What is the Map Modernization program?
Background
In 2004, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) embarked on a nationwide effort called Flood Map Modernization, or Map Mod, to update flood hazard maps in flood prone communities across the Nation. As the Federal agency responsible for administering the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), FEMA manages Map Mod.
Many of the Nation's flood maps have become out-of-date, severely limiting their usefulness. Reliable flood data reflecting current conditions enables citizens to more reliably know their flood risk, and to purchase flood insurance based on actual risk. It also provides communities with a more comprehensive approach to disaster mitigation planning, economic development, and emergency response.
Support
Recognizing the importance of flood maps, the President and Congress authorized funding to update the Nation's flood maps through Map Mod. When completed, Map Mod will impact millions of U.S. citizens nationwide. The successful implementation of Map Mod will result in safer communities by providing more reliable, readily available, and easier-to-use flood maps and data for all flood prone communities throughout the Nation.
Benefits
By providing updated maps and data, Map Mod equips communities with important data thereby enhancing local decision making ranging from insurance to construction to disaster planning exercises. Reliable flood data reflecting current conditions enables the end user to more accurately assess the level of flood risk within a community and to take appropriate measures to mitigate their physical and financial vulnerability to flooding.
For example:
- Builders and developers will have access to more detailed information for making decisions on where to build and how construction can affect local flood hazard areas.
- Insurance agents, insurance companies, real estate agents, and lending institutions will have easy on-line access to updates and upcoming changes in order to serve their customers and community more efficiently.
- Home and business owners will be able to make better financial decisions about protecting their properties.
Community planners and local officials will have a better understanding of the flood hazards and risks that affect their community and can consequently improve local planning activities. Communities will be enabled to manage flood risks, water resources, land use, and other responsibilities more effectively.
Last Modified: Thursday, 10-Apr-2008 14:53:08 EDT