U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000


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Bridges & Structures

Additional Guidance on 23 CFR 650A

Attachment 1 - Participation Options for Limiting Flood Damage

Formerly Federal-aid Policy Guide Non-Regulatory Supplement NS 23 CFR, Part 650A,
September 30, 1992, Transmittal 5
See Order 1321.1C FHWA Directives Management

If a Federal-aid highway project will cause a 100-year flood elevation which is more than 1-foot higher than the base flood elevation shown on a NFIP map at either (1) a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurable building or (2) an unimproved property with a substantially changed highest or best use, participation may be provided with Federal-aid highway funds by the following option which best fits the State's property management plan:

  1. Purchase property
    1. Relocate owners/tenants
    2. Buildings should be:
      1. Destroyed,
      2. Relocated out of the floodplain,
      3. Resold with commitment of buyer to:
        1. Relocate out of the floodplain, or
        2. Elevate the building above the new 100-year flood level or accomplish other acceptable flood proofing techniques.
  2. Reimburse Owner for Floodproofing Buildings
    1. Buildings should be elevated to or above the new 100-year flood level or other acceptable floodproofing techniques applied.
    2. Owner retains title.
    3. Owner arranges for floodproofing.
    4. d. Owner to sign instrument to hold State harmless from future flood damage.
    5. Reimbursement for floodproofing is limited to the cost to purchase property and relocate residents.
  3. Purchase Permanent Easement
    1. For unimproved property.
    2. Reimbursement is based on before and after appraisal.
Updated: 06/27/2017
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000