SEMSWA’s philosophy on floodplain management is defined in our policies and principles as, “Floodplains need to be preserved where feasible and practicable”. This is because preservation of the floodplain serves to minimize hazards, provides habitat and open space, creates a more livable urban environment, and protects the public health, safety and welfare. To protect the built environment from damages from flooding, SEMSWA’s Floodplain Management Program has a comprehensive program of preventative and corrective measures to reduce flood losses through education, land use regulation, permitting and construction of flood control projects identified through the Master Planning Program.

This section provides information about SEMSWA’s floodplain management program. For more information on Flood Awareness Activities, please visit the Education & Outreach section.