Flooding is Arkansas’s most common and costly natural disaster. With major flood disaster declarations occurring nearly every year, the state continues to expand its leadership role in managing and mitigating flood risk. Through partnerships with FEMA and a commitment to science-based planning, Arkansas helps communities understand and reduce flood hazards across the state.
Cooperative Technical Partnership and Risk MAP
In 2011, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission entered into a Cooperating Technical Partnership (CTP) agreement with FEMA Region VI. Through this partnership, the Department works directly with FEMA to identify and manage flood risks using sound engineering practices and effective community outreach.
Arkansas’s involvement in the Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) program allows for:
- More accurate and updated flood hazard mapping
- Better community-level understanding of flood risk
- Improved mitigation strategies and funding prioritization
Flood Risk Products & Base Level Engineering (BLE)
As part of its CTP responsibilities, the Department helps produce a variety of non-regulatory flood risk products to support local mitigation and planning decisions. These include:
- Flood Risk Maps (FRM)
- Flood Risk Reports (FRR)
- Flood Risk Databases (FRD)
- Base Level Engineering (BLE) data
BLE is a valuable tool that provides high-level flood risk assessments and estimated Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) for streams without detailed studies. Communities can use BLE to:
- Screen flood-prone areas
- Prioritize future mapping efforts
- Support risk conversations and planning efforts
Access flood risk products via FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center
Check BLE availability using the Estimated BFE Viewer
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Program
The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Program provides funding to reduce or eliminate the risk of flood damage to NFIP-insured structures. Originally created under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, the program continues today with updated priorities from the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012.
Eligible activities may include:
- Community Flood Mitigation Projects
- Elevation or relocation of NFIP-insured structures
- Planning and technical assistance
- Acquisition of flood-prone properties
FMA funds are awarded by FEMA through a competitive, annual process. Only communities participating in the NFIP with a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan are eligible to apply for project grants.
Swift Current Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is now accepting pre‑applications for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Swift Current Flood Mitigation Assistance (Swift Current) program. Up to $20 million in federal funding is available to help reduce flood risk in communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program is funded by FEMA and administered in partnership with the Department.
Towns, cities, and counties across Arkansas are encouraged to submit pre‑applications as early as possible. All pre‑applications must be submitted to the Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 15, 2026. Only complete submissions will be reviewed.
Eligible Project Types
Projects eligible for Swift Current funding include mitigation activities for properties insured through the NFIP, such as:
- Voluntary property buyouts of flood‑prone structures
- Structure relocation
- Dry floodproofing of historic residential or non-residential structures
- Nonstructural retrofitting of existing buildings and facilities
Only towns, cities, and counties may submit pre‑applications. Communities are encouraged to apply on behalf of eligible property owners. Property owners interested in participating must contact their local government to request inclusion in the community’s submission.
How to Apply
- Completed SWIFT Current Notice of Intent Application
- Return to Mike Harris ([email protected])
- The Department will review application and submit to FEMA for review and consideration by October 2026
Program Contact: Mike Harris
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (501) 682-3907