Map Mod Levee

Dear Valued Partner,

As you know, as part of the Flood Map Modernization (Map Mod) effort, FEMA has been revisiting many of the existing mapping‑related policies, regulations, and procedures. One area where FEMA placed a high priority was on the review and, where necessary, clarification of levee-related policies, regulations, and procedures. This review was undertaken for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was our concern for public safety. Levees and levee systems are shown on the effective flood maps for approximately one-quarter of the counties being mapped as part of the Map Mod effort. Still more levees and levee systems may have been built since the flood map was last updated and are, therefore, not shown on the flood map.

Over the coming year(s), we will be working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), State officials, levee boards and districts, community officials, and private levee owners to identify (or verify the existence of) the levees and levee systems, to collect data and documentation to verify whether the levees and levee systems provide adequate protection from the 1-percent-annual-chance (100-year) flood, and to accurately portray the flood hazard and risk information for the areas affected by the levees and levee systems. As we proceed with this effort, it is critical that Map Mod program stakeholders be provided with accurate, consistent information regarding levees and levee systems. 

As a first step in our information-sharing efforts, we have created and launched a dedicated portion of our Flood Hazard Mapping Website to levees. To obtain levee information from FEMA and the USACE, for viewing or download, Map Mod program stakeholders should start with the following link:

www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/lv_intro.shtm

From this introductory page, interested parties may view or download additional information based on the stakeholder group to which they belong:

An initial array of documents has already been posted, and more documents are in progress. So that you may make the current and ensuing documents readily available to visitors to your own agency or organization Website, we encourage you to include a link to the intro page (shown above) on your Website. If there are other agencies or organizations within your State, region, or community that you believe might also be interested in this information, please share the link with them as well. Again, our interest is to provide accurate, consistent information regarding levees to the widest possible audience.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and for your continued participation in the Map Mod effort.

Last Modified: Thursday, 25-Jan-2007 11:45:12 EST