Background on the Flood Map Update
Why do the updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) exist and why does this matter to you? FEMA administers a program called the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which was established by Congress in 1968 in response to the rising cost of flood disaster relief. This program helps communities reduce the impacts of flooding through flood insurance and managing land that is susceptible to flooding (known as the floodplain).
Pierce County currently participates in the NFIP. Participation is voluntary — if a community chooses to participate in the NFIP, they enter into a mutual agreement with FEMA. The community is responsible for adopting and enforcing floodplain management regulations, and FEMA, in turn, makes flood insurance available to those who need it.
The Nisqually River was last studied in 1987. Over time, flood risk conditions change, and mapping technology improves. FEMA is working with the state, county, tribes, and local communities to use the best available data and technology to create updated FIRMs. These FIRMs better represent the current flood risk within the Nisqually Watershed.
Learn more about the flood map update by clicking on the image below:
