Viewer makes draft floodplain information from FEMA easier to understand and shows how flood mitigation projects are making a difference
HARRIS COUNTY, TX — The Harris County Flood Control District today announced the launch of a new, public-friendly online viewer designed to help residents better understand flood risk information included in FEMA’s MAAPnext mapping effort. The viewer is now available at www.hcfcd.org/MAAPnext.
The MAAPnext Viewer allows residents to view and compare FEMA’s draft floodplain mapping data alongside Harris County’s current effective floodplain maps in a clearer, easier-to-use format.
“This tool is about transparency and public understanding,” said Dr. Tina Petersen, executive director of the Flood Control District. “Flood risk is personal for so many families in Harris County, and our goal is to make this information easier to access and easier to understand.”
FEMA Draft Data = No Immediate Regulatory Impact
The Flood Control District emphasized that the information currently displayed in the viewer is draft data from FEMA and is being shared early in FEMA’s mapping process.
At this stage, the draft maps are:
- Not final
- Not regulatory
- Not part of FEMA’s formal public appeal and comment process
As a result, nothing changes right now related to flood insurance requirements, development regulations, or permitting.
Multiple Opportunities for Public Input
The Flood Control District noted that FEMA’s floodplain mapping process is federally regulated and includes several stages. The next major milestone will be FEMA’s release of preliminary maps, which will begin the formal public process, including public meetings and an official appeal and comment period.
“There will be multiple opportunities for the public to provide feedback later in the process,” Dr. Petersen said. “Residents’ lived experience matters, and community input will be an important part of FEMA’s process before anything becomes final.”
Why Maps Are Being Updated
MAAPNext is a FEMA-led initiative supported by the Flood Control District as a technical partner. The updated modeling reflects changing conditions in Harris County, including:
- A more than 30% increase in rainfall rate
- Updated topography
- Advanced flood risk modeling
The effort began after major storms between 2015 and 2017, including Tax Day, Memorial Day, and Hurricane Harvey, highlighted gaps in older floodplain maps.
Updated maps help residents, businesses, emergency managers, and local governments better understand risk and make more informed decisions.
Draft Maps Reflect Measurable Flood Mitigation Progress
In addition to updated rainfall and modeling, the draft FEMA maps incorporate flood mitigation projects completed or under construction through 2020, including projects funded through the historic 2018 Bond Program.
Early results show areas where flood risk has decreased because of these investments.
In some neighborhoods, families who once experienced repeated flooding are now seeing measurable reductions in modeled flood risk. That progress is significant. It demonstrates that flood mitigation projects are working and that long-term investments in resilience are making a difference on the ground.
While there is still work to do, the draft maps provide early evidence that projects funded by Harris County voters are helping move people out of harm’s way. Hundreds of millions of dollars in additional construction is scheduled to begin this year, continuing that momentum.
Learn More
The MAAPNext Viewer, additional information, and frequently asked questions are available at www.hcfcd.org/MAAPnext.