42 USC 4104 - Mitigation assistance

Collapse to view only § 4104c. Mitigation assistance

§ 4101. Identification of flood-prone areas
§ 4101a. Technical Mapping Advisory Council
§ 4101b. National Flood Mapping Program
§ 4101c. Coordination
§ 4101d. Flood insurance rate map certification
§ 4101e. Exemption from fees for certain map change requests
§ 4102. Criteria for land management and use
§ 4102a. Repealed.
§ 4103. Repealed.
§ 4104. Flood elevation determinations
§ 4104-1. Scientific Resolution Panel
§ 4104a. Notice requirements
§ 4104b. Standard hazard determination forms
§ 4104c. Mitigation assistance
§ 4104d. National Flood Mitigation Fund
§ 4105. Disaster mitigation requirements; notification to flood-prone areas
§ 4106. Nonparticipation in flood insurance program
§ 4107. Consultation with local officials; scope

§ 4101. Identification of flood-prone areas

(a) Publication of information; establishment of flood-risk zones; estimates of flood-caused loss

The Administrator is authorized to consult with, receive information from, and enter into any agreements or other arrangements with the Secretaries of the Army, the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the heads of other Federal departments or agencies, on a reimbursement basis, or with the head of any State or local agency, or enter into contracts with any persons or private firms, in order that he may—

(1) identify and publish information with respect to all flood plain areas, including coastal areas located in the United States, which has special flood hazards, within five years following August 1, 1968, and

(2) establish or update flood-risk zone data in all such areas, and make estimates with respect to the rates of probable flood caused loss for the various flood risk zones for each of these areas until the date specified in section 4026 of this title.

(b) Accelerated identification of flood-risk zones; authority of Administrator: grants, technical assistance, transactions, and payments

(c) Priority in allocation of manpower and other available resources for identification and mapping of flood hazard areas and flood-risk zones

(d) Plan for bringing communities with flood-risk zones into full program status

(e) Review of flood maps

(f) Updating flood maps

The Administrator shall revise and update any floodplain areas and flood-risk zones—

(1) upon the determination of the Administrator, according to the assessment under subsection (e), that revision and updating are necessary for the areas and zones; or

(2) upon the request from any State or local government stating that specific floodplain areas or flood-risk zones in the State or locality need revision or updating, if sufficient technical data justifying the request is submitted and the unit of government making the request agrees to provide funds in an amount determined by the Administrator.

(g) Availability of flood maps

(h) Notification of flood map changes

(i) Compendia of flood map changes

(j) Provision of information

(Pub. L. 90–448, title XIII, § 1360, Aug. 1, 1968, 82 Stat. 587; Pub. L. 93–234, title II, § 204, Dec. 31, 1973, 87 Stat. 983; Pub. L. 98–181, title I [title IV, § 451(d)(1), (6), (7)], Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1229; Pub. L. 98–479, title II, § 203(j)(2), Oct. 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 2231; Pub. L. 99–120, § 4(a)(3), Oct. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 503; Pub. L. 99–156, § 4(a)(3), Nov. 15, 1985, 99 Stat. 816; Pub. L. 99–219, § 4(a)(3), Dec. 26, 1985, 99 Stat. 1731; Pub. L. 99–267, § 4(a)(3), Mar. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 74; Pub. L. 99–272, title III, § 3010(a)(3), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 106; Pub. L. 99–289, § 1(b), May 2, 1986, 100 Stat. 412; Pub. L. 99–345, § 1, June 24, 1986, 100 Stat. 673;

§ 4101a. Technical Mapping Advisory Council

(a) Establishment

(b) Membership

(1) In generalThe Council shall consist of—

(A) the Administrator (or the designee thereof);

(B) the Secretary of the Interior (or the designee thereof);

(D) the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (or the designee thereof); and

(E) 16 additional members appointed by the Administrator or the designee of the Administrator, who shall be—

(i) a member of a recognized professional surveying association or organization;

(ii) a member of a recognized professional mapping association or organization;

(iii) a member of a recognized professional engineering association or organization;

(iv) a member of a recognized professional association or organization representing flood hazard determination firms;

(v) a representative of the United States Geological Survey;

