USE OF FUTURE CONDITIONS HYDROLOGY FOR THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

It was the expressed intent of the U.S. Congress, in enacting the Flood Insurance Act of 1968, to “encourage State and local governments to make appropriate land use adjustments to constrict the development of land which is exposed to flood damage and minimize damage caused by flood losses, and guide the development of proposed future construction, where practicable, away from locations which are threatened by flood hazards…” 42 U.S.C. µ4001(e). Recent revisions to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations regarding the use and mapping of future conditions hydrology are a result of the continuing reappraisal of the NFIP for the purpose of encouraging sound floodplain management to reflect that intent.

Historically, flood hazard information presented on NFIP flood maps has been based on the existing conditions of the floodplain and watershed. Communities experiencing urban growth and other changes have expressed a desire to use future conditions hydrology in regulating watershed development. While some communities do regulate based on future development, others are hesitant to enforce more restrictive standards without Federal support.

To assist officials in such progressive communities, FEMA undertook an evaluation to determine whether future conditions flood hazard information could and should be placed on flood maps and in the accompanying study reports. The results of that extensive evaluation are documented in a FEMA report entitled “Modernizing FEMA’s Flood Hazard Mapping Program: Recommendations for Using Future Conditions Hydrology for the National Flood Insurance Program” (see www.fema.gov/mit/tsd/FT_hydro.htm).

FEMA intends to show future conditions flood hazard information on Flood Insurance Rate Maps and in collateral Flood Insurance Study reports when requested to do so by the community. This information will be developed locally and be for informational purposes only.