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How do I get a copy of the models used to determine the Flood Hazard Recovery Data for a watershed once that data is released on or after March 8th?
You can request copies of the models and supporting data through the TSARP website at www.tsarp.org. You can also call (713) 956-3074. The data can be mailed to you on CD or picked up at the District's office. Flood Hazard Recovery Data is being made available to the public as phases of work are being completed in each watershed. Not all watersheds are being completed at the same time. As a watershed is completed, the information will become available to the public. The project website, www.tsarp.org, will be updated every Monday with data as it is completed. Over the next few months all of Harris County will be available.

Can I get a profile/BFE for a certain location?
The Flood Hazard Recovery Data work maps that are located on the website contain BFE's and you can download the profiles for each watershed that has been released. The Flood Hazard Recovery Data work maps and profiles are also included with the models on the Flood Hazard Recovery Data CD.

How will LOMRs and CLOMRs be handled between now and when the maps are finalized?
The District advises developers to check with the appropriate local permitting authority in order to determine whether the Flood Hazard Recovery Data is considered regulatory for that area. The District encourages engineers to consider the new information and build projects to the most conservative data set. It may also be appropriate to perform modeling using both the effective and Flood Hazard Recovery Data (this will also apply once the preliminary DFIRMs are released by FEMA in late Spring).

How do I get benchmark data and elevations that are tied to the new models?
Data on more than 1,500 benchmarks that were developed as part of this project are already available at http://maps.tsarp.org. Be aware that the new benchmarks apply to the new information and cannot be used in conjunction with the currently effective FIRMs.

Are there HEC-1 and HEC-2 versions of the models available for the Flood Hazard Recovery Data?
HEC-1 and HEC-2 models are no longer supported by the US Army Corps of Engineers and therefore all the TSARP models are HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS models. When an engineer runs the TSARP models, it is important to use the correct version of the computer models. The correct versions are HEC-HMS 2.2.1 and HEC-RAS 3.0.1 and these programs are included on the TSARP Flood Hazard Recovery Data CD. For more information about HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS please visit the US Army Corps of Engineers website at www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/software.html.

How do we file technical appeals if we believe that errors exist in the models?
The study team is busy preparing information for the release of the preliminary DFIRMs and cannot entertain requests for any changes at this time. Once FEMA issues preliminary DFIRMs for all of Harris County, an appeals period and process will commence. At that time, technical appeals can be filed through your local floodplain administrator.

What changes if any were made in how the floodplains were modeled compared to previous HCFCD modeling criteria?
As a result of changes in technology, data, and models; several changes were made to the standard District and FEMA methods regarding how floodplains are modeled and mapped. There are 21 Technical White Papers that detail these changes. They can be found at www.tsarp.org/tsarp_doc/techdocs.html.

How will these models be maintained in the future?
The District is working with FEMA to develop a pilot program that will review and maintain models allowing for more timely updates than is the current practice. The District is committed to making sure these valuable tools remain useful for many years to come.