County flood hazard maps updated

By Annette Newcomb Editor

In some cases it has been almost 35 years since flood hazard maps in Kenosha County have been updated.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) recently completed an update countywide and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) wants residents to be aware new Flood Insurance Rate Maps will become effective June 19.

Twin Lakes Village Administrator Dave Cox said in most cases village residents will see map adjustments that show flood areas diminishing in the village

“For instance old maps show Do It Best Hardware impacted by a floodplain. The updated maps show they aren’t impacted at all.”

Cox said FEMA flood maps of old were based on aerial photos of the area. “The terrain was very different back then. There has been much more development and changes in drainage and runoff. Current methods are far more sophisticated and advanced…today’s maps are far more accurate.”

A letter dated March 12 and sent to all in the county, says residents are eligible for flood insurance and owners of buildings that are newly mapped into a high risk flood zone due to a map revision are eligible to receive lower cost Preferred Rick Policy (PRP). The letter says, “This may mean substantial savings for policies purchased before the map change officially takes place (June 19).”

Residents who have any questions about flood insurance should check with their insurance agent. There is more information about the National Flood Insurance program at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart.

Residents can also contact the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development at (262) 857-1895 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.


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