Flood hazard maps for Vigo released

TERRE HAUTE May 17, 2008 06:04 pm

— Preliminary flood hazard maps for Vigo County have been released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and county officials.
When 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. The first new such documents for the county in 25 years came as the result of FEMA, DNR and the county completing an extensive multi-year study of the area’s floodplains using state-of-the-art technologies and risk-modeling techniques.
These flood insurance rate maps identify property as having high, moderate or low flood risk. In addition to affecting property owners, FIRMs allow community planners, engineers, permit officials, builders and others to determine if, where and how new structures and developments should be built.
The preliminary maps may be viewed at www.floodmaps.IN.gov. You may experience a long download time.
An open house will be conducted from 5 to 8 p.m. June 3 in the Vigo County Council Chambers, Vigo County Annex Building, 127 Oak Street, Terre Haute, for those who would like to learn more about how this new mapping may affect them. Stations will be set up for property owners to review the maps and discuss any concerns with engineers who are knowledgeable with the map development process.
Additional stations will be available during this time for property owners to obtain information and discuss any concerns regarding flood insurance or related issues with knowledgeable staff from DNR and FEMA. A 90-day public comment period will start at a date to be announced by FEMA after the public meeting. During that period, property owners can submit appeals and protests. Once the feedback is received and addressed, the maps are expected to be adopted in 2009, when the new insurance requirements will take effect.