The study addressed four broad areas, risk analysis, flood insurance, risk reduction, and risk communication, regarding how levees are considered in the NFIP. Specific issues within these areas include current risk analysis and mapping procedures behind accredited and non-accredited levees, flood insurance pricing and the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement, mitigation options to reduce risk for communities with levees, flood risk communication efforts, and the concept of shared responsibility. The principal conclusions and recommendations are highlighted in this report.

A levee is a man-made structure, usually an earthen embankment, designed and constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert the flow of water so as to provide protection from temporary flooding.
A levee system is a flood protection system which consists of a levee, or levees, and associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and operated in accordance with sound engineering practices.

Contents
SUMMARY
1 INTRODUCTION
The Current Study
References
2 TREATMENT OF LEVEES WITHIN THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
Moving Ahead with Levees in the NFIP
Map Modernization and Levee Decertification
Levee Deaccreditation
References
3 MOVING TO FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT AND A MODERN FLOOD RISK ANALYSIS
Advantages of a Modern Risk-Based Approach to Flood Risk Analysis and Insurance
Summary Description of a Modern Risk-Based Approach
A Modern Risk-Based Analysis: The Foundational Basis
Risk Analysis Results, Products, and Uses
Steps to Development and Implementation of a Risk-Based Approach
References
4 LEVEE ANALYSIS AND MAPPING PROCEDURE
Proposed Procedure
Public Comments
Evaluation of LAMP
Dealing with the Current Situation
A Caution
References
5 INSURING PROPERTIES BEHIND LEVEES
Basics of Insurance Pricing
Current Rate-Setting Practices Within the NFIP
Role and Utility of Mandatory Insurance Behind Levees
References
6 IMPLEMENTING FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Mitigation and Risk Transfer Measures
Developing Community Strategies for Areas Behind Levees
Effective Flood Risk Management: Administration of Levees
References
7 UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATING FLOOD RISK BEHIND LEVEES
Understanding Flood Risk Perception
Brief History of Risk Communication in the NFIP
Current Flood Risk Communication Efforts
Contemporary Flood Risk Mapping
Effective Flood Risk Communication
A Way Forward
References
8 SHARED RESPONSIBILTY IN MOVING TO FLOOD RISK MANAGEMEN
Coordination Challenges at the Federal Level
Increasing Awareness of Shared Flood Risk Responsibilities at the Federal, State, and Local Levels
In Conclusion
References
APPENDIXES
A Title 44: Emergency Management and Assistance, §65.10 Mapping of Areas Protected by Levee Systems or “44 CFR §65.10”
B Biographical Information, Committee on Levees and the National Flood Insurance Program: Improving Policies and Practices
C Glossary of Terms
D Contributors to the Report
E Flood Zone Designations
F Levee-Related Observations, Conclusions, and Recommendations from Previous Reports 177
G FEMA Procedure Memorandums 34, 43, and 53
H Risk Analysis Background
I USACE System-Wide Improvement Frameworks Program

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