According to the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), floods are the most common natural disaster. Virginia’s General Assembly enacted the Virginia Flood Damage Reduction Act of 1989 after several disastrous floods and coastal storms hit the state between 1969 and 1985. While there are many factors that contribute to flooding, one of the most controllable is regulating development within a floodplain.

Development in most urban floodplains is strictly monitored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Anderson & Associates’ project manager David DeHoff is a nationally Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), a professional certification established by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM).

The goal of regulating development within a floodplain is to reduce losses due to flooding and to encourage wise land use. In many cases, having a CFM involved in the planning stages of proposed development along a floodplain can result in fewer subsequent revisions to the design and can help to avoid project setbacks caused by unforeseen regulatory requirements. In addition, CFM’s are knowledgeable about the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System, which can instruct communities on ways to implement development guidelines that can result in lower flood insurance costs for property owners.

Joe Pack always knew he wanted to be an engineer. He decided on civil engineering because he enjoys the impact his work has on society as a whole. Whether it is bridges, stormwater management, water lines, or treatment plants, he knew he would end up helping communities.

When Joe joined A&A last July, he had no way of knowing he would be doing more than engineering. Soon after he was hired, the decision was made to open an office in Beckley, WV and Joe, a West Virginia native, was tapped as one of the employees who would be instrumental in opening up the office. "There is marketing to be done, phones to be answered, even snowy sidewalks to be cleared. Everyone understands that there are no clearly defined roles that we can initially settle into." Joe said. "It is a team effort in every aspect."

Joe also appreciates the way A&A treats him and other employees. "It is understood that employees have lives outside of work." Joe said. "Employees are treated as valued individuals at A&A."