The Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS) Program is authorized by Section 206 of the 1960 Flood Control Act (Public Law 86-645), as amended. The Corps of Engineers developed the FPMS Program specifically to address the need of people who live and work in the floodplain to know about the flood hazard and the actions they can take to reduce property damage and prevent the loss of life caused by flooding. The program’s objective is to foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards and to promote prudent use and management of the nation’s floodplains.

Typical types of studies

The FPMS program provides the full range of technical services and planning guidance that is needed to support effective floodplain management. The program develops or interprets site-specific data on obstructions to flood flows, flood formation and timing; flood depths or stages; floodwater velocities; the extent, duration, and frequency of flooding; impacts of land use changes; guidance and assistance for meeting standards of the National Flood Insurance Program; and inventory of natural and cultural resources. It also provides assistance for conducting workshops and seminars on nonstructural floodplain management measures such as flood proofing.

The most common types of studies are floodplain delineation, flood hazard evaluation, dam break analysis, hurricane evacuation, flood warning/preparedness, regulatory floodway analysis, comprehensive floodplain management, flood risk reduction, urbanization impacts, stormwater management, flood proofing, and inventory of flood-prone structures.

Funding