Flood map updates could affect premiums [The Beaumont Enterprise, Texas]

Sept. 05--Jefferson County homeowners have until early November to challenge updates to an 11-year-old map that could change costs to their flood insurance.

Updated floodplain maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Taylor Landing will be available for public review starting Sept. 11, according to the agency.

Maps for Port Arthur, Port Neches, Nome, Nederland, China, Groves, Bevil Oaks and Beaumont were made available for review earlier this year and are available for viewing through Nov. 10.

Jefferson County Emergency Management Coordinator Greg Fountain said from what he's seen of the maps, the changes aren't drastic.

He encouraged anyone who might be concerned about the changes to view the maps and ask questions of FEMA and their insurance agents.

According to the National Flood Insurance Program, as of Jan. 1, 2013, homeowners in low-risk areas, can expect to pay between $129 and $412 a year in premiums to insure their homes and property from flood damage, depending on how much coverage they buy.

Those with homes in high-risk areas can expect to pay between $472 and $3,289 annually to insure the building and its contents. The program lists a minimum $35,000 of coverage for homes in high-risk areas and $10,000 in coverage for the property in the homes.

Denton-based FEMA spokesman Earl Armstrong said this is the first update to the Jefferson County maps since August 2002.

There is no set schedule for when FEMA maps are updated, he said. The maps are on display for 90 days to allow the public time to review and even criticize them, he said.

Those with concerns about the new floodplains can file an appeal with the agency and must be based on data showing them to be "scientifically incorrect."

In drawing up the maps, officials use an array of methods to determine where plains are now, he said.

The charts incorporate hydrologic data, geography, older maps maintained locally, satellite imagery and even occasional ground work.

It could take a year or longer for the maps to be finalized and approved depending on the appeals, Armstrong said.

According to FEMA documents online, the maps for Orange County were updated in January of this year and the maps for Hardin County were updated in July 2012.

Those wanting to view the maps can either do so at the county's engineering office at the courthouse or online at maps.riskmaps6.com/TX/Jefferson.

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