HomeMy WebLinkAboutTrans 2007-10-22 Item 3B - Discussion - Federal Flood Map UpdateTo: Mayor Mullet
From: Public Works Director
Date: October 17, 2007
Subject: Federal Flood Map Update
ISSUE
ACTION TAKEN
INFORMATION MEMO
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a draft set of flood maps for public
comment.
BACKGROUND
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of updating the National
Flood Insurance Maps to a digital format. These maps are used to regulate buildings within a
floodplain and set flood insurance rates. This change will allow for flood map inclusion in GIS
based mapping and access to flood maps through the Internet. As part of this conversion process,
FEMA has also revised floodplains that are associated with non certified levee systems.
All areas that are currently mapped as being protected from flooding by a non certified levee system
were reanalyzed to determine what the floodplain limits would be if the levee did not exist. The
results were then mapped as the new floodplain and any new construction within this area will be
required to meet standards for building in a floodplain. Any existing structures must purchase flood
insurance once the new maps become effective.
The largest and only federally certified levee system within Tukwila is the Tukwila 205 Levee which
protects the Urban Center and runs from S. 196 to I -405. City staff has worked with the US Army
Corps of Engineers (COE) and the King County Flood Control District to correct vegetation
deficiencies identified by the COE in early inspections. This allowed the COE to certify the levee
and FEMA to continue to map this area of the City as outside the 100 -year flood event. Other areas
of the City where certification could not be obtained are now mapped as within the floodplain.
These areas are primarily located on the eastside of the Green River and south of I -405.
RECOMMENDATION
Informational item only. No action required.
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Attachments: King County Press Release
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News Release
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Federal flood maps updated to digital format; Public
meetings set to gather input
Chance to review new draft maps of King County at upcoming meetings
New draft digital maps of flood-prone areas in King County produced by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are available for public review.
The preliminary maps show flood hazard areas within King County that would be
inundated by what is called the "base flood" a flood that is statistically expected to occur
once every 100 years.
FEMA will be hosting four meetings, set for late October and early November, where the
public will have an opportunity to view the maps, ask questions and to learn more about
how this information is used.
FEMA representatives will be available to provide information about the National Flood
Insurance Program, discuss the significance of the preliminary maps, and explain the
formal appeal process and timeline that is part of the public review and adoption process.
The maps are widely utilized by financial lending institutions and insurance agents to
determine who must purchase flood insurance and the cost of that insurance should it be
necessary.
The updated maps will also be used by King County and local communities for floodplain
management and permitting purposes to ensure that any development in the floodplain is
done is a safe manner.
As part of converting the existing paper -based flood insurance rate maps to the digital
format, FEMA has also revised floodplain areas associated with levees in the Lower
Green River Valley and the North Creek area near Bothell.
In addition, FEMA has included newly updated floodplain studies and data for the Cedar
River, the lower Snoqualmie River, and Patterson and Springbrook creeks.
On behalf of FEMA, King County is hosting online the digital flood insurance rate maps
and corresponding flood insurance study documents, which can be viewed at
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htto://www.metrokc.aovidnro/wIr/flood/dfirm/.
he four public meetings are scheduled for:
Oct. 24 6 -8 p.m.
Carnation Elementary School
4950 Tolt Ave., Carnation
Nov. 1 6 -8 p.m.
Kent City Hall
220 4th Ave. So., Kent
Nov. 6 6 -8 p.m.
Bothell City Council Chambers
18410 101st Ave. NE, Bothell
Nov. 8 6 -8 p.m.
Renton City Hall
1055 S. Grady Way, Renton
Flood insurance policy holders in King County enjoy a 40 percent reduction on their
premiums, thanks to King County's best -in- the nation FEMA Community Rating System
status for flood planning and the county's Flood Warning Center operations.
More information about FEMA's map modernization program and the public meetings
is available by contacting Ryan Ike, FEMA Senior Floodplain Management Specialist,
at 425 487 -4767.
Related information:
Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Study News
Releases
King County Floodina Topics
Water and Land Resources
King County I Natural Resources and Parks I News I Services I Comments I Search
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