Students in the Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences course GIS for Environmental Studies course conducted a flooding risk assessment for the Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management Agency using HAZUS modeling software. 

University of Iowa students in the GIS for Environmental Studies course worked with Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management Agency to conduct a flooding risk assessment, and the results will inform data-driven strategies for the local Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update.  A Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines strategies designed to minimize the impact of natural and manmade disasters on the local community.  The flooding risk assessment summarizes potential loss of property across the county for various flooding scenarios.  In the wake of significant flooding in the County in 2008 and 2016, the analysis will help local experts and the broader community develop strategies and priorities to mitigate against future losses.  Once complete, Cerro Gordo County officials will submit the plan to FEMA for review and approval, making the participating communities eligible to receive federal funding assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) in the event of a Presidential Disaster Declaration.