Featured Project
FEMA Risk MAP Program
Hydraulics & Hydrology, GIS & Asset Management
Mississippi
Waggoner has long supported the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) in their flood risk reduction efforts, providing vital data and expertise to increase public awareness and drive actions that safeguard communities and natural resources. As a core partner in FEMA’s Risk MAP (Mapping, Assessment, and Planning) program since 2009, Waggoner goes beyond traditional flood insurance rate maps by delivering innovative tools and strategies that empower local communities to proactively manage flood risks. Risk MAP focuses on watershed-based flood mapping at the HUC 8 level, enabling a detailed, environmentally sensitive approach to flood risk assessment.
In collaboration with key agencies, including the Memphis, Vicksburg, and Mobile US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) districts, Waggoner has ensured that each project incorporates the latest hydrological data and environmental standards. Waggoner’s work under this program includes:
- Hydraulic and Environmental Surveys
- Advanced Hydraulic Modeling
- Sophisticated Hydrologic Analysis
- Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panels
- Community Engagement
Through these initiatives, Waggoner empowers Mississippi communities with environmental data and tools that not only inform risk management decisions but also support resilient and sustainable flood management practices across the state.
HUC 8
A Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 8 is a unit of land area classification that identifies large watersheds, or sub-regions, in the United States.
Contributions to the Flood Map Modernization Phase
(2004-2009)
As far back as 2004, Waggoner played a part in transforming Mississippi’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) from cumbersome and static paper products to digitally dynamic, database-derived, countywide risk assessment tools. From 2004-2009, Waggoner completed or assisted in completing digital updates to 70 of the 82 counties in Mississippi as part of FEMA’s Flood Map Modernization (Map Mod) phase. In 2009, FEMA began the new phase known as Risk MAP.