Floodplain

Floodplain zoning - Kansas statutes passed in 1970 gave cities and counties zoning authority to help reduce floodplain problems. Those statutes were significantly revised in 1991. The Division of Water Resources reviews and approves floodplain zoning ordinances prior to their adoption by local governing bodies, and provides technical assistance to communities to help them develop proper floodplain-related ordinances. For floodplain management, incorporated cities and unincorporated areas of counties are separate entities that must separately enact and enforce floodplain management regulations.

National Flood Insurance Program - In 1970, governor of Kansas designated DWR as the state coordinating agency for the NFIP. Flood insurance is available only in communities that participate in NFIP. NFIP studies and mapping provide data for permit and approval decisions of the chief engineer. A total of 357 Kansas communities have been mapped for flood hazards as part of this program. More than 400 cities and counties participate in NFIP, making flood insurance available to property at risk from flooding.

Community Rating System - The National Flood Insurance Program’s CRS incentive rewards communities for the good work they do managing their floodplains. For example, eligible communities that qualify for this voluntary program and go above the minimum NFIP requirements can offer their citizens discounted flood insurance. Work already being done, too, by the State of Kansas, e.g., dam safety program and state freeboard requirements, gives communities additional discounts. Presently, the seven Kansas communities accepted into the CRS program and their constituents are receiving rate discounts. For more information and assistance in filing a Community Rating System application, contact Steve Samuelson CFM, NFIP specialist, Division of Water Resources, (785) 296-4622, steve.samuelson@kda.ks.gov.

Community support - DWR participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency Community Assistance Program, which enhances state capability to provide floodplain management information and technical assistance to help local officials in participating communities. It also encourages non-participating communities to join the NFIP. DWR also trains participating and non-participating community officials, and other interest groups, to help them achieve a better understanding of flood hazards and techniques for safer development within floodplains. DWR also educates them about state and federal floodplain regulations, requirements and standards, since some state requirements are more stringent than those of the FEMA or NFIP. DWR publishes a free statewide newsletter to promote the objectives and benefits of floodplain management.

Available seminars

Basics of the NFIP
This training opportunity is for local officials and floodplain managers.  The focus is on the history of the National Flood Insurance Program, why we regulate the floodplain, and the basic tools of floodplain management. This class is intended for those who are new to floodplain management or experienced floodplain managers in need of a refresher course.

New Elevation Certificate Workshop for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
This workshop is for surveyors and engineers to ensure proper completion of the new document (as well as for the local officials responsible for administering their local floodplain management ordinance.)  The objectives for this training are:

1.  familiarize students with NFIP acronyms and basic definitions

2.  the role of the elevation certificate (EC)  in the NFIP

3.  changes in the EC- a section by section review

4.  building diagram review

5.  correct methods to certify and complete the FEMA elevation documentation

How to Read a Flood Map
Learn about the various types of flood maps. Discussions will cover letters of map change, elevation certificates, insurance, flood zones, and where to get additional information.

Residential Substantial Damage Estimation (RSDE)
The Residential Substantial Damage Estimation (RSDE) software is a tool that can speed up the process of making damage estimations. RSDE is provided for free to community officials responsible for making substantial damage estimations. Discussions will cover the basics of RSDE. There will be classroom instruction in the morning and a field trip in the afternoon. RSDE is a valuable tool for you to know how to use. You should also be able to explain the use of RSDE to other community officials.

Kansas Department of Agriculture
Division of Water Resources
109 SW 9th Street, Second floor
Topeka, KS 66612-1283
Fax: 785-296-4835

Tom Morey
NFIP Coordinator
785-296-5440
tom.morey@kda.ks.gov

Steve Samuelson, CFM
NFIP Specialist
785-296-4622
steve.samuelson@kda.ks.gov

Andy Megrail, CFM
785-296-2513
Andrew.Megrail@kda.ks.gov

Alicia Benson
Floodplain Coordinating Associate
785-296-7769
Alicia.benson@kda.ks.gov