Floodplain workshop set Oct. 11 in Spotsy Floodplain workshop set in Spotsylvania

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's updated flood insurance rate maps became effective on May 9, but Spotsylvania County residents continue to have concerns and questions.

Primary issues revolve around notification of the changes, the revamped maps adding properties into the floodplain higher risk zone and insurance availability.

The county has teamed up with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to host a workshop aimed at helping residents impacted by the floodplain map changes.

The workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Holbert building Board of Supervisors meeting room.

Staff with the DCR will work with residents one-on-one, "including how to request map changes and insurance mandate requirements," according to the county website.

The DCR serves "a quasi liaison role for the county and FEMA," according to county spokesperson Michelle McGinnis.

Earlier this year, residents started contacting the county with concerns and questions and showed up at Board of Supervisors meetings to talk about problems with the updated floodplain maps.

Some wondered why their property, or parts of properties, were included in the floodplain. Others said it was difficult to find and get information.

Those concerns have persisted about the map changes, obtaining maps and confirming flood insurance mandates, according to McGinnis.

She said people can be "drawn into" the process of dealing with the floodplain maps.

"Some of them decide to fight it, and it costs a lot of money to do that," McGinnis said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency released its updated Flood Insurance Rate Map in January 2020.

The county had to approve an ordinance creating a floodplain overlay district, determined by the FEMA maps, in order for residents to be eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program. Federally backed mortgages require flood insurance if a structure on a property is in a floodplain.

The county sent out letters in December 2020 to 2,162 residents whose structures had been mapped in to the floodplain, meaning they would have to get flood insurance.

There were 234 residents whose structures were removed from the FEMA floodplain map.

Scott Shenk: 540/374-5436sshenk@freelancestar.com