(vi) a representative of a recognized professional association or organization representing State geographic information;

(vii) a representative of State national flood insurance coordination offices;

(viii) a representative of the Corps of Engineers;

(ix) a member of a recognized regional flood and storm water management organization;

(x) 2 representatives of different State government agencies that have entered into cooperating technical partnerships with the Administrator and have demonstrated the capability to produce flood insurance rate maps;

(xi) 2 representatives of different local government agencies that have entered into cooperating technical partnerships with the Administrator and have demonstrated the capability to produce flood insurance maps;

(xii) a member of a recognized floodplain management association or organization;

(xiii) a member of a recognized risk management association or organization; and

(xiv) a State mitigation officer.

(2) Qualifications

(1) recommend to the Administrator how to improve in a cost-effective manner the—

(A) accuracy, general quality, ease of use, and distribution and dissemination of flood insurance rate maps and risk data; and

(B) performance metrics and milestones required to effectively and efficiently map flood risk areas in the United States;

(2) recommend to the Administrator mapping standards and guidelines for—

(A) flood insurance rate maps; and

(B) data accuracy, data quality, data currency, and data eligibility;

(3) recommend to the Administrator how to maintain, on an ongoing basis, flood insurance rate maps and flood risk identification;

(4) recommend procedures for delegating mapping activities to State and local mapping partners;

(5) recommend to the Administrator and other Federal agencies participating in the Council—

(A) methods for improving interagency and intergovernmental coordination on flood mapping and flood risk determination; and

(B) a funding strategy to leverage and coordinate budgets and expenditures across Federal agencies; and

(6) submit an annual report to the Administrator that contains—

(A) a description of the activities of the Council;

(B) an evaluation of the status and performance of flood insurance rate maps and mapping activities to revise and update flood insurance rate maps, as required under section 4101b of this title; and

(d) Future conditions risk assessment and modeling report

(1) In generalThe Council shall consult with scientists and technical experts, other Federal agencies, States, and local communities to—

(A) develop recommendations on how to—

(i) ensure that flood insurance rate maps incorporate the best available climate science to assess flood risks; and

(ii) ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency uses the best available methodology to consider the impact of—(I) the rise in the sea level; and(II) future development on flood risk; and

(B) not later than 1 year after July 6, 2012, prepare written recommendations in a future conditions risk assessment and modeling report and to submit such recommendations to the Administrator.

(2) Responsibility of the Administrator

(e) Chairperson

(f) Coordination

(g) Compensation

(h) Meetings and actions

(1) In general

(2) Initial meeting

(i) Officers

(j) Staff

(1) Staff of FEMA

(2) Staff of other Federal agencies

(k) Powers

(l) Report to CongressThe Administrator, on an annual basis, shall report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, and the Office of Management and Budget on the—

(1) recommendations made by the Council;

(2) actions taken by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to address such recommendations to improve flood insurance rate maps and flood risk data; and

(3) any recommendations made by the Council that have been deferred or not acted upon, together with an explanatory statement.

(Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100215, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 924.)

§ 4101b. National Flood Mapping Program

(a) Reviewing, updating, and maintaining maps

(b) Mapping

(1) In generalIn carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

(A) identify, review, update, maintain, and publish National Flood Insurance Program rate maps with respect to—

(i) all populated areas and areas of possible population growth located within the 100-year floodplain;

(ii) all populated areas and areas of possible population growth located within the 500-year floodplain;

(iii) areas of residual risk, including areas that are protected by levees, dams, and other flood control structures;

(iv) areas that could be inundated as a result of the failure of a levee, dam, or other flood control structure;

(v) areas that are protected by non-structural flood mitigation features; and

(vi) the level of protection provided by flood control structures and by non-structural flood mitigation features;

(B) establish or update flood-risk zone data in all such areas, and make estimates with respect to the rates of probable flood caused loss for the various flood risk zones for each such area; and

(C) use, in identifying, reviewing, updating, maintaining, or publishing any National Flood Insurance Program rate map required under this section or under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.), the most accurate topography and elevation data available.

