Metadata for National Flood Hazard Layer - FEMA Floodplain Maps Metadata for National Flood Hazard Layer - FEMA Floodplain Maps
Identification Information:
Citation:
Originator: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Publication date: 2013
Title: National Flood Hazard Layer - FEMA Floodplain Maps
Publication place: Washington, DC
Publisher: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Online linkage: http://msc.fema.gov

Abstract:
The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data incorporates all Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and any Letters Of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. It is updated on a monthly basis. The FIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper FIRMs.

The FIRM Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The FIRM Database is derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published FIRMs, flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data, where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by FEMA.

Additional floodplain information for Montana may be available from the State Floodplain Engineer in the Montana Water Resources Division. Please see http://dnrc.mt.gov/wrd/water_op/floodplain/ for more information on floodplain management data for Montana.
Purpose:
The FIRM is the basis for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Insurance applications include enforcement of the mandatory purchase requirement of the Flood Disaster Protection Act, which "... requires the purchase of flood insurance by property owners who are being assisted by Federal programs or by Federally supervised, regulated or insured agencies or institutions in the acquisition or improvement of land facilities located or to be located in identified areas having special flood hazards, " Section 2 (b) (4) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. In addition to the identification of Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the risk zones shown on the FIRMs are the basis for the establishment of premium rates for flood coverage offered through the NFIP. The FIRM Database presents the flood risk information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic mapping applications. The FIRM Database serves to archive the information collected during the Flood Risk Project.

Time period of content:
Calendar date: 2013
Status:
Progress:
Please see the FEMA web site or contact the Montana Water Resources Division for current information on the status of floodplain mapping
Maintenance and update frequency:
FEMA continues to expand the area that is mapped. Existing maps may be updated by FEMA as changes in flood hazard zones are brought to its attention.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints:
The hardcopy FIRM and DFIRM and the accompanying FISs are the official designation of SFHAs and Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) for the NFIP. For the purposes of the NFIP, changes to the flood risk information published by FEMA may only be performed by FEMA and through the mechanisms established in the NFIP regulations (44 CFR Parts 59-78). These digital data are produced in conjunction with the hardcopy FIRMs and generally match the hardcopy map exactly. However the hardcopy flood maps and flood profiles are the authoritative documents for the NFIP. Acknowledgement of FEMA would be appreciated in products derived from these data.
Point of contact:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, S.W.
Washington, District of Columbia 20472


Telephone: 877-336-2627
E-Mail: mscservices@riskmapcds.com


Point of contact:
Stephen Story
Floodplain Engineer
Montana Water Operations Bureau
PO Box 201601
Helena, MT 59620-1800


Telephone: 406-444-6664
E-Mail: sestory@mt.gov


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Distribution Information:
Distributor:
FEMA, Map Service Center
P.O. Box 3617
Oakton, Virginia 22124


Telephone: 877-336-2627
Telephone: 877-336-2627
E-Mail: mscservices@riskmapcds.com
E-Mail: mscservices@riskmapcds.com


Resource description: Downloadable Data



Standard order process:
Digital form:
Format name: ESRI Shapefile
megabytes
Online option:
http://msc.fema.gov
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Metadata Reference Information:
Metadata date: 12/20/2013
Metadata contact:
Montana State Library
PO Box 201800
Helena, Montana 59620-1800


Telephone: 406-444-5354
TDD/TTY telephone: Montana Relay 711
Fax: 406-444-0266
E-Mail: geoinfo@mt.gov


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