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This is the second of a two articles for city leaders about efforts underway to modernize flood plain information in Arkansas.
By Kimberly Bogart
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) considers 10 years to be old for a flood insurance rate map (FIRM), but many communities in Arkansas have FIRMs that are in excess of 25 years old. Such is the case across the nation, so in response FEMA has initiated a new program called MapMOD (Map Modernization). This program is not only an updated study of the location of flood zones it is also an opportunity to create computerized flood insurance rate maps. This is a nationwide project that is scheduled to take place over the next five years. Counties are being scheduled according to their needs, those that need the most attention right away due to age of their FIRMs, increasing population and land development changes were placed first on the list.
Going digital The creation of computer maps will result in a more consistent, easier-to-access and more adaptable format that will allow communities to view it online, download it and/or use it as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layer. This increases their ability to analyze local data such as street layers, demographics, infrastructure and emergency response with the new data created from the MapMOD program; ultimately aiding local governments with managing development, floodplains, land use and emergency response planning. Many areas in the state already have developed a GIS through their 911 office, county assessor's office and utilities. Several counties have even joined the Arkansas Centerline Road File Program, coordinated by the Arkansas Geographic Information Office (AGIO), and have a very accurate street layer. Having a digital street centerline file is a big plus for the MapMOD program and it will lower the cost of the community's digital FIRM study by decreasing the amount of other research that needs to be performed. This allows FEMA to spend that extra money into developing a more detailed study of your area.
What the AGIO does for you The AGIO is currently aiding the counties of the MapMOD program by operating as a GIS coordinator. This includes visiting with local officials and gathering local and statewide GIS data for use in the base map requirements of the digital FIRM. Members of the AGIO staff are also ensuring that the data used is of the best quality available and that it meets the guidelines and standards issued by FEMA. The AGIO are also on hand to help handle questions on data requirements and are working to ensure that each area in the state receives the most accurate map based on the data available for that area and funding available for the study.
What you can do to help Counties are scheduled based on individual need for new information and the amount of community involvement that is available. Community involvement is defined through a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) agreement with FEMA. Through a CTP, communities can gain leverage in the MapMOD program and increase the amount of effort put into their county's study by FEMA, resulting in a more in-depth and accurate study for their area. The two base map layers that have the biggest impact on the maps production quality and timeline are elevation data and aerial ortho-rectified imagery. If a local community is able to provide these up front to the FEMA MapMod Team, it will greatly increase the amount of attention an area will receive and the community will gain a more accurate FIRM. Other equally important data that local communities can provide the MapMod Team includes field surveys, engineering analyses and other local GIS data layers. On FEMA's Web site (see below) are several other benefits of being a CTP including: · More-detailed maps using local data · Streamlined FEMA customer service · Mentoring support · Free training/assistance in more effective floodplain management. For more information about the MapMOD program, visit www.fema.gov, http://hazards.fema.gov and www.floodsmart.gov. For CTP information, visit www.fema.gov/fhm/ctp_main.shtm and www.fema.gov/fhm/ot_ctpr.shtm, or contact Bogart at kim.bogart@arkansas.gov or 501-682-2932. Kimberly Bogart is a geographic information analyst for the Arkansas Geographic Information office.
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