Northwest Florida Water District Gets Nearly $7 Million From FEMA To Update Flood Maps
Updated Maps Will Better Show Flood Risk
Release Date: April 2, 2009
Release Number: R4-09-084
ATLANTA, Ga. -- A federal grant of nearly $7 million will help the Northwest Florida Water Management District improve flood maps in its area of Florida.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing $6,954,000 in federal funds toward the total project cost of $9,499,164 million. The resulting maps will be even more reliable, updated and current digital products. These updated Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs), track actual risk more closely and assist new development and rebuilding efforts.
The water management district’s Floodplain Mapping Program will update the DFIRMs for the counties of Bay, Escambia, Gulf, Leon, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton.
“With these funds, our partners in Florida can update flood risk maps so that they more accurately reflect recent development and natural changes in the environment,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May. “The new maps make communities safer for years to come by helping home and business owners assess their flood risk and make informed decisions about protecting property from the risk of flood loss.”
To learn more about flood hazard mapping, DFIRMs or the Cooperating Technical Partner Initiative visit www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/ctp_main.shtm. To download FEMA’s Guidelines and Specifications for Flood hazard Mapping Partners, visit www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Apr-2009 13:21:23