Paper FIRM Conversion CO Hazard Mapping Program

Following the September 2013 flood disaster, Colorado has taken steps toward long-term planning and resiliency efforts for flooding and other natural hazards. In early 2015, Colorado’s Legislature passed a funding bill for the Colorado Hazard Mapping Program (CHAMP), which aims to provide a mitigation and land use framework in areas likely to be affected by future flooding, erosion, and debris flow events.

Phase III of CHAMP focuses on counties and communities that are still utilizing paper FEMA floodplain maps. This scope includes digitizing existing Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels in select communities and jurisdictions and wherever topographic data is available, updated flood risk information will be provided as best available information for local communities to utilize.

Digitizing existing paper maps will enable communities and citizens to reliably assess their flood risk and take appropriate action to mitigate because they will have easy access to a digital copy of the flood map and data for their community and their adjoining communities. Modernizing paper maps into a standard GIS format provides communities with a way of easily integrating flood information with other GIS data layers when planning community efforts.

About 25 out of the 64 counties in Colorado that are still utilizing paper FIRMs. These communities were reached and several expressed interest in new mapping and studies. Based on local interest and available topography, thirteen communities will receive updated risk assessment and will have access to the latest flood hazard data. This updated data can be utilized by local communities to take actions to mitigate their vulnerability to those risks. The engineering and mapping data provided by base level and detailed studies will provide the foundation for communities to better understand the nature of the streams around them and take action to reduce their vulnerability. The remaining 12 counties included in this project did not feel they had a significant flood risk or weren’t interested in new mapping studies and therefore, will only receive digitized maps. Per Colorado State Senate Bill 15-245, the 25 counties and jurisdictions will receive modernized flood hazard products.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) is the lead agency coordinating the Colorado Hazard Mapping Program. CWCB is working with AMEC Foster Wheeler (now Wood Group) , a nationally-recognized engineering firm, to conduct the technical work for Phase III.