Number: R40073
Title: FEMA Funding for Flood Map Modernization
Authors: Wayne A. Morrissey, Information Research Specialist 
Abstract: For FY2009, President Bush requested $151 million to fully implement the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Map Modernization (MapMod) Initiative (FMMI) and to fund the post-FMMI MapMod program. FEMA introduced the FMMI in 1997 as a strategic plan to convert paper flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) to digital electronic format, or DFIRMs. DFIRMs contain more accurate spatial measurements and digital data associated with flood hazards. DFIRMs are developed with an automated geographic information system (GIS) that facilitates mandatory periodic updating of flood maps and assists in determining flood insurance risk. In FY2000, Congress appropriated $5 million for a Flood Map Modernization Fund (FMMF) to administer the FMMI. Regular appropriations for FMMI began in FY2003 under an independent FEMA. In FY2004, the FMMI was funded by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations. With FY2009 appropriations of $220 million, Congress has funded a total of $1.4 billion for FMMI and Map Mod. Congress also approved supplemental spending authority for FMMI offset by flood map service fees.
Pages: 7
Date: December 16, 2008