FLOOD MAP MODERNIZATION Page 1 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program FEBRUARY 2006 For more information about the Cooperating Technical Partners Program visit: www.fema.gov/fhm/ctp_main.shtm The Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for communities, tribal nations, universities, and regional and State agencies that have the interest, capabilities, and resources to be active partners in FEMA’s flood hazard mapping program. By becoming a CTP, a community formalizes contribution and commitment to help ensure better overall floodplain management and flood risk identification through reliable, up-to-date flood maps. OBJECTIVES OF THE CTP PROGRAM The overall objective of the CTP Program is to update the Nation’s flood maps through the following tasks: • Give recognition to States, regions, and communities that are actively working to identify and map their flood risk and are incorporating this information into official FEMA flood hazard data • Maximize limited funding by combining resources and aligning local, State, and regional goals with FEMA’s national objectives • Maintain national standards consistent with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations BENEFITS OF BEING A CTP • Opportunity to develop more detailed maps by making local geospatial data a part of FEMA flood maps • CTPs receive support including streamlined FEMA customer service, access to existing FEMA data, CTP referral program, national recognition, technical assistance, and access to custom-made FEMA tools • Mentoring support, shared "best practices," online resources, and free training for more efficient and effective floodplain management • CTPs may be eligible to participate in the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) and receive CRS credits for flood hazard reduction activities, which could lead to discounted flood insurance premiums for property owners • Eligibility for FEMA assistance, free press releases, and conference discounts WHAT FUNDING IS AVAILABLE FOR A CTP? A main objective and benefit of the CTP Program is leveraging available funding and local data to get more updated flood hazard maps out of limited resources. National mapping needs and partnering opportunities determine FEMA funding priorities. Federal funding is managed by the FEMA Regional Offices and provided through a cooperative agreement. FLOOD MAP MODERNIZATION Page 2 FEBRUARY 2006 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program CTP WEB SITE www. fema.gov/fhm/ctp_main.shtm The CTP Web site houses a wealth of information. On this site, CTPs and other interested parties can view the CTP Guidance Document, information about the different CTPs and their agreements, success stories, training information and the training calendar, and the different document templates associated with the program. Those interested in joining the program should first take the self assessment test, linked to from the CTP Web site. This test will help potential partners decide if they have the capabilities to become a CTP. Frequently Asked Questions are also located on the CTP Web site. Partners and others interested in the program can also sign up for the CTP Listserv article from the Web site. This article is distributed monthly on subjects relevant to CTPs. THE FUTURE OF CTP Changes to Existing Federal Programs FEMA and the National Service Provider (NSP) are working to implement enhancements to the CRS Program to foster and expand partnership in the CTP Program. Changes to Technology and Tools Working with FEMA, the NSP has built a state-of-the-art Web site called the Mapping Information Platform (MIP) to enable more efficient flood hazard mapping. The MIP enables the management, extraction, sharing, and production of data. The MIP is the repository for the national flood Geographic Information System (GIS) layer. It stores final Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) data as well as intermediate data, including pre-defined points along the flood map project life cycle for engineering/mapping data collection. Intermediate data is collected upon creation and is subject to a quality assurance (QA) process before it becomes available to other projects on the MIP (or pointed to by the MIP). After data has passed through the QA process and is officially available, CTPs are able to search the MIP for pertinent data, potentially avoiding costs and saving time. The MIP provides a standard set of tools that cover the entire mapping process, from needs assessment through final DFIRM production. The MIP does not require a specific tool to create data, but it does require that all data submissions follow established standards (available at www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_cgs.shtm). Use of the tools is encouraged because they were designed to comply with these established standards. MIP Tools training is available via web- based sessions. Please visit the Tools and Links page of the MIP to find training dates, forms, and registration information. The MIP’s Workflow enables project management and tracking. Workflow training sessions are provided for each FEMA Regional Office and include IDIQs, Federal agencies, and CTPs. Training sessions are designed to help the participants understand the MIP database, enter and update project data, and learn how to use the MIP as a management and reporting tool. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? Is the CTP Program right for you? Take the CTP self-assessment tool to determine whether the CTP Program is a good fit for your organization. You can access the tool at www.fema.gov/fhm/ot_ctpr.shtm. For more information on the CTP Program visit www.fema.gov/fhm/ctp_main.shtm. For further information, contact the CTP Coordinator in your FEMA Regional Office (www.fema. gov/fhm/ctp_key.shtm) or call the FEMA Map Assistance Center at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (3362627). The MIP is available online at https://hazards.fema.gov/wps/portal.