Improving Data Flow: In 2009, the Federal Emergency Management program began to transition from the earlier map modernization program to Risk MAP. Both programs aimed to provide improved data for the purposes of risk assessment, floodplain management, and hazard mitigation. A five-year plan was developed for updating flood risk information across the United States. The plan aimed to provide updated flood hazard data 80 percent of the nation, including all coastal areas.
Funding Slow to a Trickle: Since 2010, Congress has slashed the $221 million per year allotted to the program by more than half, and plans to make even more cuts, according to a recent report by ProPublica. If the requested funding is approved, the program would receive just $84 million and be forced to put off planned updates. Larry Larson, former director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers said that amount is far beneath what’s necessary.
“To get the mapping done, you need probably $400 million a year for 10 years,” he told ProPublica.
The Next Wave: The program does have supporters in Congress. Rep. David Price of North Carolina has said he’ll push for at least a $10 million increase in the currently requested funding. In the meantime, some homeowners—in particular those affected by Hurricane Sandy—will remain in limbo while they wait for FEMA data to inform the National Flood Insurance Program guidelines that could significantly increase their premiums, according to ProPublica.