Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps To Debut At Open House In Tangipahoa Parish
Release Date: February 27, 2008
Release Number: 1603-772
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HAMMOND, La. -- The public is invited to view newly revised Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMS) for Tangipahoa Parish at an open house scheduled on March 5, 2008. The open house will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Louisiana Department of Labor Conference & Training Center, 1711 Nashville Avenue in Hammond.
Specialists will be on hand at the open house to answer citizens' questions and to provide additional information about the flood mapping process, the impact of new flood maps for Tangipahoa Parish and flood insurance benefits and requirements. Citizens are encouraged to view the maps, which will be available in both digital and paper formats.
Flood Insurance Rate Maps delineate flood-risk zones and serve as an integral part of the National Flood Insurance Program, which plays a key role in defense against flood losses on an individual, community, state and national basis. The preliminary flood maps were developed as part of the nationwide map modernization effort spearheaded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the National Flood Insurance Program.
"This is a great step forward for Tangipahoa Parish," said Acting Associate Deputy Administrator of FEMA's Gulf Coast Recovery Office Jim Stark. "By having these updated flood maps, residents and community officials can better understand their risks and make safe, informed choices on where to live and how to build."
Preliminary versions of the flood maps were recently delivered by FEMA to floodplain managers and code officials in communities throughout the parish. Communities in Tangipahoa receiving the maps are Amite City, Hammond, Independence, Kentwood, Ponchatoula, Roseland, Village of Tangipahoa and Tickfaw. A map covering unincorporated areas of Tangipahoa Parish was provided to the parish.
The release of the maps begins a process of official and public review and comments, ultimately resulting in the adoption of the new digital flood maps. While adoption is voluntary, it is a requirement for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
"This is a great indication that Louisianians are able to live safer, stronger and smarter than ever before," said Louisiana Recovery Authority Board Member John Smith. "Thanks to our federal partners, citizens of Tangipahoa Parish now have up-to-date information to assess their flood risk and make better informed decisions about those risks."
The new maps will replace the current effective maps, which are outdated and were produced using earlier technology. Also, the new maps are in a digital format, providing greater detail and making it easier for citizens to view the information. The flood maps will help residents and business owners understand their current flood risk and make more informed decisions about protecting their property. Community planners, local officials, engineers, builders and others will have the tools to make important determinations about where and how new structures and developments should be built to maximize safety.
Residents should consult their local floodplain administrator with questions on what flood map or elevations to use during the rebuilding process. Extensive information about the Louisiana Mapping Project and the map adoption process is available online at www.lamappingproject.com.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Feb-2008 17:58:06