Available information identifies areas subject to flooding and flood losses from streams, lakes, and oceans and describes flood hazard at proposed building sites. It can be used as a basis for planning flood plain use, for flood emergency preparedness planning, for hurricane evacuation and preparedness planning, for assistance in developing flood plain regulations, for setting elevations for flood proofing, and implementing flood proofing measures, and for indicating areas to be acquired for open space. Activities also include interpretation of technical information and related planning assistance and guidance toward prudent use of flood plains. Services are available to States and local governments without charge, but within annual funding limitations on request. Services are available to Federal agencies on a fully reimbursable basis.
Services are available to the private sector on a pay first basis.
An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Requests are generally made in the form of a letter to the District Engineer which documents the need for assistance. Response time and approval time may be the same for information readily available. Services and information are provided directly to the applicant except for some special study reports which are coordinated through the designated State agency. Approval does not assure an immediate start.