ABC27 WHTM Remapping of floodplains will add costs for some homeowners

Remapping of floodplains will add costs for some homeowners

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has almost wrapped up a nearly decade-long project that will result in higher costs for many homeowners.

The remapping of floodplains is complete for most of central Pennsylvania. Dauphin and Lebanon county maps are still being revised and should be available soon.

The new maps - revised to bring FEMA up to date with changes brought on by development and storm patterns - will include water levels from the flooding caused last fall by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

"The volumes of water that we have been experiencing the last several years are dramatically increased over what we've experienced, say, the last 50 to 75 years," FEMA Flood Mitigation Specialist Kerry Wilson said. "The previous areas that were flooded can't hold the water, so the water expands into other areas that may not have been flooded."

Many property owners will soon discover that their homes are now within a floodplain, meaning they will have to buy flood insurance and will face tighter building restrictions.

The new maps are available for viewing at FloodSmart.gov. Wilson encouraged homeowners to visit the website for important information.

"See what the opportunities are for getting flood insurance, who's handling it, and also look at the mapping a lot closer and see if they may want to question or appeal their flood determination," he said.

For homeowners with questions, KHB Insurance will hold a free flood insurance seminar at the Hershey Library on Feb. 9 at 6:45 p.m.

FEMA also encouraged flood victims who want to relocate to apply for the hazard mitigation grant program, which provides money to local municipalities in order to buy homes that are frequently flooded.

More information is available at FloodSmart.gov.