The State of Montana Flood Hazard Mitigation Group: Map Modernization (Map Mod) & Risk MAP Program

General Overview

On March 18, 2005, the State of Montana entered into a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) agreement with FEMA Region VIII. This agreement provides that the State of Montana will assume responsibility for the development of Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) in areas across the State. Through this agreement, the State of Montana is provided funding by grants from FEMA to: 1) convert paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) into a digital Geographic Information System (GSI) format, 2) perform new floodplain studies as funding is available, and 3) manage the grants and contracts for the projects that receive funding. The amount of funding provided to the State of Montana is determined by FEMA Region VIII each fiscal year, and is a function of the success of the State in producing DFIRMs, the ability of the State to obtain cost-share contributions from State or local sources, the effectiveness of the State in linking improved floodplain management with improved floodplain mapping, and the FEMA Regiona VIII Map Modernization and Risk MAP program budget. The State is primarily utilizing consulting engineering firms to perform this work although some new floodplain studies are being performed in-house. The State's progress towards its objective is monitored quarterly by FEMA.

From 2005 to 2009 FEMA provided funding for DFIRM conversions and new studies to the State of Montana via the FEMA Map Modernization (Map Mod) Program. For background information regarding the Map Modernization program select the following link: FEMA Map Modernization Program Background Information. This program officially ended in 2009, although many projects initiated during Map Mod are still in progress across Montana and the nation. in 2010 FEMA initiated a new program for Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) and has developed a multi-year plan spanning FY10-FY14. The vision for Risk MAP is to deliver quality data that increases public awareness and leads to action that reduces risk to life and property. The vision for the Risk MAP program is to deliver quality data that increases public awareness and leads to action that reduces risk to life and property. Risk MAP builds on flood hazard data and maps produced during the Floodplain Map Modernization program referred to as DFIRMs. The following graphic illustrates the Risk MAP vision:

The Risk MAP program is aimed at building on the success of the FEMA Map Modernization program through collaboration with Federal, State, and local stakeholders to achieve 5 primary goals:

Goal 1: Flood Hazard Data - Address gaps in flood hazard data to forma solid foundation for risk assessment, floodplain management and acturial soundness of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Goal 2: Public Awareness/Outreach - Ensure that a measurable increas of the public's awareness and understanding of risk results in a measurable reduction of current and future vulnerability.

Goal 3: Hazard Mitigation Planning - Lead and support States, local, and Tribal communities to effectively engage in risk-based mitigation planning resulting in sustainable actions that reduce or eliminate risks to life an property from natural hazards.

Goal 4: Enhanced Digital Platform - Provide an enhanced digital platform that improves management of Risk MAP stewards information produced by Risk MAP, and improves communication and sharing of risk data and related prodcuts to all levels of government and the public.

Goal 5: Alignment and Synergies - Align Risk Analysis programs and develop synergies to enhance decision making capabilities through effective risk communication and management.

To view additional information regarding this program or to download the multi-year plan click the following link: FEMA Risk MAP Program Information.

Quick DFIRM Project Status Map

Click on the individual county for more detailed information on the projects that are in production. Information for effective projects can be obtained from the FEMA Map Service Center.

If you cannot view the map above and would like to access individual county web pages please click here.

Quick Look: DFIRM Project Status & Schedule Information

Program Contacts