(2) Mapping elementsEach map updated under this section shall—

(A) assess the accuracy of current ground elevation data used for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of flooding sources and mapping of the flood hazard and wherever necessary acquire new ground elevation data utilizing the most up-to-date geospatial technologies in accordance with guidelines and specifications of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

(B) develop National Flood Insurance Program flood data on a watershed basis—

(i) to provide the most technically effective and efficient studies and hydrologic and hydraulic modeling; and

(ii) to eliminate, to the maximum extent possible, discrepancies in base flood elevations between adjacent political subdivisions.

(3) Other inclusionsIn updating maps under this section, the Administrator shall include—

(A) any relevant information on coastal inundation from—

(i) an applicable inundation map of the Corps of Engineers; and

(ii) data of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration relating to storm surge modeling;

(B) any relevant information of the United States Geological Survey on stream flows, watershed characteristics, and topography that is useful in the identification of flood hazard areas, as determined by the Administrator;

(C) any relevant information on land subsidence, coastal erosion areas, changing lake levels, and other flood-related hazards;

(D) any relevant information or data of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Geological Survey relating to the best available science regarding future changes in sea levels, precipitation, and intensity of hurricanes; and

(E) any other relevant information as may be recommended by the Technical Mapping Advisory Committee.

(1) establish standards to—

(A) ensure that maps are adequate for—

(i) flood risk determinations; and

(ii) use by State and local governments in managing development to reduce the risk of flooding; and

(B) facilitate identification and use of consistent methods of data collection and analysis by the Administrator, in conjunction with State and local governments, in developing maps for communities with similar flood risks, as determined by the Administrator; and

(2) publish maps in a format that is—

(A) digital geospatial data compliant;

(B) compliant with the open publishing and data exchange standards established by the Open Geospatial Consortium; and

(d) Communication and outreach

(1) In generalThe Administrator shall—

(A) before commencement of any mapping or map updating process, notify each community affected of the model or models that the Administrator plans to use in such process and provide an explanation of why such model or models are appropriate;

(B) provide each community affected a 30-day period beginning upon notification under subparagraph (A) to consult with the Administrator regarding the appropriateness, with respect to such community, of the mapping model or models to be used; provided that consultation by a community pursuant to this subparagraph shall not waive or otherwise affect any right of the community to appeal any flood hazard determinations;

(C) upon completion of the first Independent Data Submission, transmit a copy of such Submission to the affected community, provide the affected community a 30-day period during which the community may provide data to Administrator 1

1 So in original. Probably should be preceded by “the”.

that can be used to supplement or modify the existing data, and incorporate any data that is consistent with prevailing engineering principles;

(D) work with States, local communities, and property owners to identify areas and features described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(v);

(E) work to enhance communication and outreach to States, local communities, and property owners about the effects—

(i) of any potential changes to National Flood Insurance Program rate maps that may result from the mapping program required under this section; and

(ii) that any such changes may have on flood insurance purchase requirements;

(F) engage with local communities to enhance communication and outreach to the residents of such communities, including tenants (with regard to contents insurance), on the matters described under subparagraph (E);

(G) not less than 30 days before issuance of any preliminary map, notify the Senators for each State affected and each Member of the House of Representatives for each congressional district affected by the preliminary map in writing of—

(i) the estimated schedule for—(I) community meetings regarding the preliminary map;(II) publication of notices regarding the preliminary map in local newspapers; and(III) the commencement of the appeals process regarding the map; and

(ii) the estimated number of homes and businesses that will be affected by changes contained in the preliminary map, including how many structures will be 2

2 So in original. The words “will be” probably should not appear.

that were not previously located in an area having special flood hazards will be located within such an area under the preliminary map; and

(H) upon the issuance of any proposed map and any notice of an opportunity to make an appeal relating to the proposed map, notify the Senators for each State affected and each Member of the House of Representatives for each congressional district affected by the proposed map of any action taken by the Administrator with respect to the proposed map or an appeal relating to the proposed map.

