Hurricanes, FEMA and Pavement Preservation: The Panama City Case Study

The Florida LTAP Center in partnership with the Florida Pavement Preservation Council presents the “Pavement Preservation Wednesday” Webinar Series.

On October 10, 2018, Panama City and adjacent communities were severely impacted as Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm,made landfall. Michael was the fourth most intense Category 5 Hurricane to hit the continental United States. A presidential disaster (4399DR-FL) was declared, and, as a result, the City was eligible for funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program. Over the next four and a half years, Panama City has endured the initial impact and recovery that accompanies a disaster of this magnitude. When the City learned that FEMA was reversing their previous program funding approval and denying their claim, there was only one option left. The City appealed to the US Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. Pavement Preservation played a starring role from both sides and the information contained in this webinar is intended to help agencies throughout any community frequently impacted by these types of disasters.

Hear as City of Panama City staff recount their Hurricane Michael ordeal from top to bottom. Nearly 30% of the City’s road segments experienced significant damage caused by the recovery efforts. Over 20,000 power workers descended on the City as debris removal contracts hauled 5.7 million cubic yards from the City as they lost 80% of their trees to the storm. City staff will share the lessons they learned in dealing with FEMA and the advice they think is critical to their fellow Public Works Professionals.

This is a hybrid event, with attendees both in-person in Panama City and online. If you are in Panama City and are interested in attending in-person, please email Chris Evers at chris@floridapavementpreservationcouncil.com. To join virtually, please register at the link below.

Learning Objectives

1. Listen as Panama City staff recount their experiences of dealing with Hurricane Michael and FEMA.
2. Hear how Pavement Preservation (or the lack thereof) can save or cost your community millions of dollars of available restoration funding after a major storm.
3. Listen as we delve into the intricacies of how the City navigated its dispute with FEMA and what lessons have been learned during their experience.
4. Take part by asking the panel your burning questions on hurricane preparedness, recovery, and dealing with FEMA.

This webinar is provided at no cost and will award a certificate of training listing the Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or a certificate of completion verifying your attendance. Certificates will be awarded only for fully attending and completing this webinar. A total of 1.5 PDHs can be earned.

Please note – space for this webinar is limited, and Florida local agencies are being given first priority!

Panelist Bios:

Chris Evers is the Executive Coordinator from the Florida Pavement Preservation Council in addition to his role with Pavement Technology Inc., a company he joined in 2012. Chris was instrumental in the founding of the Florida Pavement Preservation Council in 2010. Chris has over 26 years of experience in the heavy highway construction industry. Chris has been involved in all facets of heavy highway educational efforts. He is the Past President of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida Chapter. His involvement in the Florida Chapter has spanned a multitude of Committee Chairs, Task Forces and Officer Positions. In 2012 he founded the Public Works Director Roundtable, and he also moderates the International PWD Roundtable at PWX. He has been an active speaker for APWA, FACERS, ASCE, ASHE, ARRA, Florida T2 Center, and the Florida Airports Council. Chris was recently honored by APWA as a Top Ten Award recipient for 2023. This spring Chris served as an Expert Witness in the Hurricane Michael Panama City FEMA Arbitration Case. A faithful disciple of Pavement Preservation, he will be our moderator today.

City of Panama City staff will on-hand to discuss their experiences.