Why are Johnson County and the 20 cities in the county conducting flood insurance studies and updating the floodplain maps?
A. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initially defined floodplains nearly 30 years ago with only limited and periodic updates since. These maps need a comprehensive update, given the growth and changes that have occurred in the region’s infrastructure and environment in the last three decades. Although FEMA has completed limited and periodic updates, the existing FEMA floodplain boundaries aren’t current and therefore cannot help Johnson County and the cities provide the level of service and the standard of care citizens expect. Ultimately, the new floodplain maps will provide information that can help reduce the creation of future problems in areas that are likely to flood. Better floodplain maps are the best means of risk management that the county and the cities have available to protect property owners today and in the future. The floodplain studies will also help identify issues and goals that address the risks associated with flooding. The maps and proposed projects
