Which federal agency is tasked with determining floodplain areas?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the correct answer because it is the federal agency specifically designated to manage and coordinate the federal government's response to disasters, including floods. Part of FEMA's responsibilities includes mapping floodplain areas to identify regions that are at risk of flooding. This is crucial for emergency planning, land use management, and for informing residents about flood risks.

FEMA uses Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to delineate flood hazard areas, which helps in determining insurance requirements and guiding local development and planning decisions. The agency's efforts ensure that communities are better prepared for natural disasters and can take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding.

In contrast, while other agencies like the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) play significant roles in housing, urban development, and agriculture, they do not have the specific mandate to determine floodplain areas. Their functions may intersect with disaster recovery and housing development in flood-prone areas but do not include the responsibility for floodplain mapping or flood risk assessment.