What year was the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) created?

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created in 1968 in response to increasing flood damage in the United States and the inadequacy of the private insurance market to cover flood risks. The program was established to provide affordable flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses, while also promoting a set of floodplain management standards to reduce future flood risks. By offering government-backed flood insurance, the NFIP encourages communities to adopt effective floodplain management practices, reducing the overall financial burden incurred by flooding. This foundational year marked a significant shift in how flood insurance was approached in the country, aiming to offer protection and improve community resilience against floods.