Resources for
floodplain
Resource
Level of Effort:
Model Floodplain Ordinance: Guidance and Draft Language for Campground Operations
Who it’s for: Local jurisdictions, floodplain administrators, and legal counsel responsible for floodplain regulations.
What it is: Draft ordinance language that jurisdictions can adapt to require Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for camps, campgrounds, and RV parks operating in flood-prone areas. It addresses common gaps in existing floodplain ordinances — including missing definitions, permitting requirements, floodway restrictions, and minimum standards for what a compliant EAP must include.
How to use it: Review the model language with your jurisdiction’s legal counsel and floodplain administrator, and adapt it to fit your local ordinance structure and state law. This resource works hand-in-hand with the EAP guide: while the guide helps camp owners build a plan, this ordinance language helps ensure that having one isn’t optional.
This resource was developed by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
Resource
Level of Effort:
Model Floodplain Ordinance: Guidance and Draft Language for Campground Operations
Who it’s for: Local jurisdictions, floodplain administrators, and legal counsel responsible for floodplain regulations.
What it is: Draft ordinance language that jurisdictions can adapt to require Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for camps, campgrounds, and RV parks operating in flood-prone areas. It addresses common gaps in existing floodplain ordinances — including missing definitions, permitting requirements, floodway restrictions, and minimum standards for what a compliant EAP must include.
How to use it: Review the model language with your jurisdiction’s legal counsel and floodplain administrator, and adapt it to fit your local ordinance structure and state law. This resource works hand-in-hand with the EAP guide: while the guide helps camp owners build a plan, this ordinance language helps ensure that having one isn’t optional.
This resource was developed by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
Mapper
Level of Effort:
NYC Flood Hazard Mapper
The NYC Flood Hazard Mapper is an interactive tool created by the NYC Department of City Planning to help residents, businesses, and planners understand flood risks across New York City. It provides maps showing current coastal flood hazards, FEMA flood zones, and areas that may be affected by sea level rise in the future. By searching an address or exploring different map layers, users can see how flooding may impact specific neighborhoods today and under future climate conditions.
This resource is designed to support safer decision making as the frequency and severity of flooding increases. While the mapper offers valuable visual data and projections, it is meant for general information only and should not replace official FEMA resources or professional guidance. Users are encouraged to use this tool as a starting point to learn about local flood exposure and to explore how environmental changes may affect communities throughout the city.
Mapper
Level of Effort:
NYC Flood Hazard Mapper
The NYC Flood Hazard Mapper is an interactive tool created by the NYC Department of City Planning to help residents, businesses, and planners understand flood risks across New York City. It provides maps showing current coastal flood hazards, FEMA flood zones, and areas that may be affected by sea level rise in the future. By searching an address or exploring different map layers, users can see how flooding may impact specific neighborhoods today and under future climate conditions.
This resource is designed to support safer decision making as the frequency and severity of flooding increases. While the mapper offers valuable visual data and projections, it is meant for general information only and should not replace official FEMA resources or professional guidance. Users are encouraged to use this tool as a starting point to learn about local flood exposure and to explore how environmental changes may affect communities throughout the city.
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) & EWP Floodplain Easement Programs
The USDA Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) and Floodplain Easement Programs provide post-disaster assistance to reduce risks to life and property in damaged watersheds. These programs fund immediate and long-term recovery actions such as debris removal, streambank stabilization, drainage system repair, levee restoration, and floodplain easements. Assistance is available to help communities recover after natural disasters and strengthen resilience against future flooding impacts. Grant Fact Sheet.
Eligible entities must submit applications within 60 days of the disaster event. Funding supports activities including debris removal, erosion reduction, vegetative restoration, repair of damaged infrastructure, and voluntary property buyouts or easements to restore natural floodplain function. The 60-day deadline may be waived for property acquisitions in NRCS-designated limited-resource areas. Applicants must work with a local sponsor, and most projects include a local cost-share component. These programs are administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to reduce watershed hazards and improve long-term resilience.
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) & EWP Floodplain Easement Programs
The USDA Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) and Floodplain Easement Programs provide post-disaster assistance to reduce risks to life and property in damaged watersheds. These programs fund immediate and long-term recovery actions such as debris removal, streambank stabilization, drainage system repair, levee restoration, and floodplain easements. Assistance is available to help communities recover after natural disasters and strengthen resilience against future flooding impacts. Grant Fact Sheet.
Events
Connecticut Association of Floodplain Managers 12th Annual Conference
The Connecticut Association of Flood Managers (CAFM) will convene its 12th Annual Conference and Meeting at the Central Connecticut State University Student Center in New Britain, Connecticut on Thursday, November 20, 2025. A cornerstone of CAFM’s mission is to educate a broad range of professionals regarding recent flooding concerns and other issues and problems associated with managing flood risk, making communities more resilient, disaster recovery, and the protection of floodplains. Our goal for this conference is to examine the current challenges facing Connecticut and share experiences and lessons learned as flood managers and municipal officials.
Save the Date – Registration coming soon!
Events
Connecticut Association of Floodplain Managers 12th Annual Conference
The Connecticut Association of Flood Managers (CAFM) will convene its 12th Annual Conference and Meeting at the Central Connecticut State University Student Center in New Britain, Connecticut on Thursday, November 20, 2025. A cornerstone of CAFM’s mission is to educate a broad range of professionals regarding recent flooding concerns and other issues and problems associated with managing flood risk, making communities more resilient, disaster recovery, and the protection of floodplains. Our goal for this conference is to examine the current challenges facing Connecticut and share experiences and lessons learned as flood managers and municipal officials.
Save the Date – Registration coming soon!