(a) Flooding of large areas of land within the Commonwealth causes unnecessary loss of life, destroys private and public property, damages means of livelihood and economic resources; disrupts commerce, communication, utility and governmental services; causes pollution and unsanitary conditions; carries solid waste, sewage and other materials injurious to health and property; all of which is detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the Commonwealth.

(b) Extensive expenditures of public funds have been allocated to costly flood control projects, repair and maintenance of public facilities and property, and relief and rescue efforts, to reduce the disastrous effects of recurrent flooding.

(c) The exclusive use of flood control measures, such as engineering projects, has failed to significantly reduce the human suffering and economic losses caused by recurrent flooding.

(d) A comprehensive and coordinated program of flood plain management, based upon the National Flood Insurance Program,¹ is fundamental to the health, safety, welfare and protection of the people of the Commonwealth.