Highlights from Steven Gonzales on redefining the floodplain lines which determine who needs to own FEMA flood insurance.
- Steve presented two boards showing the revised map – see images below.
- The new topography data was collected at 2’ height intervals – 5 times more accurate than the data used for existing 1970s version
- Technically, 100 year storms are called 1% chance storms and 500 year storms are referred to as .2% chance storms
- Calculations were done based on Complete Impervious Buildout in the catch basin.
- The FEMA public commenting process will most likely begin some time after September
- There will be a 90 day appeal process. Appeals will only be based on scientific calculations – not first person accounts of past events.
- FEMA backed flood insurance is passed with the property, not with the owner. Once you purchase a level of insurance, those rates are locked – unless you decide to upgrade your plan.
- Insurance companies should not be allowed to use the new maps for rate determination until the final has been issued by FEMA.
- Sections through the river are taken every 1000’
- All information on the new floodplain maps can be found at http://www.bexarfloodfacts.org/
If you’re concerned about how the floodplain issue may affect your property, please contact a member of the RRNA Drainage Committee.
I’ve attached several low to high quality scans of the presentation boards, just click on this article’s title.
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