eLearning Tool for FEMA Grant Applicants
E: Floodplain Management
- E.1: Determining if your project is in the floodplain
- E.2: Documenting alternatives to locating a project in the floodplain
- E.3: Determining if your project alters a waterway
- E.4: How to Address Adverse Effects
- E.5: How to provide helpful and relevant support documentation
E.1: Determining if your project is in the floodplain
Federally funded activities in or affecting the floodplain are regulated under Executive Order (EO) 11988 and it is the responsibility of the sponsoring Federal Agency to assure compliance. This EO encompasses ALL permanent construction and other activities, including debris, roads, bridges, culverts, etc. The regulatory floodplain is defined by areas inundated by a 100-year or 500-year rain event. For most projects, any activities occurring in the 100-year floodplain will require analysis under EO 11988. For any activities associated with a critical facility, such as a hospital or fire department, the 500- year floodplain triggers this executive order. Floodplains are typically regulated by state or local agencies, and have been mapped on documents known as flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs), and Flood Hazard Boundary Maps (FHBM). To obtain a copy of a FIRM or FHBM for your project area, you can contact your state or local floodplain administrator, go on-line to the FEMA map store, or contact a local bank which typically maintains copies for home loan purposes. If you are unsure who your floodplain administrator is, contact the FEMA Map Assistance Center at 1-877-336-2627.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-Aug-2006 15:27:09 EDT