Editor’s overview

To the general public the national response to the 1993 midwest floods abated after the offers of assistance to flood victims, many of whom have returned to normal routines in their homes and businesses. However, the 1993 flood was of sufficient magnitude and duration to motivate a continuing debate over the nation's approach to flood hazard management. The Spring 1994 issue of Update, published soon after the flood event, sought to describe the lessons from the 1993 experience. The search for lessons was also underway by a White House appointed task force under the leadership of BG Gerald E. Galloway, Jr. In June 1994, after several months of work, the report Sharing the Challenge was published. Sharing the Challenge has become the focal point of a national continuing review of flood hazard management programs. The White House continues to ponder which of the many recommendations of Sharing the Challenge it will implement. Meanwhile, efforts will be made in the new Congress, as they were in the last Congress, to incorporate some of the recommendations into legislation.