(2) Required activitiesThe communication and outreach activities required under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) notifying property owners when their properties become included in, or when they are excluded from, an area covered by the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement under section 4012a of this title;

(B) educating property owners regarding the flood risk and reduction of this risk in their community, including the continued flood risks to areas that are no longer subject to the flood insurance mandatory purchase requirement;

(C) educating property owners regarding the benefits and costs of maintaining or acquiring flood insurance, including, where applicable, lower-cost preferred risk policies under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.) for such properties and the contents of such properties;

(D) educating property owners about flood map revisions and the process available to such owners to appeal proposed changes in flood elevations through their community, including by notifying local radio and television stations; and

(E) encouraging property owners to maintain or acquire flood insurance coverage.

(e) Community remapping request

(f) Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100216, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 927; Pub. L. 113–89, §§ 27, 30, Mar. 21, 2014, 128 Stat. 1033, 1034.)

§ 4101c. Coordination

(a) Interagency budget crosscut and coordination report

(1) In general

(2) Report

Not later than 30 days after the submission of the budget of the United States Government by the President to Congress, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Corps of Engineers, and other Federal agencies, as appropriate, shall submit to the appropriate authorizing and appropriating committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives an interagency budget crosscut and coordination report, certified by the Secretary or head of each such agency, that—

(A) contains an interagency budget crosscut report that displays relevant sections of the budget proposed for each of the Federal agencies working on flood risk determination data and digital elevation models, including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfers; and

(B) describes how the efforts aligned with such sections complement one another.

(b) Duties of the Administrator

In carrying out sections 4101a and 4101b of this title, the Administrator shall—

(1) participate, pursuant to section 216 of the E–Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501 note), in the establishment of such standards and common protocols as are necessary to assure the interoperability of geospatial data for all users of such information;

(2) coordinate with, seek assistance and cooperation of, and provide a liaison to the Federal Geographic Data Committee pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget Circular A–16 and Executive Order 12906 (43 U.S.C. 1457 note; relating to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure) for the implementation of and compliance with such standards;

(3) integrate with, leverage, and coordinate funding of, to the maximum extent practicable, the current flood mapping activities of each unit of State and local government;

(4) integrate with, leverage, and coordinate, to the maximum extent practicable, the current geospatial activities of other Federal agencies and units of State and local government; and

(5) develop a funding strategy to leverage and coordinate budgets and expenditures, and to maintain or establish joint funding and other agreement mechanisms with other Federal agencies and units of State and local government to share in the collection and utilization of geospatial data among all governmental users.

(Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100220, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 932.)

§ 4101d. Flood insurance rate map certification

The Administrator shall implement a flood mapping program for the National Flood Insurance Program, only after review by the Technical Mapping Advisory Council, that, when applied, results in technically credible flood hazard data in all areas where Flood Insurance Rate Maps are prepared or updated, shall certify in writing to the Congress when such a program has been implemented, and shall provide to the Congress the Technical Mapping Advisory Council review report.

(Pub. L. 113–89, § 17, Mar. 21, 2014, 128 Stat. 1027.)

§ 4101e. Exemption from fees for certain map change requests

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a requester shall be exempt from submitting a review or processing fee for a request for a flood insurance rate map change based on a habitat restoration project that is funded in whole or in part with Federal or State funds, including dam removal, culvert redesign or installation, or the installation of fish passage.

(Pub. L. 113–89, § 22, Mar. 21, 2014, 128 Stat. 1028.)

§ 4102. Criteria for land management and use

(a) Studies and investigations

(b) Extent of studies and investigations

(c) Development of comprehensive criteria designed to encourage adoption of adequate State and local measuresOn the basis of such studies and investigations, and such other information as he deems necessary, the Administrator shall from time to time develop comprehensive criteria designed to encourage, where necessary, the adoption of adequate State and local measures which, to the maximum extent feasible, will—

(1) constrict the development of land which is exposed to flood damage where appropriate,

(2) guide the development of proposed construction away from locations which are threatened by flood hazards,

(3) assist in reducing damage caused by floods, and

(4) otherwise improve the long-range land management and use of flood-prone areas,

and he shall work closely with and provide any necessary technical assistance to State, interstate, and local governmental agencies, to encourage the application of such criteria and the adoption and enforcement of such measures.

