FEMA Publishes New Flood Risk Maps for Texas Counties

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is presenting draft flood risk maps to communities in Travis and Burnet counties in Texas – areas that flood frequently. The maps will help county officials and local residents identify known flood risks and will be used for insurance and development decisions.

The preliminary maps revise and update information on the existence and severity of flooding hazards in every community in Travis County, as well as the area around Lake Travis in Burnet County. They are based on detailed ground elevation models, decades of rainfall and storm gauge information and current topographic data.

“Travis and Burnet counties suffer damage from major flooding on a regular basis. It is critical for residents to look at the preliminary maps and be familiar with flood risks in their community,” said William Peterson, FEMA regional director. “These maps can help residents make informed decisions about flood insurance and flood protection.”

Residents and property owners who believe the flood maps contain errors have from June 16th to September 14th to appeal by submitting scientific or technical information. Appeals are submitted through communities to FEMA, and once all appeals are resolved, FEMA will notify communities, insurance companies and residents of the effective date of the final maps.

Floodplain administrators in each community have copies of the maps available for public viewing. Information about the maps is available at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/st_main.shtm. When the flood maps are finalized and effective, some flood insurance policy holders may see changes in their policies.

Peterson recommends that all policyholders contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage and that policies account for new flood risk information.

More information on flood insurance is available at www.floodsmart.gov.