The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) is a flood standard that aims to build a more resilient future for our nation. The FFRMS requires federal agencies to prepare for and protect federally funded buildings and projects from flood risks. The final rule and policy became effective on September 9, 2024. Each agency determines their approach to meeting this standard, which will result in new requirements for recipients of their funding programs. This workshop will go over the new requirements for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding programs and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding programs and how communities may need to respond to these new requirements.

Funding programs affected:

• FEMA disaster funding (for disasters declared on or after September 9, 2024): Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
• FEMA non-disaster funding (for funding opportunities after September 9, 2024): Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
• HUD funding: Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans for new residential construction with building permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025

Learning objectives:

• Understand the fundamental purpose of FFRMS and its implementation strategy
• Summarize which FEMA and HUD funding programs are affected and what local governments need to know
• Provide recommendations for local governments to adapt to this new standard
• Share and demonstrate tools and resources available for local governments

Intended Audience:

• Floodplain administrators
• Land Use and community planners
• Natural resource managers
• Public works staff
• Elected officials
• Non-profit/NGO staff
• Consultants
• Other

Please reach out to Sara Brostrom (bros461@ecy.wa.gov) if you require an accommodation for this training (audio, visual, mobility, or other). 

Instructors:

The instructors for this training include the following State Floodplain Coordinators: Amanda Richardson (WA), Deanna Wright (OR), Peter Jackson (ID), Harmony Curtis (AK). Additionally, the instructors include FEMA Region 10 staff and HUD Region 10 staff.