(d) Flood mitigation methods for buildingsThe Administrator shall establish guidelines for property owners that—

(1) provide alternative methods of mitigation, other than building elevation, to reduce flood risk to residential buildings that cannot be elevated due to their structural characteristics, including—

(A) types of building materials; and

(B) types of floodproofing; and

(2) inform property owners about how the implementation of mitigation methods described in paragraph (1) may affect risk premium rates for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program.

(Pub. L. 90–448, title XIII, § 1361, Aug. 1, 1968, 82 Stat. 587; Pub. L. 91–152, title IV, § 410(c), Dec. 24, 1969, 83 Stat. 397; Pub. L. 98–181, title I [title IV, § 451(d)(1)], Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1229; Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100238(b)(1), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 958; Pub. L. 113–89, § 26(a)(1), Mar. 21, 2014, 128 Stat. 1032.)

§ 4102a. Repealed. Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100225(c), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 941

§ 4103. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–325, title V, § 551(a), Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2269

§ 4104. Flood elevation determinations

(a) Publication or notification of proposed flood elevation determinations

(b) Publication of flood elevation determinations; appeal of owner or lessee to local government; scientific or technical knowledge or information as basis for appeal; modification of proposed determinations

(c) Appeals by private persons; submission of negativing or contradicting data to community; opinion of community respecting justification for appeal by community; transmission of individual appeals to Administrator; filing of community action with Administrator

(d) Administrative review of appeals by private persons; modification of proposed determinations; decision of Administrator: form and distribution

(e) Administrative review of appeals by community; agencies for resolution of conflicting data; availability of flood insurance pending such resolution; time for determination of Administrator; community adoption of local land use and control measures within reasonable time of final determination; public inspection and admissibility in evidence of reports and other administrative information

(f) Reimbursement of certain expenses

(g) Judicial review of final administrative determinations; venue; time for appeal; scope of review; good cause for stay of final determinations

(Pub. L. 90–448, title XIII, § 1363, as added Pub. L. 93–234, title I, § 110, Dec. 31, 1973, 87 Stat. 980; amended Pub. L. 95–128, title VII, § 704(c), Oct. 12, 1977, 91 Stat. 1146; Pub. L. 98–181, title I [title IV, § 451(d)(1)], Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1229; Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, §§ 100217, 100218(b), 100238(b)(1), (2), 100246, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 930, 932, 958, 967; Pub. L. 113–89, § 18(a), Mar. 21, 2014, 128 Stat. 1027.)

§ 4104–1. Scientific Resolution Panel

(a) Availability

(1) In generalPursuant to the authority provided under section 4104(e) of this title, the Administrator shall make available an independent review panel, to be known as the Scientific Resolution Panel, to any community—

(A) that has—

(i) filed a timely map appeal in accordance with section 4104 of this title;

(ii) completed 60 days of consultation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the appeal; and

(iii) not allowed more than 120 days, or such longer period as may be provided by the Administrator by waiver, to pass since the end of the appeal period; or

(B) that has received an unsatisfactory ruling under the map revision process established pursuant to section 4101(f) of this title.

(2) Appeals by owners and lesseesIf a community and an owner or lessee of real property within the community appeal a proposed determination of a flood elevation under section 4104(b) of this title, upon the request of the community—

(A) the owner or lessee shall submit scientific and technical data relating to the appeals to the Scientific Resolution Panel; and

(B) the Scientific Resolution Panel shall make a determination with respect to the appeals in accordance with subsection (c).

(3) DefinitionFor purposes of paragraph (1)(B), an “unsatisfactory ruling” means that a community—

(A) received a revised Flood Insurance Rate Map from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, via a Letter of Final Determination, after September 30, 2008, and prior to July 6, 2012;

(B) has subsequently applied for a Letter of Map Revision or Physical Map Revision with the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

(b) Membership

(1) In general

(2) BasisThe determination of the Scientific Resolution Panel shall be based on—

(A) data previously provided to the Administrator by the community, and, in the case of a dispute submitted under subsection (a)(2), an owner or lessee of real property in the community; and

(B) data provided by the Administrator.

(3) No alternative determinations permissibleThe Scientific Resolution Panel—

(A) shall provide a determination of resolution of a dispute that—

(i) is either in favor of the Administrator or in favor of the community on each distinct element of the dispute; or

(ii) in the case of a dispute submitted under subsection (a)(2), is in favor of the Administrator, in favor of the community, or in favor of the owner or lessee of real property in the community on each distinct element of the dispute; and

(B) may not offer as a resolution any other alternative determination.

