HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9110a A a a 0 a • a
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: FEMA FLOODPLAIN MAP REVISIONS
411
23M- �i-
in-Mml
This Informal Report is to advise Council of potential issues associated with upcoming revisions to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) floodplain maps. An M&C recommending that these
revisions be incorporated into the City's floodplain ordinance will be considered by City Council on
September 15, 2009.
The updated FEMA floodplain maps are a significant technological improvement over the old maps, but are
not a perfect product. The new maps will remove some properties from the floodplain, but will place
numerous other properties in the floodplain that were not previously indicated to be in the floodplain. It is
not known at this time exactly how many properties will be affected in this way but we are estimating the
number to be near 1,500. This will likely result in many of the affected property owners being required by
their mortgage companies to acquire floodplain insurance (estimated annual premiums of $700 - $900).
In terms of acreage, the new maps show nearly 42,000 acres of the City as being in the floodplain (about
19% of the City). The previous FEMA maps (based on data from the mid 90s) showed about 31,000 acres of
the City in the floodplain. This increase is due primarily to 2 factors: (1) improvements in floodplain
mapping in the past 10 years and (2) increases in the geographical size of the City due to annexations. The
new floodplain areas occur in various locations throughout the City and are not concentrated in any
particular area.
any questions in this regard can be addressed to Clair Davis, City Floodplain Manager, 17- 392 - 591116
Dik
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER - F0RTWnPTW T='VA42