Missouri Flood Resiliency Act (DNR Flood Program)

The Flood Resiliency Act, RSMo section 256.800, took effect August 28, 2023. It creates a Flood Resiliency Program run by the Department of Natural Resources, along with a dedicated Flood Resiliency Improvement Fund to support eligible flood-mitigation projects. Political subdivisions, levee districts, and drainage districts (the statute's "promoters") may participate with state support once the DNR director approves a plan demonstrating long-term flood mitigation needs. The department holds rulemaking authority under chapter 536 to implement the program. The Act funds and coordinates flood resilience statewide; it does not impose floodplain building restrictions on private landowners, which remain governed by local ordinances and the National Flood Insurance Program.

The statute creates no offense, penalty, or building prohibition. Participation by political subdivisions is voluntary, and state support flows only after the DNR director approves a promoter's flood-mitigation plan.