WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Federal Emergency Management Agency in September announced changes to flood maps for St. Joseph County.
As a result, the agency encouraged residents to view the new maps before they are finalized to make sure they are accurate.
According to WMUK Public Radio, the period where feedback is accepted – known as an appeal period – runs through Dec. 25.
According to an agency media release, appeals and comments can be submitted by contacting the local floodplain administrator.
Maps can be viewed on FEMA’s flood map changes viewer and St. Joseph County can be viewed by zooming to a certain area.
Any local citizen actually look at the cited FEMA site to see the changes, confirm updated map, ask questions, challenge? It is NOT user friendly and is NOT easily legible or functional ! It’s the 2010 flood map with professional scientific/mathematical jargon. Even if you can find you specific location it tells you there’s little to NO digital data available. Again, the map is from 2010. Nothing showing the new, altered map or any sign of changes we are meant to review, make comment. Only thing we could find was we’re in the 1% flood chance – considered high risk and meaning can only purchase FEMA flood insurance – though our particular home, though in high risk flood plain, has a lesser chance of immediate flooding than our neighbors less than a 1/4 mile down the road. What the heck?
Who knows Earl DV? I have spoken to our state National Flood Insurance Coordinator about the mapping and can help you navigate the and can help you navigate the Arc Geographic Information System on the FEMA website. I can be found at the Park Township, St. Joe County, MI Citizen Group on Facebook.