Which entity is responsible for publishing flood maps and data updates?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the entity tasked with publishing flood maps and data updates. This responsibility stems from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which FEMA administers. Flood maps, also known as flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs), depict flood hazard areas and are essential for identifying areas at risk for flooding. They guide local governments and communities in managing and zoning flood-prone areas appropriately, as well as assisting property owners in understanding their flood risk and insurance needs.

FEMA updates these maps periodically using data from various sources, including historical flood data, technical studies, and advancements in hydrologic modeling. This ensures that the flood maps reflect current risk levels and conditions, facilitating accurate floodplain management and insurance underwriting.

Local floodplain authorities and state governments play vital roles in implementing floodplain management practices and may use FEMA’s data and maps, but they do not have the authority to publish them. Insurance companies rely on FEMA’s flood maps for underwriting policies, but they do not produce or update these maps themselves. Hence, FEMA is the clear answer regarding the responsibility for publishing flood maps and updates.