Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 7, 2007

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Community input sought by FEMA regarding Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps in Collin County

(McKinney, TX) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will hold a public meeting on February 15th to discuss and unveil digital flood hazard data and maps in Collin County. Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) have been produced as part of FEMA’s ongoing national “map modernization” initiative, which supports the National Flood Insurance Program. These maps provide an improved look at flood zone boundaries and will be extremely helpful in determining flood risk and floodplain management. Map modernization is also important because of the following:

• Flood hazard conditions are dynamic, and many maps may not reflect recent development and/or natural changes in the environment.
• New maps can take advantage of revised data and improved technologies for identifying flood hazards.
• Up-to-date maps support a flood insurance program that is more closely aligned with actual risk, encourage wise floodplain management, and increase the public’s flood hazard awareness.
• Local communities and various stakeholders desired more timely updates of floodplain maps and easier access to the data.
• Map Modernization is a cornerstone for helping communities to be better prepared for flood disasters. The NFIP currently serves 4.5 million policyholders and provides $650 billion in coverage.

Map Modernization touches a broad array of stakeholders who will see different benefits, including the following:

• Community planners and local officials gain a greater understanding of the flood hazards and risks that affect their community.
• Builders and developers have detailed information for making decisions on where to build and how construction can affect flood zones.
• Insurance agents, companies, and lending institutions have one-stop access to flood map updates and upcoming changes.
• Home and business owners are able to make more informed decisions about their current flood risks.

The upcoming meeting will mark the start of a 90-day appeal period for residents who may have concerns about the proposed mapping. Once all appeals are resolved, the new DFIRM will take effect in six months.

The February 15th meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the University Drive Courts Facility, 1800 N. Graves Drive in McKinney.

Additional information may be found on the FEMA website, www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/mh_main.shtm.

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