What is the Floodplain Management Plan?

The Floodplain Management Plan identifies flood hazards throughout the community, evaluates the problems caused by those hazards, reviews possible mitigation activities and creates an action plan to mitigate those flood hazards. The plan is also integral to the City's participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System, which reduces annual flood insurance premiums city-wide.

The Floodplain Management Plan is the result of extensive collaboration by a citizen advisory committee, City staff, multiple public agencies, non-profit organizations and other community groups.

The current City of Salem Floodplain Management Plan was last updated in October 2023. In order to receive credit in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System, the plan must be updated every 5-years and reviewed annually.

Plan Update Process

• The Floodplain Management Plan Committee meets annually to review the plan.

• The City's Floodplain Administrator presents an annual report to the City Council based on the Floodplain Management Plan Committee review.

• Every 5-years, the Floodplain Management Plan is reviewed and updated by the Floodplain Management Committee and City Council.