The Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) program is authorized by Section 206 of the 1960 Flood Control Act, as amended, and provides information on flood hazards to guide floodplain development by advising, recommending, educating, informing, and providing technical support. FPMS efforts might include a variety of data development, public outreach, planning guidance, information dissemination in the form of guides, pamphlets, or supporting studies, or national flood insurance program support (on a reimbursable basis). The purposes are to foster public understanding of the options available to address flood hazards and promote prudent use and management of the Nation’s floodplains. The FPMS program addresses the needs of people who live in floodplains by helping them understand flood hazards and actions they can take to reduce property damage and prevent the loss of life.
Technical services and planning guidance under the FPMS program are provided to state, regional, and local governments without charge, within program funding limits, and generally last 12-24 months. FPMS services are conducted completely at the federal expense, however, FPMS services for federal agencies and private persons are on a cost-recovery or fee basis.