FEMA Releasing New Denton County Floodplain Maps

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FEMA Releasing New Denton County Floodplain Maps

The new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Denton County flood maps become effective on Monday, April 18. FEMA utilizes the maps to identify floodplains and establish Flood Insurance Program rates.

On behalf of Flower Mound residents, the Town has worked with FEMA for almost four years to resolve boundary and informational update issues with the draft maps. Flower Mound received the first copy of the draft maps in June 2007. Quality Control Maps and links providing an overview of the program were posted on the Town’s website for review and comment. FEMA provided a 90-day technical appeal period beginning in November 2007. When flood maps change, structures moving into high-risk zones may be eligible to retain the rates they were originally mapped into through a process known as grandfathering. The Town took the unprecedented step of distributing 146 letters to residents whose property or house was becoming encroached upon by the floodplain that was not previously. The letters explained the 90 day appeal period and the method for obtaining reduced insurance rates.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to April 18, 2011may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, please visit www.floodsmart.gov. For additional information, please view the maps online at http://go.usa.gov/r6V or contact a FEMA Map Specialist at 1.877.336.2627.

Posted 04/11/2011.