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.
Program Contact: Mike Harris
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (501) 682-3907