Since 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has led a major effort to update the nation’s flood maps using state-of-the-art technology to better reflect current flood risks. Beginning in 2011/2012 FEMA worked with the Flood Control District to re-evaluate floodplain mapping in Munds Park and Kachina Village/Mountainaire.

In the Spring of 2021, the District, which acts as a Cooperating Technical Partner in supporting FEMA’s efforts, hosted a virtual online Flood Risk Open House for residents in Kachina Village and Mountainaire to share information with property owners about the updated, digital flood hazard maps (known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRM’s), which replace maps that were based on studies almost 30 years old. The open house also provided the opportunity for residents to ask questions and follow up with the District team during the formal 90-day public review and map appeals process, which ran from April 30 through July 28, 2021. 

The new flood maps became effective on July 19, 2022.