Proposed flood insurance rate map reflects changes to local flood risk

The update to the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Greene County is nearing completion. The new maps will provide communities in Greene County with up-to-date flood risk information and tools that can be used to enhance local mitigation plans, and help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.
The local mapping project is part of a nationwide effort led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce those risks. The work in Greene County has been led by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in partnership with local community officials. Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Map is finalized, there will be a 90-day appeal period during which property owners and lessees can provide additional data for consideration before the map is finalized.
 During the past couple of years, community officials throughout the county have worked closely with SEMA to ensure the floodplain maps provide an accurate picture of flood risks. This information will ensure that homes and businesses are insured appropriately against flooding, while also helping to make more informed decisions about how to protect Greene County from what might otherwise be devastating flood events.  
The new map is still a preliminary version. Greene County officials encourage property owners and lessees to review the proposed Flood Insurance Rate Map to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements, and to identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.
If you see incorrect information that does not involve changing the flood hazard-related information – such as a missing or misspelled road name or an incorrect corporate boundary – you can submit a written correction, or “comment.” If you believe the modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect, you may submit an appeal, which must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support your claim. Because submitting an appeal requires some time and effort, they encourage property owners and lessees to review the updated flood maps now to determine if you are interested in pursuing this option.
If you are interested in submitting a comment or appeal, they highly recommend that you first discuss it with your local floodplain administrator so they can provide you with guidance on the process. Appeals must be submitted through your local floodplain administrator/contact information. For more details on this process, visit www.FEMA.gov.
The maps can be viewed in person at the county courthouse or online at: https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/ or http://bit.ly/MOSEMAOutreach.

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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