Association of Floodplain Managers is an association of over 6500 State and Local floodplain managers from accross the country. While they seem the quiet, science advocacy types, some of their predictions and warnings are ringing true.
Testimony in April before House Appropriations Committee (pdf file) warned of directing resources from natural disasters in favor of terrorism response. A (pdf file) 2000 publication has some pretty accurate predictions on flood impact. This study accurately remarks that not only are we underfunding and taking floodplain issues seriously, we are causing more harm by way of building and redevlopement incentives in coastal, floodplain areas.
A thorough study of disaster mitigation and building developement in flood areas needs to take place. We are forsaking proper civil engineering for making quick bucks for all level of government. Proper engineering in costal areas can be done- but with politically controlled building and zoning with no consideration for long term impact were screwed.