((a)) ** Studies and investigations** The Administrator is authorized to carry out studies and investigations, utilizing to the maximum extent practicable the existing facilities and services of other Federal departments or agencies, and State and local governmental agencies, and any other organizations, with respect to the adequacy of State and local measures in flood-prone areas as to land management and use, flood control, flood zoning, and flood damage prevention, and may enter into any contracts, agreements, or other appropriate arrangements to carry out such authority.

((b)) ** Extent of studies and investigations** Such studies and investigations shall include, but not be limited to, laws, regulations, or ordinances relating to encroachments and obstructions on stream channels and floodways, the orderly development and use of flood plains of rivers or streams, floodway encroachment lines, and flood plain zoning, building codes, building permits, and subdivision or other building restrictions.

((c)) ** Development of comprehensive criteria designed to encourage adoption of adequate State and local measures** On the basis of such studies and investigations, and such other information as he deems necessary, the Administrator shall from time to time develop comprehensive criteria designed to encourage, where necessary, the adoption of adequate State and local measures which, to the maximum extent feasible, will—

((1)) constrict the development of land which is exposed to flood damage where appropriate,

((2)) guide the development of proposed construction away from locations which are threatened by flood hazards,

((3)) assist in reducing damage caused by floods, and

((4)) otherwise improve the long-range land management and use of flood-prone areas,

((d)) ** Flood mitigation methods for buildings** The Administrator shall establish guidelines for property owners that—

((1)) provide alternative methods of mitigation, other than building elevation, to reduce flood risk to residential buildings that cannot be elevated due to their structural characteristics, including—

((A)) types of building materials; and

((B)) types of floodproofing; and

((2)) inform property owners about how the implementation of mitigation methods described in paragraph (1) may affect risk premium rates for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program.