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Updated draft FEMA floodplain maps show that thousands of Harris County residents are now mapped out of high-risk floodplain areas because of completed flood risk reduction projects.
During a recent Harris County Commissioners Court meeting, Harris County Flood Control District leadership highlighted an important milestone: Updated draft FEMA floodplain maps now reflect the real impact of major flood risk reduction projects led and supported by the Flood Control District.
Flood Control District Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen emphasized that Flood Control District projects are already making a difference.
“MAAPnext is focused on showing us risk, but FEMA’s models are also showing us that the projects that we are working on and have done so far are making a difference.”
These projects required years of feasibility analysis, advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, close coordination with regional and federal partners, and major construction investment to move from concept to completion.
FEMA’s mapping process began several years ago, so the draft maps primarily reflect projects completed or underway through around 2020. Many more recent bond-funded projects and ongoing flood risk reduction efforts are not yet captured, meaning additional progress already underway across Harris County is still to come and may be reflected in future map updates.
FEMA’s modeling incorporates new rainfall data, updated topography, and detailed information provided by the Flood Control District, including completed channel conveyance improvements and stormwater detention projects. Where construction is finished, the draft maps reflect increased system capacity and, in some areas, reduced floodplain boundaries. As a result, some homes that were previously mapped in the floodway, 1 percent annual chance (100-year), or 0.2 percent annual chance (500-year) floodplain are now mapped outside of those areas because infrastructure improvements have lowered modeled flood elevations.
For residents, this is about more than maps. It is about seeing years of hard work translate into measurable progress. As part of the recently released FEMA draft maps, the Flood Control District worked to ensure that completed construction and verified engineering data were incorporated into the updated modeling so that on-the-ground improvements are reflected in how flood risk is evaluated.
The Flood Control District is continuing to make documented reductions in flood risk through flood mitigation projects and maintenance efforts thanks to voter support and dedicated staff. Residents can review their property’s draft floodplain status using the Flood Control District’s public map viewer at maapnext.org/Interactive-Map and stay informed as FEMA moves through its formal review and appeal process. Follow us on social media for updates.