Public information meetings planned to discuss proposed changes
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to update the flood hazard determinations for coastal properties in St. Mary’s County.
The proposed changes include addition or modification of Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations and changes to Base Flood Elevations.
St. Mary’s County’s floodplain management program protects individuals and property from the risks of flooding and is necessary for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Once map changes are adopted, the County must update the ordinance to meet state and federal requirements. The County will also apply to participate in the NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS) which can lower Flood Insurance premiums.
Citizens can find out more about the proposed changes and how they may be impacted by:
Review copies of the proposed FIRM map available online at: http://maps.riskmap3.com/MD/StMarys/
Call FEMA’s Map Information exchange at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-366-2627)
Call Kelly Palmer, Department of Land Use and Growth Management, at 301-475-4200 ext. 1528 and ask for a Floodplain Map Update Inquiry. Provide your name, phone number (for a return call) and the property address or Tax ID for your coastal property (or properties). A planner will do the necessary research and return a call to you within 72 hours.
Two public information meetings have been scheduled to present general information on the National Flood Insurance Program, the State and County’s floodplain management programs and to provide answers to questions regarding proposed floodplain map revisions. The meetings will take place on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. inside the Commissioners Meeting Room inside the Chesapeake Building. The address is 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. The meeting will be videotaped for rebroadcast on St. Mary’s County Government TV 95 at a future date and time.
