PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW FLOOD MAPS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

The following information was released by FEMA:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Jefferson County, West Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. The 90-day appeal period will begin Aug.14, 2025.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and agency officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.

Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.

If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard informationsuch as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundarythey can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.