of the National Levee Outreach
Strategy Project.
Flood Insurance Compliance Consultant, Stewart Title Corporation, Stewart Mortgage Information
Services, (2000-2002)
 Provided professional contracting services to employees and affiliated lender and title agencies
focusing on FEMA and NFIP Flood Compliance regulations and training.
 Developed course structure, content, and conducted the comprehensive flood training for title
groups as well as for flood determination staff and Stewart Mortgage Information Services.
 Maintained an ongoing awareness of pertinent topics to the flood insurance industry, authored and
distributed flood industry newsletters to all Stewart Title Offices, and affiliated lending, agencies.
Regional Manager (Austin, TX), Bankers Insurance Company, St. Petersburg, FL, (1996-2002)
 Marketed Banker’s National Flood Insurance Services (NFIS) Division’s NFIS flood zone
determinations, WYO flood insurance services, and NFIP training to Texas-based mortgage lenders
and insurance agents.
President and Owner, Floodplain Consulting Services (FCS), Austin, TX, (1986-1989)
 Consulting practice specializing in all aspects of NFIP non-engineering technical support and training
of professional groups such as land developers, insurance agents, surveyors, lenders, and real estate
companies; Authorized distributor and marketing agent for Sierra-Misco Flood Early Warning
Systems.
NFIP Floodplain Administrator, City of Austin, Planning, Engineering, and Watershed Management
Division, Austin, TX, (1981 – 1986)
 Responsible for reviewing engineering plans, applications and issuing permits for new development
projects in floodplain prone areas; floodplain inspections, compliance with FEMA and NFIP Program
mandates; record-keeping.
Page 34
Section F: Resumes
Anne Williams, M.S., CFM
Planner/Grants Manager
B.S., Marine Science, Texas A&M
University, 1998
M.S., Environmental Science,
Texas A&M University, 2007
Courses/Seminars
Texas Department of
Transportation Wetland
Delineation (2.3.1) Precertification
Certified Wetland Delineator by
Wetland Training Institute
Anne Williams has an ever-expanding list of core competencies. As an
environmental scientist, Ms. Williams has developed environmental
assessments and compliance reports. In addition she is adept at developing
and administering Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants and managing
the development of hazard mitigation plans and plan updates. She has
experience with FEMA, HUD and DHS grants, including conducting
environmental reviews and Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA). Currently she is
responsible for the administration of a $1.9M Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program project in South Texas.
Work Experience
Planner/Grants Manager, H2O Partners, Inc., (2008-Present)

Work with PA Applicants and Grants Management to develop
TFMA Certified Floodplain
simplified tools to assist PA Grant Applicants in providing the necessary
Manager (CFM #1245-07N)
documentation for Project Worksheets
OSHA/RCRA Hazardous

Manage and administer HMA grants
Materials Handler

Develop safe room grant applications, including operations and
FEMA Benefit-Cost Analysis
maintenance plans
(BCA) Training

Develop and conduct environmental/historical reviews for FEMA
HMA grants
 Conduct Benefit Cost Analyses
 Create mitigation plans for over 80 jurisdictions in Texas, including:
o hazard identification and analysis;
o creation of risk and vulnerability assessments;
o technical writing and review;
o development of presentations;
o assistance with mitigation strategies and specific actions;
o implementation of projects; and
o community outreach
 Conduct outreach to floodplain administrators and develop presentations for floodplain
management association conferences
Environmental Scientist, H2O Partners, Inc., (2008-Present)
 Supply surveying, permitting, environmental assessment and compliance monitoring for state and
federal agencies
 Evaluate landscapes for drainage
 Delineate wetland drainage areas
 Describe pollutant transport and pathways in surface water flow
Page 35
Section F: Resumes



