Federal Partnerships
For over 46 years, NAFSMA has built strong relationships with the federal agencies that shape flood and stormwater policy across the nation.
Our Federal Relationships
Founded in 1978, NAFSMA serves as the primary liaison between its member agencies — 100+ member agencies — and the federal government. Our partnerships ensure that the perspective of local and regional flood control and stormwater management agencies is represented in federal policy decisions.
NAFSMA holds a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of the Army and maintains ongoing working relationships with FEMA, EPA, and NOAA. These partnerships are strengthened through annual meetings, testimony before Congress, comment letters on proposed regulations, and regular engagement with agency leadership.
Key Federal Partners
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
NAFSMA maintains a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of the Army, establishing a formal partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This partnership supports collaboration on flood risk management studies, project authorizations through the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), and civil works funding priorities.
- Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of the Army
- Annual partnership meetings and coordination sessions
- Non-federal sponsor advocacy and support
- WRDA project authorization and policy input
- Civil works budget and appropriations advocacy
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
NAFSMA engages FEMA on policies that directly affect our member agencies, from the National Flood Insurance Program to hazard mitigation grant funding. We advocate for practical, community-centered approaches to flood mapping, risk assessment, and mitigation planning.
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reauthorization and reform
- Risk MAP and flood mapping modernization
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and BRIC funding
- Community Rating System (CRS) improvements
- Floodplain management and building code standards
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
NAFSMA advocates for effective and practical stormwater regulations under the Clean Water Act. We work with EPA on issues affecting municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and promote investment in both green and gray stormwater infrastructure.
- Clean Water Act stormwater regulations
- NPDES MS4 permitting and compliance
- Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding
- Green infrastructure and water quality programs
- Integrated planning and affordability frameworks
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NAFSMA engages NOAA's National Weather Service on weather forecasting, flood risk data, and the technical resources available to support local flood and stormwater management agencies. Accurate and timely precipitation and flood data are foundational to effective agency planning and community resilience.
- Weather forecasting and flood risk data
- NOAA Atlas 15 and rainfall frequency data updates
- Partnerships between NWS and local agencies on the front lines of flood response
- Technical resources to support flood and stormwater planning
- Community resilience and extreme weather preparedness
How We Engage
Congressional Testimony
NAFSMA regularly testifies before House and Senate committees on WRDA, NFIP, appropriations, and other legislation affecting member agencies.
Regulatory Comments
We submit detailed comment letters on proposed rules and policies from USACE, FEMA, and EPA that impact flood and stormwater management.
Annual Meeting
Our annual meeting brings together member agencies and federal partners for policy briefings and collaborative discussion.
Coalition Building
NAFSMA works alongside allied organizations to amplify the voice of local flood and stormwater agencies in the federal policy process.
Strengthen the Federal Voice
Join 100+ member agencies shaping the federal policies that affect your community.