PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW FLOOD MAPS IN COLUMBIA COUNTY
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210420/public-invited-review-flood-maps-columbia-county]


Release Date: 
4월 20, 2021 

​​​​​FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM) for Columbia County, Pennsylvania. Community partners are
invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. 

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and
FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already
taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can
identify any corrections or questions about the information provided
and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around April 21, 2021.
Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged
to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and
potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an
appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map
is technically or scientifically incorrect.

 	* An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or
hydrologic data, to support the claim.
 	* Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or
projects started after the study is in progress.
 	* If property owners see incorrect information that does not change
the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road
name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate
boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments
and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of
the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your municipality’s
floodplain administrator (FPA). Email Eric C. Stahley, Resilience
Officer at Columbia County, if you need assistance finding your local
FPA: estahley@columbiapa.org. The preliminary maps may be viewed
online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3
Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/0Pq0ib.  

Note that the preliminary maps do not reflect the map changes
associated with the accreditation of the Autoneum/Windsor Levee System
in the Town of Bloomsburg. These revisions may be viewed in the Letter
of Map Revision Determination Document available at
https://map1.msc.fema.gov/mipdata/20-03-1776P-420339.pdf?LOC=bc71f40647190c1cb75ba82e6b340095.
The revisions will become effective after the appeal period is
complete and FEMA has resolved any appeals.

For more information about the flood maps:

 	* Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C
(just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
 	* Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at
1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are
cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk
flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking
with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Columbia County Flood Mapping Milestones

 	* July 10, 2019 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to
review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to
local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
 	* Aug. 28, 2021 – Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate map
released.
 	* On or Around April 21, 2021 –Appeal Period starts.
 	* June 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and
flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change
pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of
External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

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_FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after
disasters._