PHILADELPHIA-- FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Fluvanna County, Virginia. 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 Nov. 16, 2023. 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.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator - Douglas Miles dmiles@fluvannacounty.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 FEMA Region 3 Mitigation Mapping and Data.
An Open House will be held on Tuesday, December 5th from 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Fluvanna County Administration Building in the Morris Conference Room, 132 Main Street Palmyra, VA 22963. This meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to review the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps and discuss floodplain management and flood insurance questions with local, state, and federal officials. Please call Fluvanna County at (434)-591-1910 and ask to speak with Valencia Porter-Henderson or e-mail us at planning@fluvannacounty.org with any meeting questions.
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.
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 flooding. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
Fluvanna County, Virginia Flood Mapping Milestones
- May 13, 2022 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
- Nov. 30, 2022 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
- Feb. 13, 2023 – First Community Coordination and Outreach meeting.
- Nov. 4, 2023 – Second Community Coordination and Outreach meeting.
- Nov. 16, 2023 –Appeal Period starts.
- January 2025* — 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 the FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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