Floodplains Overview

Floodplains provide many environmental and property protection benefits. They store and release water, reduce flood flows, control erosion, improve water quality and create habitat for fish and wildlife. Development activities within floodplains, however, have affected their ability to perform these functions.

NCSL is tracking state legislation aimed at restoring and protecting floodplains nationwide. A special project provides technical assistance in policy development among the 10 states that comprise the Mississippi River Basin stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana. NCSL is grateful to the McKnight Foundation in Minneapolis for providing funding support of that project. Much of our work on floodplains issues is done in collaboration with the Association of State Wetland Managers, which has provided NCSL with valuable policy and technical assistance.