Prevent surface water pollution through planning
Correspond with Texas and federal agencies, including: U.S. Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Army
Environmental, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas General Land Office
Design and conduct sea grass surveys and Surface Water Quality Monitoring Plans
Independent Contractor, Environmental Scientist, (2003-2008)
 Responsible for Phase I Environmental Assessments, USACE 1987 Wetland Delineating, barrier
island vegetation surveying, permit application preparation, hydrographic surveying, storm water
pollution prevention planning, compliance with NEPA guidelines and permit compliance
monitoring.
Graduate Research Assistant, TAMU, College of Engineering, (2003-2006)
 Remained on-call to characterize rainstorm event-based stream flow data collection designed to
capture flood induced peak in pollutant load moving through watershed.
 Collected flood event stream flow velocity data.
 Described impact of rain event on watershed and managed beach morphology surveying.
Intern, Environmental Planning Department, Coastal Bend Council of Governments, (2001-2003)
Analytical Chemist, Encycle Texas, Inc., (1999-2001)
Page 36
Section F: Resumes
Nan Krankel, B.A.
Associate
Nan Krankel has expertise in Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation
programs and has conducted community outreach and planning
B.A., Government, University of
throughout the Gulf Coast. Ms. Krankel provided technical assistance and
Texas, Austin, TX: 1996; National
training in Public Assistance for Katrina relief to applicants and subgrantees
Merit Scholar
in Mississippi and Louisiana. While working with the Mississippi Emergency
Web design/implementation and
Management Agency (MEMA), she was responsible for detailed review and
Technical Support
reconciliation of application materials for the disbursement of Public
Assistance funds to local governments, schools, and nonprofits. In addition,
she managed both small and large FEMA Project Worksheet financial
Association of State Floodplain
analysis of subgrantee documentation. This included monitoring contracts,
Managers (ASFPM)
reviewing debris removal load tickets for accuracy and reconciling
Natural Hazard Mitigation
Association (NHMA)
contractor’s invoices. Ms. Krankel’s attention to detail and technical
expertise are invaluable in hazard mitigation planning reviews. She has
provided input on: the City of Austin Hazard Mitigation Plan Update; the Galveston County Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update; and the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the TCRFC. Further, she was integral
to the subcontract team for the development of a Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for Harrison County,
Mississippi.
Work Experience
Associate, H2O Partners, Inc., (2006-Present)
 Prepare presentations and research HMA and other federal funding and grant opportunities.
 Utilize technical writing, research and editing skills to assist in the development of hazard
mitigation plans and plan updates in Texas and Harrison County, Mississippi.
 Conduct community outreach and assist communities with the development and prioritization of
mitigation action and strategies develop/prioritize mitigation actions.
 Develop spreadsheets to be used as a nation-wide Public Assistance toolkit for communities.
 Provide technical assistance to applicants for Katrina disaster relief in a project for the Mississippi
Emergency Management Agency. Responsible for detailed review and reconciliation of application
materials for the disbursement of Public Assistance funds to local governments, schools, and
nonprofits.
 Responsible for analysis of subgrantee documentation for Public Assistance work in the State of
Louisiana. This included reviewing debris removal and monitoring contracts for accuracy as well as
reconciling contractor’s invoices and subgrantees’ claimed expenses to the actual invoiced cost.
Tracked reimbursements for more than 8,000 small Project Worksheets with obligated amounts
totaling more than $70 million on behalf of state.
 Manage database systems and coordinate ftp documentation and project sheets through
Microsoft Project and Microsoft Access.
 Develop surveys and tracking systems in Microsoft Access for HMA plans and grants.
Page 37
Section F: Resumes

Assist with web design and implementation for national training under the NFIP.
Web/Database Design & Technical Support, (2000-2005)
Designed, developed and maintained case management systems and websites for several small
immigration law firms in Austin, Texas.
Proofreader, Texas Legislative Council, (2000-2001)
Proofread bills, resolutions, and other official documents as a temporary employee for one session of
the Texas Legislature.
Legal Assistant, Law Offices of Hines & Leigh, P.C., (1997-2000)
Prepared and managed employment-based immigration casework for two attorneys.
Examiner, University of Texas Measurement & Evaluation Center, (1989-1996)
Administered entrance exams (LSAT, GRE, etc.) to groups of 10 to 100 university students.
Page 38
Section F: Resumes
Heather Ferrara, M.C.P.
Mitigation Associate
M.C.P., Community Planning,
Auburn University, 2011
B.A., Studio Art, University of
Alabama at Birmingham, 2008
American Planning Association
(APA)
American Planning Association,
Texas Division
Heather Ferrara has expertise in developing FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Assistance (HMA) plans and grants. She is proficient in the development of
hazard mitigation plans and plan updates. She has developed HMA grant
applications through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and PreDisaster Mitigation Grant Program (PDM). Ms. Ferrara is also adept at
conducting TDEM and FEMA reviews and expedites any edit request from
the state and FEMA for quick turnaround and approval of plans.
Work Experience
Planner, H2O Partners, Inc., (2011-Present)

