“This funding will provide much-needed help to families and businesses in our low lying areas that are prone to flooding,” Ross said.  “The goal of the Flood Map Modernization is to create current, digitized, maps that accurately reflect the flood hazards across the country.  Many maps being used now are outdated, and don’t reflect construction projects, changes in silt deposits along the Mississippi River, and other factors that affect how water gathers during a flood.  People in Arkansas will be able to use this updated information to ensure that they get the proper flood insurance, build their homes and businesses at proper flood heights, and take other measures to adequately prepare for the hazards of flooding.” 

Arkansas will receive $30,000 to develop a multi-year “business care” within six months that will outline a strategy for managing subsequent funding to implement map modernization and to increase state and local capability for developing and maintaining flood hazard data.   

This is part of the $1.7 million phase one of the grant funding.  Phase two, for which funding amounts have not been finalized, will support the implementation of the approved business plans and activities that facilitate the map production process.