Mississippi Flood Map
Modernization Initiative
(MFMMI)

The ability to plan for flood hazards and mitigation begins with accurate, updated flood maps. For years, this ability has been hampered by funding and time constraints placed on the system. Recognizing the need for adequate and accurate map production, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed the Flood Map Modernization Program (FMMP) to modernize the flood hazard mapping program, focused on enhancing and converting maps to a digital format. Mississippi, through a joint effort between the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), is participating with FEMA Region IV as a Mapping State and a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) by an agreement which was signed January 28, 2003. To implement this agreement and to manage the state’s flood mapping activities, the Mississippi Flood Map Modernization Initiative (MFMMI) was created.

By developing the FMMP, FEMA has created an opportunity for Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) to manage flood map development, enhancement, and production. Implementation of the FMMP will include a consideration and prioritization of areas of high growth, of high population densities, with excessive repetitive loss claims, with higher National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy bases, and with the ability to leverage other resources.

Mississippi’s first Mapping Activity Statement (MAS) was signed in October of 2003 between MDEQ, MEMA and FEMA. In January 2004, MDEQ selected Mississippi Geographic Information, LLC (MGI) as the state’s map modernization contractor.

By late 2010, all 82 counties will have new countywide Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMS).