Flood Map Modernization in North Dakota North Dakota State Water Commission FLOOD MAP MODERNIZATION

Flood Map Modernization  Nationwide, 5-year, $1 billion program to update FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and convert them to a countywide, digital format (DFIRM) that will be available through the internet  Existing paper FIRMs may no longer reflect current flood risks (due to changes in drainage patterns resulting from erosion, land use practices, development, etc.)  Goal: digital flood map products will be available for 92% of the Nation’s population and will cover 65% of the land area of the continental US  Integrate local participation into the mapping process  NDSWC - “Cooperating Technical Partner” since 2004

Flood Map Modernization  New maps will allow for better decision-making by key stakeholders Builders and developers Community officials and planners Real estate agents and lenders Insurance agents Business owners Homeowners and renters

COMPONENTS OF A DFIRM

Flood Map Modernization Lifecycle of a DFIRM Project  months Source: FEMA

Flood Map Modernization Mapping Process & Timeline

Flood Map Modernization Local Needs Identified  Existing Data FIRM panels, FIS LOMC Existing data studies Levee information Base Map: orthophotos, elevations, roads & railroads, hydrography, political boundaries, etc.  Does technical information meet FEMA Data Standards?  Local Mapping Needs Areas for restudy Problem areas Unmapped areas where development is occurring

Flood Map Modernization Mapping Process & Timeline

Production Methods Digitization Redelineation Approximate Analysis Detailed Analysis

Flood Map Modernization Data Development Digitization  If available, use existing workmap instead of FIRM  Existing floodplain boundary is lifted from existing map  Clean up spots where paper map does not match base map

Flood Map Modernization Data Development Redelineation  Digitize cross sections  Extract elevations of flood using effective profile  No change in flood elevation, but better flood delineation  Redelineation accuracy dependent on accuracy of available topo

Flood Map Modernization Data Development

Flood Map Modernization Data Development Detailed Analysis  Channel geometry surveyed  BFEs printed on the map  Floodway defined  Most expensive

Flood Map Modernization Mapping Process & Timeline

Flood Map Modernization Local Participation - Today  Identify Mapping Needs Areas for re-study Problem areas Unmapped high development areas  Existing Data Studies (Corps, NRCS, etc.)  Leverage (Goal: 80% Federal, 20% Local) Digital Data Funds  Levees

Flood Map Modernization Local Participation - Future  Review preliminary products  Collect and submit Appeals/Protests  Final map adoption

Flood Map Modernization Community Adoption Process  Preliminary maps distributed, 30-day comment period begins  Public “Community Coordination” meeting held  BFE changes published in Federal Register  90-day appeal period begins, submitted to and resolved by FEMA  FEMA issues “Letter of Final Determination”  FIS and Map submitted for printing  Map/FIS become effective 6 months from LFD issuance  Community is given 6 months from effective date to enact the required ordinances or may be suspended from the NFIP

Countywide Map Modernization Projects NDSWC & FEMA

Thanks for your participation! For more information, please visit these sites: general info NFIP map mod map service center datums