FEMA seeks input on proposed flood maps

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened a 90-day appeal and comment period on Aug. 20 for proposed updates to federal flood maps in several counties, including Volusia.

The proposed maps are part of FEMA’s effort to update the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Volusia County. Questions about the proposed maps should be directed to a FEMA Map Specialist at 1-877-336-2627 between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the proposed maps and identify information they believe should be corrected. A comment may address information that does not affect the mapped flood hazard, such as a missing or misspelled road name or an incorrect municipal boundary. An appeal challenges proposed flood hazard information and must include technical or scientific data supporting the requestSee FLOOD page A3 From page A1 ed change.

FEMA requires comments and appeals to be submitted through the appropriate local government. The County will accept correspondence only for properties in unincorporated Volusia County, and will forward comments and appeals to FEMA for consideration. Residents and property owners within a municipality should contact their respective city for information about submitting comments or appeals.

Correspondence submitted through Volusia County must include the individual’s name, full property address, and comments. Submissions may be emailed to kmatter@ volusia.gov or mailed to:

Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center Building and Code Administration123 W. Indiana Ave., 2nd Floor DeLand, FL 32720 The preliminary maps can be accessed through FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at msc.fema.gov/fmcv or FEMA’s Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov/portal.