As a result of repeated and expensive flooding, national flood policy has emphasized reducing disaster assistance costs by more effective floodplain management, both on a watershed basis and through protection of natural floodplain functions, rather than dependence on structural flood control projects.
National policy continues to encourage states to assume the primary role for floodplain management.
However, the federal government is involved in floodplain management to a certain extent. In addition to the role the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has in planning, construction, and emergency response to flooding, they provide other services to local governments through their Floodplain Management Services and Planning Assistance to States Programs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides subsidized flood insurance, and maps of flood depths, through the National Flood Insurance Program and provides technical assistance and grants through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program. In addition to this broad support there are other federal agencies that provide more specialized support. The Corps has two programs that provide assistance to State and local governments.