What key information do the new FIRMs include?

The new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) play a crucial role in floodplain management by providing essential information about flood hazards. The incorporation of floodway and floodplain management information is particularly significant because it helps communities and individuals understand the risks associated with flooding.

Floodways are typically areas where water flows during a flood and are critical for managing floodplain development. The information included on FIRMs related to floodways ensures that any new construction or developments are undertaken with a clear understanding of the risks and necessary mitigation steps to minimize future flood damage. By highlighting these areas, FIRMs assist local governments in enforcing regulations designed to protect both property and lives during flooding events.

Other options, while they may touch on various aspects relating to flood management and insurance, do not encompass the essential role of FIRMs in delineating these critical flood risk zones, which are vital for effective floodplain management and community planning.