Floodplain Info

Floodplain Info

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:

1. Reduce flood damage to insurable property;
2. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and
3. Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

For additional floodplain information please visit: www.floodsmart.gov.

Please use this link to access the Township’s Final FEMA Floodplain Map, to view the official FIRM Panels and Flood Insurance Rate Studies please use the links below:

• Map – Ottawa County FIRM Panel Guide
• Panel 26139C0079E
• Panel 26139C0086E
• Panel 26139C0087E
• Panel 26139C0088E
• Panel 26139C0089E
• Panel 26139C0091E
• Panel 26139C0093E
• Panel 26139C0095E
• Panel 26139C0180E
• Panel 26139C0185E
• Flood Insurance Study (Vol. 1) – Revised 5/16/2013
• Flood Insurance Study (Vol. 2) – Revised 5/16/2013

FEMA’s Public Awareness Campaign has provided the following flyers and brochures, which are also available at the Township Hall:

• Benefits of Flood Insurance v. Disaster Assistance
• Build Back Safer and Stronger – What You Need to Know
• Condominium Coverage
• Flood Insurance Requirements for Recipients of Federal Disaster Assistance
• Flood Preparation and Safety
• How the NFIP Works
• Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage – Creating a Safer Future
• Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage – How You Can Benefit
• Myths and Facts About the NFIP
• Nothing Could Dampen the Joy of Home Ownership
• Protect Your New Home – What to Ask Your Insurance Agent
• The Choice is Yours
• The Preferred Risk Policy for Businesses
• The Preferred Risk Policy for Homeowners & Renters
• Top 10 Facts Every Consumer Needs to Know About the NFIP
• What You Need to Know About Federal Disaster Assistance & Federal Flood Insurance
• Why You Need Flood Insurance
• Worst Guest List
• Your Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Floods

Campaña de concientización pública española:

• Nada Podría Arruinar el Disfrute de su Hogar (Nothing Can Dampen the Joy of Homeownership)
• Por Qué Usted Necesita Seguro de Inundación (Why You Need Flood Insurance)
• Preparación y Seguridad en Inundaciones (Flood Preparation and Safety)
• Reconstruya de Manera Más Segura Y Resistente (Build Back Safer and Stronger)
• Su Seguro de Vivienda de Residencia no Cubre Inundaciones (Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Floods)

For more in depth information related to the NFIP, especially for affected homeowners, you are encouraged to review the following publications:

• Above the Flood – Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347 (2000)
• Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084 (2011)
• Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55 (2011) – Volume I
• Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55 (2011) – Volume II
• Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54 (1984)
• Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, FEMA-257 (1994)
• Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage, FEMA-P-348 (1999)
• Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268 (1996)
• Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009)
• Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA-511 (2005)

Available Elevation Certificates, Revalidated Letters of Map Change (LOMC) and Letters of Map Amendments (LOMA)

Copies of these documents are available upon request by sending an email to floodplain@ght.org.

Additional Resources

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
• Ottawa County
  • Beach Watch
  • Steps to Prepare for a Flood
  • After Flood Clean Up and Mold Prevention Guidelines
  • Wells, Septic Systems, and Food Safety During Flood Events
  • Emergency Management – Hazard Mitigation Plan for Ottawa & Kent County
  • Floodplain Management Guidebook
  • NFIP Information
• Current Water Levels
  • NOAA – Great Lakes Water Level Dashboard
  • US Army Corps of Engineers – Weekly Great Lakes Water Level Update
  • Grand River at Robinson Township