RiverSmart Policy Recommendations Report, Sept 2016

Develop and implement fluvial hazard assessment, mapping, and user access systems across the New England states

Develop and implement fluvial hazard assessment protocols, systems for implementation, and user-friendly maps and information portals.

Support upgrades of vulnerable stream crossings across the six New England states

1. Improve stream crossing regulatory standards to support upgrades, be consistent across agencies, and allow site-specific flexibility (well under way in New England)
2. Streamline permit and funding processes and requirements, and incentivize replacing vulnerable and damaged crossings with upgrades
3. Develop and make available easy-to-follow design templates and guidelines for upgraded crossings which will receive quick permitting and funding review and high likelihood of approval
4. Develop and support an accessible inventory and database of stream crossings that identifies vulnerable crossings
5. Increase and diversify funding for stream crossing upgrades.

Support municipal efforts to prepare for and mitigate river flood hazards through planning and land use

1. Support municipal, multi-municipality, regional and state hazard planning that addresses river flood hazards
2. Enable and promote a diverse menu of mechanisms for communities to achieve river-smart conservation, mitigation, and development; support with technical, financial, and legal assistance
3. Ensure that support is available to communities on an ongoing basis, until their plans are fully implemented.

Prepare and disseminate outreach materials and training on river dynamics, lessons for river-flood hazards, and river-smart best management practices.

1. Train transportation work crew personnel in New England on river dynamics and river-smart management practices
2. Produce easily understandable outreach materials on river dynamics and practical lessons for land management; disseminate widely, especially to land use decision makers
3. Prepare in-depth outreach materials; create, publicize and maintain systems to deliver these quickly and efficiently upon request.

Designate, recognize and support river-smart Regional Intermediaries to provide low-cost and no-cost technical assistance to municipalities, and to guide and assist with federal and state programs.

1. Ensure that all municipalities in New England have access to a river-smart Regional Intermediary, whose mission includes low-cost service for municipalities and which has capable, reliable staff who respect towns' authorities and support towns' capacities
2. Use river-smart Regional Intermediaries to guide and assist with delivery of flood assessment, planning, mitigation and response services to local governments and landowners, and to gather and understand information on local needs and conditions.