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National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)  

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which works closely with nearly 50 private insurance companies to offer flood insurance to property owners and renters. To qualify for flood insurance, a community must join the NFIP and agree to enforce sound floodplain management standards. 

The NFIP, a federal program, offers flood insurance, which can be purchased through property and casualty insurance agents. Rates are set and do not differ from company to company or agent to agent. These rates depend on many factors, which include the date and type of construction of your home, along with your building's level of risk. Buying flood insurance is the best thing you can do to protect your home, your business, family, and financial security. 

NFIP in Minnesota 

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state administration agent for the NFIP in Minnesota. The HSEM Hazard Mitigation branch works with the DNR, FEMA and other agencies to help communities develop effective local flood hazard mitigation plans and projects which includes adopting required ordnances and mitigation plans necessary for the community to be eligible to participate in the NFIP. 

Please refer to the DNR websitefor information, resources, or questions regarding the NFIP program or visit FEMA's flood insurance website.​ 

Silver Jackets 

The Silver Jackets program provides a formal and consistent strategy for an interagency approach to planning and implementing measures to reduce the risks associated with flooding and other natural hazards. 

The program is a partnership of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and state agencies. Silver Jacket programs are developed at the state level with support from the Corps, FEMA, and other federal agencies. There are currently several state teams; the goal is to offer teams to each state. 

The program's primary goals are to: 

  • Create or supplement a mechanism to collaboratively address risk management issues, prioritize those issues, and implement solutions. 
  • Increase and improve risk communication through a unified interagency effort. 
  • Leverage information and resources, including providing access to such national programs as FEMA's Map Modernization program and RiskMAP programs and USACE's Levee Inventory and Assessment Initiative. 
  • Provide focused, coordinated hazard mitigation assistance in implementing high-priority actions such as those identified by state mitigation plans. 
  • Identify gaps among the various agency programs and/or barriers to implementation, such as conflicting agency policies or authorities, and provide recommendations for addressing these issues. 

The program's desired outcomes are: 

  • Reduced flood risk. 
  • Agencies better understand and leverage each other's programs. 
  • Collaboration between various agencies, coordinated programs and cohesive solutions. 
  • Multi-agency technical resource for state and local agencies. 
  • Mechanism for establishing relationships to facilitate integrated solutions post-disaster. 
  • Promotes public awareness of proper management. 
  • Promotes the professional status of individuals involved. 
  • Provides educational opportunities for concerned individuals. 
  • Provides a method for disseminating information. 
  • Informs stakeholders of pending legislation. 
  • Studies and support needed legislation. 

Department of Natural Resources 

Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant 

Provides technical and financial assistance to local governmental units to conduct flood damage reduction studies and plan and implement flood damage reduction measures. 

A maximum of 50% of total eligible project costs up to $150,000. Grant requests for more than $150,000 must be approved by the Legislature. Costs must be incurred and paid before reimbursement can be made. Applicants are eligible to receive more than one grant. This grant can sometimes be paired with FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants to help cover 50% of the local cost-share.