**GAO-11-17**                      Published: Dec 02, 2010. Publicly Released: Dec 02, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), maps flood hazard areas across the country and makes flood insurance available to more than 20,100 communities through the National Flood Insurance Program. From 2003 through 2008, FEMA spent $1.2 billion in a comprehensive effort to update the nation's flood insurance maps. In 2009, FEMA began an annual review of 20 percent of the nation's flood maps, for which Congress allocated $440 million in 2009 and 2010. As requested, GAO reviewed the actions FEMA has taken to enhance the accuracy of updated flood maps, and FEMA's outreach efforts in conducting flood mapping activities. GAO analyzed FEMA's mapping standards and information systems, tested quality assurance processes, and interviewed FEMA officials and contractors.

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## Topics

Economic Development

Data collectionDocumentationEmergency managementEmergency preparednessFlood control managementFlood insuranceFloodsGeographic information systemsIntergovernmental relationsMonitoringNatural disastersPerformance measuresQuality assuranceQuality controlReporting requirementsStandardsStrategic planningMaps