Business Plan

This Plan proposes a cooperative effort between FEMA and IDNR (Office of Water Resources and State Water Survey) to develop and maintain Illinois flood hazard data in a digital format. With funding from FEMA, IDNR proposes to continue modernization of flood maps over the next three years. To do this it will:

  • Identify the best available digital base maps that meet FEMA standards,
  • Convert Illinois flood hazard mapping to a digital, geo-database format (DFIRM2003),
  • Help NFIP communities adopt the new maps, and
  • Develop internal tracking to coordinate state flood mitigation projects, new hydrology and hydraulics reviews for flood insurance studies, and applications for letters of map change.

The funding request for FFY06-08 averages $5.2 million per year. These resources will permit IDNR to complete the job of modernizing maps for the remaining 76 counties in Illinois within the timeframe envisioned in the Multi-Year Flood Hazard Identification Plan.

Full Business Plan (pdf ~ 580k)

Scientific Focus

Multidisciplinary research that is being encouraged in federal and state agencies to deal with modern natural resource and environmental management issues has been a fact in Illinois for over 100 years.

Staff members discuss mapping issues

The Scientific Surveys of the Prairie Research Institute are the primary agencies in Illinois responsible for producing and disseminating scientific and technological information, services, and products related to the environment, economic development and quality of life. To achieve this mission the Scientific Surveys conduct state-of-the-art research and collect, analyze, archive and disseminate high-quality, objective data and technical information. The information, services, and products provide a sound technical basis for the citizens and policymakers of Illinois and the nation to make wise social, economic, and environmental decisions.