Floodplain Management

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Floodplain Mapping

Floodplain Zoning, Insurance, Mitigation, and Comprehensive Plans all require Floodplain Maps. In the past, these maps were produced by FEMA and distributed on paper. In 2003, FEMA implemented the Map Modernization Initiative to upgrade the map development process so that the maps would be created and distributed in a GIS format rather than on paper. In addition, the best available terrain data were used in the mapping process, which results in higher quality mapping products than were previously available.

The new digital product is called a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) and, where available, is displayed on our interactive mapping application on the web. Where DFIRMs are not yet available, we have scanned the effective paper FIRMs and geo-registered them. All of this information can be overlayed on top of Air Photos or USGS Topographic Map Images.

In addition, Engineering Input Models and Flood Insurance Study text can be downloaded by identifying a reach in the Analysis Lines layer.

Map Modernization and Risk MAP Information

2009 Request for Bid Data

The two awards were made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for each of the two watersheds in the project based on the requirements for bidder qualifications and method of award as listed in the special conditions of bid. Those awards will go to JSD Professional Services, Inc. for the Baraboo River and K. Singh & Associates, Inc. for the Rock River.

Public Open House Schedule

In cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the DNR hosts Flood Risk Information Open Houses on a countywide basis. The main purpose of the open houses are to display large, paper preliminary maps (DFIRMs) and give the public an opportunity to review them before finalized. If unable to attend, the preliminary maps can be viewed at local city, village or county (includes towns) zoning offices.

A formal presentation will not be given at the open houses; however, DNR and/or FEMA employees will be available to help interpret the maps and answer questions. General information and resources about flood risks, insurance, development regulations and the floodplain mapping process will also be available. Open Houses are of particular interest to owners of property in or near special flood hazards, realtors, insurance agents, developers and representatives of lending institutions. Members of the media and elected officials are also encouraged to attend. Doors open at 6 p.m. for all Open Houses and will stay open until all questions are answered.

Grant County, WI
November 17, 2009
UW-Extension Building
916 East Elm Street
Lancaster, WI

Pierce County, WI
December 3, 2009
County Highway Building
621 Cairns St.
Ellsworth, WI

Manitowoc County, WI
December 9, 2009
Manitowoc County Office Complex, Conference Room 300
4319 Expo Drive
Manitowoc, WI

90-Day Appeal and Comment Period

Shortly after the Open House, the 90-day appeal and comment period will begin. At this time community officials or property owners may supply comments or appeals to correct errors shown on the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report.

What is an Appeal?

It is an objection to a newly established or revised BFE on the preliminary DFIRM. An appeal is only valid if it is based on a hydrologic or hydraulic engineering study that meets all state and federal standards. Appeals must follow the process outlined in 44 CFR 67

What is a Comment?

An objection to the Preliminary DFIRM and FIS report that does not involve the proposed BFEs. Comments will generally involve changes to floodplain boundary delineations, corporate limits, and roads.

Appeals and Comments can be referenced in Part 67 of the NFIP Regulations.

How do I submit one of these?

Submittals received during the 90-day appeal period will be reviewed to determine if they are appeals or comments. All appeals and comments should come through the community first and the community should review each one to determine if they support the information being submitted. The community should then forward all appeals and comments to WDNR, Floodplain Management Program, c/o Bob Watson, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921. All letters should specifically state whether you are submitting an appeal or a comment, clearly detail the issue, and state how you would like it resolved. In addition, appeals must follow the process outlined in 44 CFR 67

At the end of the 90 day period, all requests will be evaluated and responded to. Map changes will be reflected in the final maps.

For more information on appeals and comments, see:

"Appeals and Protests to NFIP, an excerpt from A GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY OFFICIALS" [FEMA, Dec 1993, PDF 95KB].

Letter of Final Determination (LFD)

After all appeals and comments are resolved and changes are made to maps and/or the FIS, a Letter of Final Determination is sent to each community. This letter will notify CEOs and Zoning Officials that the maps are final and that they have 6 months to adopt the maps and FIS into their local zoning ordinance in order to maintain participation in or join the National Flood Insurance Program. The DNR will send a separate letter assigning a DNR floodplain specialist to each community. The specialist will help municipalities meet the timeline for ordinance adoption and approval required by FEMA and the DNR prior to the effective date. Communities may begin using these maps for local zoning decisions as soon as they are adopted into their zoning ordinance.

Effective Date

The final map products (FIRMs and FIS) will go into effect 6 months after the Letter of Final Determination is sent. It is not until this effective date that the maps may be able to be used to make determinations for Flood Insurance purposes.

Wisconsin Counties Project Status

View a table showing the Wisconsin Counties Project Status [PDF 10KB].

Floodplain FTP Access

Follow this link for information on how to access our Floodplain FTP portal.

Other Information

Last Revised: Tuesday November 10 2009