Kansas Flood Mapping Initiative
Since Kansas launched its flood mapping initiative in 2003, Congress directed that FEMA's map modernization program include digitizing flood maps for the entire country within five years. Only 20 percent of the map panels will be updated with new flood analysis.
As the map modernization project reached the halfway point, FEMA conducted a midprogram evaluation that considered input from Congress, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general and other stakeholders. This midprogram evaluation prompted adjustments that will result in better targeted, more accurate flood data while providing digital flood maps for a significant portion of the nation.
Multistage Process
Mapping takes place in stages, include scoping, approximate A zone analysis, incorporating detailed study analysis, redelineation and/or digital conversion, workmap production, preliminary flood insurance rate map (FIRM) distribution, and effective digital flood insurance rate maps (DFIRM) distribution.
Scoping
Scoping helps define and prioritize mapping needs in a county, and it gives communities an opportunity to share detailed information regarding their topography, hydrology or hydraulics that may not be readily available through state channels. This detailed information enhances the quality of the final map.
Scoping can be done at any time and it does not have to be tied to a mapping activity. It allows the Division of Water Resources and FEMA to identify needs and estimate their costs to prepare for when funding becomes available.
Scoping is under way in Jackson, Marion, Pottawatomie, Republic, Leavenworth and Osage Counties.
Map Production
Map production includes flood zone analysis (approximate, detailed analysis, redelineation, and digital conversion) and workmap production.
Approximate A Zone Analysis
Approximate A zone analysis looks at stream basins that drain more than 1 square mile. The Zone A analysis allows the Division of Water Resources to identify inundation areas in a 1 percent flood. While it does not depict a base flood elevation on the flood insurance rate map, a layer in the GIS program identifies the water surface elevation.
Detailed Analysis
Detailed analysis of the 1 percent flood includes developing hydrology and hydraulics based on detailed topography. A detailed study is typically performed when there is evidence that current mapping efforts are inaccurate or when the community is growing toward areas at risk of flooding.
Redelineation
Redelineation is the process where existing base flood elevations are accurate, but the community has better topography to delineate the flood risk area.
Digital Conversion
Digital conversion involves converting the detailed study area on the map and into a digital format that can be used in a GIS system.
Workmap Distribution
Workmap distribution happens after the flood risk analysis has been performed. The map is submitted to FEMA for final review, and the Division of Water Resources also provides an unofficial map to the community to elicit feedback on technical and nontechnical issues. Nontechnical issues cover such things as road names and corporate boundary errors.
Workmaps have been provided to Neosho, Butler, Douglas, Allen, Harvey, Wyandotte, Crawford and Reno counties.
Preliminary
FEMA preliminary maps can be protested or appealed by a community. Preliminary maps have been delivered to Ellsworth, McPherson, Cherokee, Johnson, Bourbon, Miami and Labette counties.
Effective DFIRM
Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM) are able to be used to regulate flood insurance once they have gone effective. A community is sent a Letter of Final Determination (LFD) where the effective date is given to communities and they then have six months to adopt the appropriate ordinance for their community.
Sedgwick County Effective February 2, 2007
Wabaunsee County Effective March 19, 2007
Linn County Effective November 2, 2007
Edwards County Effective January 18, 2008
Lyon County Effective February 20, 2008
Miami County Effective August 19, 2008