McPhate named Manager of the Year

The Hot Springs public works operations director Denny McPhate was recently chosen from a group of 100 floodplain managers across the state to receive the 2011 Arkansas State Floodplain Manager of the Year award from the Arkansas Floodplain Managers Association at their recent fall conference in Eureka Springs. According to AFMA, the award was given for ongoing commitment to good floodplain management for the State of Arkansas.

Recognized as one of the state’s top experts in stormwater management and regulations, McPhate helped establish the state’s leading stormwater program, providing leadership and guidance to fellow floodplain managers, insurance agents and financial institutions. Hot Springs’ favorable Class 8 floodplain rating, one of only 7 in Arkansas, helps hold down floodplain insurance premiums. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) sends new employees to Hot Springs for floodplain job site inspection training.

McPhate served for four years as AFMA’s Southwest Regional Representative. He is one of 178 certified floodplain managers in the state. As the city’s floodplain administrator, he administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations and reporting, and manages compliance to the city’s floodplain ordinance. He has served the City of Hot Springs since 2003.