Itasca County participates in the National Flood Insurance Pogram (NFIP).  Those communites that participate reduce future flood losses by adoping floodplain ordinances. 
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​A flood plain under state law is defind as:
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​"The land adjoining lakes and rivers that is covered by the "100-year" or "regional" flood. This flood is considered to be a flood that has a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year. Floods of this magnitude occurred throughout the state in 1965, 1969, 1997 and 2001, and in various parts of the state in 1972, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1987 and 1993. It is possible to estimate the magnitude of such a flood along those rivers where long-term flood records have been kept. Local communities are required by state law to adopt technical data in their floodplain zoning ordinances.

The natural floodplain affects storm runoff, water quality, vegetative diversity, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic qualities of our rivers and lakes. Any alteration of the floodplain should be carefully evaluated."

​Landowners in high-risk areas are required to purchase flood insurance if they have a mortgage or loan from a federally backed lender. 

​The National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 resulted in changes in flood insurance rates. As a result of this legislation, subsidized rates will be phased out over time until structures reflect their true risk based on the actual elevation of the structure compared to the base flood elevation (or the one percent annual chance flood elevation).

If you believe your property is not classified correctly a  FEMA Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Amendment determination is a no cost-application and may state the property or building is correctly shown outside the Special

Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and, therefore, the mandatory flood insurance requirement does not apply. There is no review fee for FEMA to process LOMAs or LOMAs-OAS, but there may be costs for surveying and other items related to preparing the application for the LOMA.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resouces  Floodplain Management section has a vast array of links and resources related to floodplains (Minnesota DNR Floodplain Management).
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