(a) Studies and investigations
The Administrator is authorized to carry out studies and investigations, utilizing to the maximum extent practicable the existing facilities and services of other Federal departments or agencies, and State and local governmental agencies, and any other organizations, with respect to the adequacy of State and local measures in flood-prone areas as to land management and use, flood control, flood zoning, and flood damage prevention, and may enter into any contracts, agreements, or other appropriate arrangements to carry out such authority.
(b) Extent of studies and investigations
Such studies and investigations shall include, but not be limited to, laws, regulations, or ordinances relating to encroachments and obstructions on stream channels and floodways, the orderly development and use of flood plains of rivers or streams, floodway encroachment lines, and flood plain zoning, building codes, building permits, and subdivision or other building restrictions.
(c) Development of comprehensive criteria designed to encourage adoption of adequate State and local measures
On the basis of such studies and investigations, and such other information as he deems necessary, the Administrator shall from time to time develop comprehensive criteria designed to encourage, where necessary, the adoption of adequate State and local measures which, to the maximum extent feasible, will—
(1) constrict the development of land which is exposed to flood damage where appropriate,
(2) guide the development of proposed construction away from locations which are threatened by flood hazards,
(3) assist in reducing damage caused by floods, and
(4) otherwise improve the long-range land management and use of flood-prone areas,
and he shall work closely with and provide any necessary technical assistance to State, interstate, and local governmental agencies, to encourage the application of such criteria and the adoption and enforcement of such measures.
(d) Flood mitigation methods for buildings
The Administrator shall establish guidelines for property owners that—
(1) provide alternative methods of mitigation, other than building elevation, to reduce flood risk to residential buildings that cannot be elevated due to their structural characteristics, including—
(A) types of building materials; and
(B) types of floodproofing; and
(2) inform property owners about how the implementation of mitigation methods described in paragraph (1) may affect risk premium rates for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program.
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–89 added subsec. (d).
2012—Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 112–141 substituted "Administrator" for "Director".
1983—Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 98–181 substituted "Director" for "Secretary".
1969—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 91–152 substituted provisions requiring development of criteria designed to encourage adoption of adequate State and local measures, for provisions requiring development of criteria designed to encourage adoption of permanent State and local measures.
Effective Date
Section effective 120 days following Aug. 1, 1968, or such later date prescribed by the Secretary but in no event more than 180 days following Aug. 1, 1968, see section 1377 of Pub. L. 90–448, set out as a note under section 4001 of this title.
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of all functions, personnel, assets, components, authorities, grant programs, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management relating thereto, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, see section 315(a)(1) of Title 6, Domestic Security.
For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see former section 313(1) and sections 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.
Guidelines
Pub. L. 113–89, §26(a)(2), Mar. 21, 2014, 128 Stat. 1032, provided that: "The Administrator [of the Federal Emergency Management Agency] shall issue the guidelines required under section 1361(d) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4102(d)), as added by the amendment made by paragraph (1) of this subsection, not later than the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 21, 2014]."
Task Force on Natural and Beneficial Functions of the Floodplain
Pub. L. 103–325, title V, §562, Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2276, established the Task Force on Natural and Beneficial Functions of the Floodplain to conduct a study on the functions of the floodplain that reduce flood-related losses and provided for its termination 24 months after its last member was designated.
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