FEMA Continues Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps Process
Release Date: January 16, 2009
Release Number: 1603-828
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- After reviewing the state's request to suspend the release of the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has decided to continue with the flood mapping process to enable Louisiana's citizens, business owners and communities to better prepare against future storms.
"FEMA understands the profound social and economic consequences of the hazards shown on the preliminary DFIRMs and has worked, and will continue to work, diligently to ensure that the most technically sound and accurate flood zone information is available to the public," said Jim Stark, director of FEMA's Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "This information is crucial as about one-third of the severely and repetitively damaged homes in the United States are in Louisiana."
The preliminary DFIRMs were developed by the Louisiana Mapping Project (LaMP), part of a nationwide map modernization effort that began in 2004 and is spearheaded by FEMA, the federal agency that administers the National Flood Insurance Program. While adoption of the new maps is voluntary, it is a requirement for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, which plays a key role in defense against flood losses on an individual, community, state and national basis.
Recent hurricane activity in coastal Louisiana has clearly shown that significant flood risk exists beyond what is detailed on the current flood maps, which went into effect in the mid-1980s. The new, updated DFIRMs delineate more accurate flood-risk zones, which must be recognized so that residents and business owners can fully understand their current flood risk and make more informed decisions about protecting their property against future storms.
"Louisiana has experienced significant flooding through the years, and the preliminary DFIRMS are a vital tool in aiding residents to rebuild their homes and businesses back safer, smarter and stronger than before," said Stark. "In addition to the maps, FEMA has set aside $1.47 billion in hazard mitigation funding for Louisiana to use in recovery efforts."
The DFIRMs are based on the most technically advanced scientific analysis ever performed for Louisiana and have been reviewed and approved by leading experts in the fields of engineering and coastal sciences, including technical consultants, universities and leading Louisiana experts.
While the end goal of the release of the preliminary DFIRMs to the public is ultimately the adoption of the new digital flood maps, the post preliminary process also includes a 90-day appeal period. During this time, a community can raise concerns pertaining to the new maps. These concerns will be reviewed and addressed by FEMA before the map adoption process begins.
Extensive information about LaMP and the map adoption process is available online at www.lamappingproject.com.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Thursday, 29-Jan-2009 12:23:03