Create Hazard Mitigation Plans and Plan Updates in Texas.
Courses/Seminars

Assisted with the development of the update for West Central Texas
Council of Governments (WCTCOG) Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Alabama APA Conference, 2011
Action Plan. The Plan Update covered 79 jurisdictions throughout the West
Central Region of Texas.
 Helped develop the Concho Valley Council of Governments (CVCOG) Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update. This Plan Update included 25 jurisdictions.
o Develop HMA grant applications for: Houston County, Texas and Woodsboro
Independent School District (ISD), Texas
o Develop safe room grant applications: City of Latexo, Texas in conjunction with Latexo
ISD and Hulbert Public Schools, Oklahoma
Associate Planner, Lehe Planning, (2011)
 Developed Hazard Mitigation Plan Updates for Dale and Chambers Counties in Alabama. Analyzed
hazard probabilities and determined appropriate actions that local municipalities should take to
prepare for natural disasters. Created population charts and development trends from researched
data. Completed research, analyses, and literature for the Hazard Mitigation Plan Updates.
Capstone Student, Auburn University, Urban Studio, (2011)
 Completed a master plan for an educational and research center at the William B. Bankhead
National Forest in Wren, Alabama. Gifted over $15,000 of professional work to the Bankhead
Center for Research and Education. One of only two students selected to complete a capstone
synthesis project.
Graduate Research Assistant, Auburn University, College of Architecture, Design, and Construction,
Dr. Michael Clay (2010)
 Completed transportation planning research and statistical analysis on location choice for large
real-estate developments. Co-wrote a research paper that will be published.
Page 39
Section F: Resumes
Craig Eissler, CFM
Risk Analyst
University of Texas; Project
Management Certificate Program:
2002
Craig Eissler is a CFM and certified HAZUS-MH trainer for FEMA who
specializes in using GIS technology to identify and assess risks for
communities. HAZUS-MH is the preferred software by FEMA for
developing risk and vulnerability assessments and updates, and Mr. Eissler
has trained government officials on its use since 2006. In addition to his
expertise with HAZUS-MH, Craig has also developed innovate techniques to
assess the potential impacts of natural and man-caused hazards through
detailed GIS mapping, including tracking the development of tools through
Risk MAP and incorporating new data into web systems for public view.
Mr. Eissler has assisted with the development of mitigation plans and
updates throughout Region VI, and his work has been invaluable in the
development of the risk assessment for the State of Texas mitigation plan
and plan update. Currently Mr. Eissler manages an online GIS data
distribution and map viewing tool to assist communities in identifying risk
areas, thereby allowing them to prioritize mitigation strategies.
Professor, Austin Community
College
Work Experience
M.S. Geographic Information
Systems, Penn State University,
World Campus: 2009
B.A. Geography and Planning –
Cartography / Photogrammetry
concentration, Texas State
University, San Marcos, 1985
Certified Floodplain Manager
(CFM)





Risk Analyst, H2O Partners, Inc. (2009-Present)
Prepare risk and vulnerability assessments for communities in the development of hazard
mitigation plans and plan updates.
Develop detailed GIS mapping tools for risk identification.
Conduct community outreach and assist communities with the development and prioritization and
ranking of hazards.
Perform updates to risk atlas tools in the US and in Mexico.
Analyze new development through Risk MAP and incorporate into GIS data distribution tool.
Geo-Tech Visual Power, Austin, Texas (2001-Present)
PROJECT: Hazard Analysis & Education Outreach (2003-2009)
Under a contract with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Mr. Eissler:
 Designed and created the proof of concept for a web-based/GIS risk communication tool to guide
community officials and citizens through the hazard mitigation planning process including risk
assessment and project implementation in alignment with FEMA’s Risk MAP objectives

Co-managed the Texas Hazard Mitigation Package (THMP) project -- an online GIS data
distribution and map viewing tool, www.thmp.info, in fulfillment of a FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Planning Grant

Designed the concept for an awarded FEMA grant called the HAZARD-Tech project -- a web site
portal, www.hazard-tech.net, with a compiled list of tools and information supporting hazard
management
Page 40
Section F: Resumes

Work with hazard mitigation planners, emergency managers, scientists, engineers, and GIS
technologists to identify user needs and translate into information products

Manage geographic data, document products, and create HTML pages in support of related
applications

Perform GIS analysis, including inventory asset mapping, hazard delineation, and vulnerability and
impact risk assessments

Thoroughly research, document, and train others in the use of geospatial mapping tools and
digital flood data for floodplain management-related activities

Write and deliver educational materials, including published articles, tutorials, and classroom or
online training courses primarily related to GIS and it’s convergence with hazard-oriented
disciplines

Developed customized technical training materials for HAZUS-MH – a FEMA developed,
ESRI/ArcGIS software extension for natural hazard (flood, hurricane) planning and loss estimation
tool

As a FEMA-authorized trainer, coordinate and conduct HAZUS-MH training across Texas

Provide GIS/Hazard presentations and workshops at many venues across the state, including the
National Hurricane Conference, Texas Hurricane Conference, Texas Floodplain Management
Association (TFMA) Conference, Homeland Security Conference, ongoing GDEM workshops, and
several others
PROJECT: GIS and HAZUS-MH Trainer (2006-Present)
Contract: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Train government officials in the mitigation planning and emergency management aspects of natural
hazards using GIS and HAZUS-MH software technology – at the National Training Center / Emergency
Management Institute in Emmitsburg, MD.
PROJECT: GIS Software Tester (2007-2008)
Contract: National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
GIS software and related tools testing, documentation, and product design recommendations
ITT Technical Institute; Austin, Texas (2003-2007)
Instructor
 Intro to GIS and Civil Drafting
 Project Management
 Strategies for Technical Professionals
Capital Area Training Foundation; Austin, Texas (1999-2000)
High Tech Liaison – Software & Telecommunications industry segments
Facilitated and participated in workforce problem-solving strategies with a range of partners from
private, public, and non-profit sectors
Page 41

Firm to Assist in Preparation of a Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan

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