The Harris County Flood Control District received a first place award from the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) for communication efforts surrounding the Modeling, Assessment and Awareness Project (MAAPnext). The contest brought in entries from across the country that included comprehensive communications campaigns as well as individual works, like brochures, posters, public service announcements and government television programs. The 2021 Excellence in Communications contest recognized the best outreach efforts in two communication categories – Public Awareness of Flooding and Improving Water Quality.
“We are excited to be recognized nationally for our community outreach efforts for MAAPnext. This multi-year effort, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is essential to help us better communicate the risk of flooding in Harris County in a way that the community can understand,” said Alan Black, Harris County Flood Control District Interim Executive Director.
“Our work, once approved by FEMA, will be more accurate, and more detailed than perhaps anywhere in the country, resulting a variety of flood mapping products that will allow Harris County residents and businesses to make informed decisions armed with accurate descriptions of their individual risk of flooding,” he continued.
MAAPnext will develop the next generation of flood mapping. Along with new Flood Insurance Rate Maps, new tools will be developed for communicating the results of this project. The Flood Control District has a robust communications plan for the MAAPnext effort which includes a designated website, social media messaging, print and television public service announcements, virtual education platforms, and stakeholder engagement meetings. Additional community outreach is planned surrounding the release of MAAPnext results next year. Visit www.MAAPnext.org to learn more.