The Utah Division of Emergency Management is collaborating with engineers, counties, and local communities to create, update, and digitize flood risk information throughout the state. This effort, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning program, aims to strengthen the ability of local governments to make informed decisions regarding flood risk reduction.
The Risk MAP Program
The Risk MAP program provides communities with essential flood information products, risk assessment tools, and support for planning and outreach. In Utah, the Division of Emergency Management serves as the Cooperating Technical Partner for FEMA to deliver these high-quality mapping products and assessment tools. The program's primary objective is to enhance local capacity for making decisions that mitigate the risks associated with flooding.
Addressing Mapping Gaps
While more populated areas in Utah currently utilize digital floodplain maps, some regions still rely solely on paper maps for flood risk delineation. The Division of Emergency Management's floodplain mapping program is actively working to fill these gaps, particularly in many rural areas. Property owners can use the National Flood Hazard Layer Viewer to access a repository of current flood risk data for most populated areas in the country, allowing them to view, print, or download maps for specific locations.
Statewide Mapping Projects
The lifecycle of a floodplain mapping project is centered on sustainability and collaboration between FEMA and local communities. This process involves community outreach, education, and risk communication to ensure the information is effective for residents. The Division of Emergency Management manages various active projects across the state, including regions such as the Great Salt Lake, East Tooele County, Washington County, Northern Utah, Wasatch-Uintah Basin, Utah Lake/Provo River, Iron County, Greater Sevier, and Carbon, Emery, and Grand counties.
The National Flood Insurance Program
Beyond mapping, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) plays a critical role in community resilience. Established by Congress in 1968 as part of the National Flood Insurance Act, the NFIP provides participating communities with financial aid following flood events, specifically targeting smaller floods that may not qualify for broader federal disaster assistance. Currently, 79% of Utah communities participate in the NFIP.
Benefits of Participation
Participation in the NFIP is voluntary and requires a mutual agreement between the federal government and the community. In exchange for participating, communities receive access to federally backed flood insurance, federal grants and loans, and federally backed mortgages in identified flood hazard areas. These resources are intended to foster safer, stronger development in flood-prone areas and to increase overall community resilience by reducing future loss of life and property.
Community Requirements
To maintain participation in the NFIP, communities must agree to adopt and enforce specific floodplain management ordinances. These regulations are designed to reduce future flood damage and guide development within floodplains. Responsibilities for participating communities include issuing or denying floodplain development and building permits, maintaining detailed records of floodplain development, and inspecting all development to ensure compliance with local ordinances. Furthermore, communities must assist in the preparation and revision of floodplain maps and help residents access information regarding flood hazards, maps, insurance, and proper construction measures.
Joining the Program
The process for a community to join the NFIP involves several formal steps. An interested community must first complete an application and then adopt a resolution of intent to cooperate with FEMA. Finally, the community must adopt and submit a floodplain management ordinance that meets or exceeds minimum NFIP criteria, which includes adopting any flood insurance rate map or flood hazard boundary map. For those interested in joining the program, the Utah Division of Emergency Management provides contact information for Tracie Harrison to facilitate the process.
