Thursday, October 23, 2008

Press Release regarding Hernando County Flood Maps

October 17, 2008

More Workshops Re: Flood Maps
Robyn Felix
1-800-423-1476, Ext. 4770 or
Cell Phone: 813-781-9817

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 16, 2008

More workshops scheduled to help develop Hernando County flood insurance maps

The Southwest Florida Water Management District and Hernando County are holding more public meetings to present preliminary floodplain information and explain the basis behind the findings.

The information will be used to update area floodplain information and develop preliminary Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Most of the current FIRMs are 10 to 30 years old and are outdated because of natural and physical changes caused by land use, development and erosion.

One workshop focusing on Hernando County’s Oman Quarry, Powell and Toachodka watersheds will be held Oct. 28, 4 to 7 p.m. at the District Headquarters, 2379 Broad St., in Brooksville.

Another workshop focusing on Hernando County’s Blue Sink, Croom and McKethan watersheds will be held Oct. 30, 4 to 7 p.m. at the District Headquarters, 2379 Broad St., in Brooksville.

During the meetings, preliminary models and floodplain information will be presented to the public for review and comment. After addressing the comments, the floodplain information will be finalized, and presented to the District's Governing Board for permission to develop the preliminary FIRMs for submittal to FEMA.

Upon receipt of the preliminary FIRMs, the FEMA FIRM adoption process will begin, which includes:

· A technical review by FEMA
· Review by Hernando County
· Public input
· A 90-day appeals period
· Issuance of a letter of final determination that informs Hernando County and public of the date when the FIRMs will be considered effective

Hernando County anticipates adopting new FIRMs starting next year once the FEMA process is complete. The FEMA process should take nine to 12 months; but based on appeals can take several years.

The floodplain information will be used by the county for land use and zoning decisions; to help manage development in and around floodplains and wetlands; reduce flood risks; preserve land and water resources; and planning for emergencies. It will also provide valuable information to the public for decisions about purchasing and protecting property.

For more information, or to find out which watershed you live in, please visit www.WaterMatters.org/floodrisk/. You can also call the District at (352) 796-7211, ext. 4297.

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Flood Map Information www.watermatters.org

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