Flood Insurance Status

For many people in the Red River Valley, flood insurance is a necessity that adds to the cost of owning a home. However, once the FM Area Diversion is completed and certified, thousands of people in the region will no longer need flood insurance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, collects and maps data on flood risk. Homes in flood-prone areas may be required to carry flood insurance. Yet when a community comes together for new flood protection measures, they can ask the government to review how the project will impact the flood risk map. If the project meets certain standards, FEMA issues a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR).

Transcript: What is a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR)?

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FM Area Diversion Project

What is a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR)?

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program. The goal was to provide affordable insurance for flood threats, and encourage communities to adopt floodplain management.

This is how it works: FEMA collects flood data about lakes, rivers and streams, and determines the risk of flooding. FEMA maps areas at risk. Homes in those areas may be required to carry flood insurance.

When a community comes together to build flood protection, they can ask the federal government to review how the project would affect the maps.

FEMA issues a CLOMR if the Project meets National Flood Insurance Program requirements. A CLOMR means if the project is built, we will consider changing the flood insurance rate map.

After the project is complete a LOMR or a Letter of Map Revision can be requested. Learn more at www.fmdiversion.com

CLOMR Details

A CLOMR is FEMA’s comment on a proposed project that may change the floodplain or probability of flooding. Receiving a CLOMR is the first step in certifying property is protected from a 100-year flood event.

  • A CLOMR does not change the National Flood Insurance Program maps, but rather outlines whether FEMA may recognize the project’s protection measures
  • Building permits cannot be issued based on a CLOMR
  • Once the project is built, the MFDA will request that FEMA change its Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

When Might My Flood Insurance Status Change?

Once the FM Area Diversion is ready to operate, the MFDA will ask FEMA to review the updated floodplain maps and lift the insurance requirement since the project will provide certifiable protection.

This process may take as long as two years and will conclude with FEMA issuing a Letter of Map Revision, or LOMR, which will remove flood insurance requirements. With an expected Flood Year Protection date of March 2027, this means you should not expect the LOMR prior to approximately 2029. These dates will be updated as the Comprehensive Project progresses.

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