(4) Effect of determination

(A) BindingThe recommendations of the Scientific Resolution Panel shall be binding on all appellants and not subject to further judicial review unless the Administrator determines that implementing the determination of the panel would—

(i) pose a significant threat due to failure to identify a substantial risk of special flood hazards; or

(ii) violate applicable law.

(B) Written justification not to enforce

(d) Maps used for insurance and mandatory purchase requirementsWith respect to any community that has a dispute that is being considered by the Scientific Resolution Panel formed pursuant to this subsection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall ensure that for each such community that—

(1) the Flood Insurance Rate Map described in the most recently issued Letter of Final Determination shall be in force and effect with respect to such community; and

(2) flood insurance shall continue to be made available to the property owners and residents of the participating community.

(Pub. L. 90–448, title XIII, § 1363A, as added Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100218(a), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 930.)

§ 4104a. Notice requirements

(a) Notification of special flood hazards

(1) Regulated lending institutions

(2) Federal agency lenders

(3) Contents of notice

Written notification required under this subsection shall include—

(A) a warning, in a form to be established by the Administrator, stating that the building on the improved real estate securing the loan is located, or the mobile home securing the loan is or is to be located, in an area having special flood hazards;

(B) a description of the flood insurance purchase requirements under section 102(b) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 [42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)];

(C) a statement that flood insurance coverage may be purchased under the national flood insurance program and is also available from private insurers, as required under section 102(b)(6) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(6)); and

(D) any other information that the Administrator considers necessary to carry out the purposes of the national flood insurance program.

(b) Notification of change of servicer

(1) Lending institutions

(2) Federal agency lenders

(Pub. L. 90–448, title XIII, § 1364, as added Pub. L. 93–383, title VIII, § 816(a), Aug. 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 739; amended Pub. L. 98–181, title I [title IV, § 451(d)(1)], Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1229; Pub. L. 103–325, title V, § 527, Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2263; Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, §§ 100238(b)(1), 100239(b), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 958, 960.)

§ 4104b. Standard hazard determination forms

(a) Development

(b) Design and contents

(1) Purpose

(2) Contents

(d) Guarantees regarding information

(e) Reliance on previous determination

Any person increasing, extending, renewing, or purchasing a loan secured by improved real estate or a mobile home may rely on a previous determination of whether the building or mobile home is located in an area having special flood hazards (and shall not be liable for any error in such previous determination), if the previous determination was made not more than 7 years before the date of the transaction and the basis for the previous determination has been set forth on a form under this section, unless—

(1) map revisions or updates pursuant to section 4101(f) of this title after such previous determination have resulted in the building or mobile home being located in an area having special flood hazards; or

(2) the person contacts the Administrator to determine when the most recent map revisions or updates affecting such property occurred and such revisions and updates have occurred after such previous determination.

(f) Effective date

(Pub. L. 90–448, title XIII, § 1365, as added Pub. L. 103–325, title V, § 528, Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2264; amended Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100238(b)(1), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 958.)

§ 4104c. Mitigation assistance

(a) AuthorityThe Administrator shall carry out a program to provide financial assistance to States and communities, using amounts made available from the National Flood Mitigation Fund under section 4104d of this title, for planning and carrying out activities designed to reduce the risk of flood damage to structures covered under contracts for flood insurance under this chapter. Such financial assistance shall be made available—

(1) to States and communities in the form of grants under this section for carrying out mitigation activities;

(2) to States and communities in the form of grants under this section for carrying out mitigation activities that reduce flood damage to severe repetitive loss structures; and

(3) to property owners in the form of direct grants under this section for carrying out mitigation activities that reduce flood damage to individual structures for which 2 or more claim payments for losses have been made under flood insurance coverage under this chapter if the Administrator, after consultation with the State and community, determines that neither the State nor community in which such a structure is located has the capacity to manage such grants.

