On December 17, 2019, Harris County Commissioners Court authorized acceptance of $3.5 million in grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support the second phase of MAAPnext, the Modeling, Assessment and Awareness Project (MAAP), led by the Harris County Flood Control District. MAAPnext represents an innovative approach in the management and regulation of Harris County’s floodplains, further contributing to Harris County’s resilience and growth.
In early 2019, the Flood Control District received a grant from FEMA, which provided funding for the first phase of MAAPnext. Phase 1 consists of hydrologic and hydraulic (H & H) analysis of 11 of the County’s 22 watersheds and is currently underway. Phase 2 will study the remaining 11 Harris County watersheds and will be funded by the award of this second FEMA grant. This work is anticipated to begin in early 2020.
With MAAPnext, the Flood Control District and FEMA are transforming how we understand and manage Harris County’s floodplains. The overarching goal for MAAPnext is to provide you with the flood risk information you need to make important life decisions. MAAPnext will improve understanding of the risk of flooding in Harris County so that the public, local communities and emergency managers can make informed decisions to protect life and property that may be at risk during flood events. MAAPnext will conclude with the Flood Control District creating new flood hazard communications tools and FEMA releasing new preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) by the end of 2023.
While developing and delivering this data, the Flood Control District will continue to engage community officials, decision makers, and technical staff to relay project findings. As part of MAAPnext, there will be a period of public open houses hosted by the Flood Control District and FEMA, followed by a 90-day comment period, allowing the public to be involved in the progress of the MAAPnext findings. For more information and to get involved in MAAPnext, visit www.maapnext.org. You may also follow us on Twitter and Facebook @MAAPnext.
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure. For more information about the Flood Control District, visit www.hcfcd.org or follow us on Twitter @HCFCD for all the latest #HCFCDnews.