FEMA Releases Proposed New Flood Maps

Press release from State Rep. Jud McMillin

(Undated) - Rep. Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) wants to make residents of Switzerland County aware that preliminary flood hazard maps have been released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources(DNR) and community officials.

“These new maps will be a useful tool for the residents of Switzerland County,” said Rep. McMillin. “Flooding is a very serious concern and this will help property owners be prepared for the worst.”

Once final, the maps will show flood risk throughout the county and determine whether property owners, with a federal or federally insured loan, are required to carry flood insurance. This project is part of FEMA’s larger effort to modernize the country’s aging flood maps to reflect the most current flood risks and areas of recent growth. These will be the first news maps to come out in 32 years.

The flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) identify property as having high, moderate or low flood risk. These maps will also allow community planners, engineers, permit officials, builders and others to determine if, where and how new structures and developments should be built.

To view the preliminary maps visit: http://www.floodmaps.IN.gov/.

For those interested in learning more about how the new mapping will affect them, there is an informative open house on March 28th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Jack Sullivan Senior Center, 305 Walnut Street in Vevay.

Community members will be able to review the maps at computer stations, discuss concerns one-on-one with engineers involved in the development process, obtain information and discuss any concerns regarding flood insurance with DNR staff.

“I encourage members of the community to attend this meeting and learn more about how the new maps may affect them,” said Rep. McMillin. 

There will be a 90-day public comment period that will start upon announcement by FEMA, sometime after the open house. During this period, property owners can submit appeals and protests. The news maps are expected to be adopted in 2013 when the new insurance requirements take effect.