While Corps dams and state and local actions have reduced flood risks for some downriver residents, the state’s growing population and continued development mean that many remain in harm’s way. Vast areas of agricultural land in historical floodplains around Oregon have been developed for residential use since 1964.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Map Service Center, https://msc.fema.gov/portal, is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program. Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk. The Federal Emergency Management Agency designated the shaded land in these maps as vulnerable to certain levels of flooding.
There’s no law preventing development in these areas, but Federal regulations require that homeowners with federally-backed home loans in these areas purchase flood insurance. The properties bordered in white on these maps have all been developed since the 1964 Flood.
The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development has information about protection of people and property from natural hazards through sound land-use planning.
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