(b) Eligibility for mitigation assistance

(1) Requirement of consistency with approved mitigation plan

(2) Requirements of technical feasibility, cost effectiveness, and interest of National Flood Insurance Fund

(A) In generalThe Administrator may approve only mitigation activities that the Administrator determines—

(i) are technically feasible and cost-effective; or

(ii) will eliminate future payments from the National Flood Insurance Fund for severe repetitive loss structures through an acquisition or relocation activity.

(B) Considerations

(3) Eligible activitiesEligible activities under a mitigation plan may include—

(A) demolition or relocation of any structure located on land that is along the shore of a lake or other body of water and is certified by an appropriate State or local land use authority to be subject to imminent collapse or subsidence as a result of erosion or flooding;

(B) elevation, relocation, demolition, or floodproofing of structures (including public structures) located in areas having special flood hazards or other areas of flood risk;

(C) acquisition by States and communities of properties (including public properties) located in areas having special flood hazards or other areas of flood risk and properties substantially damaged by flood, for public use, as the Administrator determines is consistent with sound land management and use in such area;

(D) elevation, relocation, or floodproofing of utilities (including equipment that serves structures);

(E) minor physical mitigation efforts that do not duplicate the flood prevention activities of other Federal agencies and that lessen the frequency or severity of flooding and decrease predicted flood damages, which shall not include major flood control projects such as dikes, levees, seawalls, groins, and jetties unless the Administrator specifically determines in approving a mitigation plan that such activities are the most cost-effective mitigation activities for the National Flood Mitigation Fund;

(F) the development or update of mitigation plans by a State or community which meet the planning criteria established by the Administrator, except that the amount from grants under this section that may be used under this subparagraph may not exceed $50,000 for any mitigation plan of a State or $25,000 for any mitigation plan of a community;

(G) the provision of technical assistance by States to communities and individuals to conduct eligible mitigation activities;

(H) other activities that the Administrator considers appropriate and specifies in regulation;

(I) other mitigation activities not described in subparagraphs (A) through (G) or the regulations issued under subparagraph (H), that are described in the mitigation plan of a State or community; and

(J) without regard to the requirements under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (d), and if the State applied for and was awarded at least $1,000,000 in grants available under this section in the prior fiscal year, technical assistance to communities to identify eligible activities, to develop grant applications, and to implement grants awarded under this section, not to exceed $50,000 to any 1 State in any fiscal year.

(4) Eligibility of demolition and rebuilding of properties

(d) Matching requirementThe Administrator may provide grants for eligible mitigation activities as follows:

(1) Severe repetitive loss structuresIn the case of mitigation activities to severe repetitive loss structures, in an amount up to—

(A) 100 percent of all eligible costs, if the activities are approved under subsection (c)(2)(A)(i); or

(B) the expected savings to the National Flood Insurance Fund from expected avoided damages through acquisition or relocation activities, if the activities are approved under subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii).

(2) Repetitive loss structures

(3) Other mitigation activities

(e) Recapture

(1) Noncompliance with plan

(2) Failure to provide matching funds

(f) Reports

(g) Failure to make grant award within 5 years

(h) DefinitionsFor purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) CommunityThe term “community” means—

(A) a political subdivision that—

(i) has zoning and building code jurisdiction over a particular area having special flood hazards; and

(ii) is participating in the national flood insurance program; or

(B) a political subdivision of a State, or other authority, that is designated by political subdivisions, all of which meet the requirements of subparagraph (A), to administer grants for mitigation activities for such political subdivisions.

(2) Repetitive loss structure

(3) Severe repetitive loss structureThe term “severe repetitive loss structure” means a structure that—

(A) is covered under a contract for flood insurance made available under this chapter; and

(B) has incurred flood-related damage—

(i) for which 4 or more separate claims payments have been made under flood insurance coverage under this chapter, with the amount of each such claim exceeding $5,000, and with the cumulative amount of such claims payments exceeding $20,000; or

(ii) for which at least 2 separate claims payments have been made under such coverage, with the cumulative amount of such claims exceeding the value of the insured structure.

(Pub. L. 90–448, title XIII, § 1366, as added Pub. L. 103–325, title V, § 553(a), Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2270; amended Pub. L. 108–264, title I, § 103(a)–(c), (e), (f), June 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 721, 722; Pub. L. 112–95, title VIII, § 815(b), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 125; Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, §§ 100225(a), 100238(b)(1), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 938, 958.)

