The following letter came from Seattle Public Utilities to introduce some discussion by the Federal Emergency Management Agency concerning floodplain mapping in the Thornton Creek watershed. A meeting took place; whether or not you attended, you can find more information in the links the letter contains.
Hello,
I want to share the details of a public meeting coming up with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on October 2nd, 2013 to talk about their floodplain maps for Thornton Creek.
As you may recall, the City of Seattle conducted a “flood insurance study” in the Thornton Creek watershed on behalf of FEMA in 2009, which FEMA has been reviewing and editing per its technical standards.
FEMA published the “preliminary” maps this month. Once finalized, the new “Flood Insurance Rate Maps” will replace the maps currently in use by insurance agents and mortgage companies (effective since 1996).
According to protocol, FEMA requested that Seattle Public Utilities assist in getting the word out and providing introductory comments in an Open House format. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., in the College Center Building at the North Seattle Community College (9600 College Way N., Seattle, 98103). Seattle Public Utilities informed affected property owners via mail this week.
The meeting will focus on: how the maps are developed, what the process is for appealing and/or finalizing the maps, and how they are used. Attendees can request FEMA to look up their addresses in real time, see what the flood risk is to their homes, and learn more about flood insurance.
If you are unable to attend, the draft FEMA maps can be viewed at: http://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/. Regarding any questions on the technical mapping process, please contact FEMA’s Map Service Center at (877) 336-2627 or RegionXHelpDesk@starr-team.com. If you have specific comments or would like to submit an appeal, please e-mail SPU_Floodmaps@seattle.gov or write to Timothy Lowry c/o SPU, Suite 4900, P.O. Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124. Comments must be received in writing by the end of the appeal period, 90 days after the maps are announced in the Seattle Times (likely November 2013-February 2014).
If you have further questions, please contact Timothy Lowry at (206) 684-4150 or timothy.lowry@seattle.gov.
Take care, Holly
Holly McCracken
Drainage & Wastewater Planning, Policy, and Regulations
Seattle Public Utilities
700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Bx. 34018
Seattle, WA 98124-4018
