The Indiana DNR and other community officials have announced that the preliminary flood hazard maps for Pulaski County and its incorporated communities have been released by FEMA. The maps, when completed, will show flood risk throughout the county and determine whether property owners, with a federal or federally-insured loan, are required to carry flood insurance.
With the aid of state-of-the-art technologies and risk-modeling techniques, these documents come as the result of FEMA, DNR, and the county completing an extensive multi-year study of the area’s floodplains. These are the first new documents of this type in 29 years.
In addition to affecting property owners, these flood insurance rate maps allow community planners, engineers, permit officials, builders, and others to determine if, where, and how new structures and developments should be built, taking into account flood areas.
The maps may be viewed online, and an open house will be held on May 16th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. ET at the Pulaski County Highway Garage. A 90-day public comment period will start at a date to be announced by FEMA following the public meeting. Property owners are encouraged to submit comments, and once the feedback is received and addressed, the maps are expected to be adopted in 2013, when the new insurance requirements will take effect.