§ 4104d. National Flood Mitigation Fund

(a) Establishment and availability

(b) CreditsThe National Flood Mitigation Fund shall be credited with—

(1) in each fiscal year, amounts from the National Flood Insurance Fund not to exceed $90,000,000 and to remain available until expended, of which—

(A) not more than $40,000,000 shall be available pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for assistance described in section 4104c(a)(1) of this title;

(B) not more than $40,000,000 shall be available pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for assistance described in section 4104c(a)(2) of this title; and

(C) not more than $10,000,000 shall be available pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for assistance described in section 4104c(a)(3) of this title;

(2) any penalties collected under section 4012a(f) of this title; and

(3) any amounts recaptured under section 4104c(e) of this title.

(d) Prohibition on offsetting collections

(e) Continued availability and reallocation

(f) Investment

(g) Report

(Pub. L. 90–448, title XIII, § 1367, as added Pub. L. 103–325, title V, § 554(a), Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2273; amended Pub. L. 108–264, title I, § 103(d), June 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 721; Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, §§ 100225(e), 100238(b)(1), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 941, 958.)

§ 4105. Disaster mitigation requirements; notification to flood-prone areas

(a) Initial notification

(b) Alternative actions of tentatively identified communities; public hearing; opportunity for submission of evidence; finality of administrative determination of existence or extent of flood hazard area

(d) Provisions of section 4106 applicable to flood-prone communities disqualified for flood insurance program

(e) Administrative procedures; establishment; reimbursement of certain expenses; appropriation authorization

(Pub. L. 93–234, title II, § 201, Dec. 31, 1973, 87 Stat. 982; Pub. L. 95–128, title VII, § 704(d), Oct. 12, 1977, 91 Stat. 1146; Pub. L. 98–181, title I [title IV, § 451(e)(1)], Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1229; Pub. L. 98–479, title II, § 204(j), Oct. 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 2233; Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100238(a), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 958.)

§ 4106. Nonparticipation in flood insurance program

(a) Prohibition against Federal approval of financial assistance

(b) Notification of purchaser or lessee of property in flood hazard area of availability of Federal disaster relief assistance in event of a flood disaster

(Pub. L. 93–234, title II, § 202, Dec. 31, 1973, 87 Stat. 982; Pub. L. 94–50, title III, § 303, July 2, 1975, 89 Stat. 256; Pub. L. 94–198, Dec. 31, 1975, 89 Stat. 1116; Pub. L. 94–375, § 14(a), Aug. 3, 1976, 90 Stat. 1075; Pub. L. 95–128, title VII, § 703(a), Oct. 12, 1977, 91 Stat. 1144; Pub. L. 98–181, title I [title IV, § 451(e)(1)], Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1229; Pub. L. 103–325, title V, § 511(b), Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2256; Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100238(a)(1), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 958.)

§ 4107. Consultation with local officials; scope

In carrying out his responsibilities under the provisions of this title 1

1 See References in Text note below.

and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 [42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.] which relate to notification to and identification of flood-prone areas and the application of criteria for land management and use, including criteria derived from data reflecting new developments that may indicate the desirability of modifying elevations based on previous flood studies, the Administrator shall establish procedures assuring adequate consultation with the appropriate elected officials of general purpose local governments, including but not limited to those local governments whose prior eligibility under the program has been suspended. Such consultation shall include, but not be limited to, fully informing local officials at the commencement of any flood elevation study or investigation undertaken by any agency on behalf of the Administrator concerning the nature and purpose of the study, the areas involved, the manner in which the study is to be undertaken, the general principles to be applied, and the use to be made of the data obtained. The Administrator shall encourage local officials to disseminate information concerning such study widely within the community, so that interested persons will have an opportunity to bring all relevant facts and technical data concerning the local flood hazard to the attention of the agency during the course of the study.

(Pub. L. 93–234, title II, § 206, Dec. 31, 1973, 87 Stat. 983; Pub. L. 98–181, title I [title IV, § 451(e)(1)], Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1229; Pub. L. 112–141, div. F, title II, § 100238(a)(1), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 958.)