The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by Congress in 1968 to protect lives and property, and to reduce the financial burden of providing disaster assistance. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. In order to participate, communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA's minimum floodplain management standards to reduce the risk of flooding. In Kansas, the NFIP is administered by the Division of Water Resources (DWR).

Through the lens of the NFIP, incorporated cities and unincorporated areas of counties are separate entities that must separately enact and enforce floodplain management regulations. DWR staff provide technical assistance to communities to help them develop their floodplain management ordinances. The DWR Chief Engineer then uses data from NFIP maps and studies to support the review and approval of local ordinances before they are adopted by local governing bodies. 

For additional information on understanding flood risk, flood insurance, and finding an agent in your area, visit Floodsmart.gov.

Follow the links below for additional information on:

• Flood Insurance
• Community Rating System
• Letters of Map Change

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