New Flood Maps Are You In Or Out Of The Flood Plain?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released its Preliminary Special Flood Hazard Area maps for Wide Hollow, Shaw & Cottonwood Creeks in Yakima County for public viewing and comments.

According to County officials, nearly 900 properties are affected by the preliminary mapping. "Property located within a Special Flood Hazard Area have regulatory requirements," stated Yakima County Program Coordinator Jeff Legg. "Property owners with a mortgage are required to carry flood insurance." He added that state and local regulations will require permits for any type of development on property located within a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Mr. Legg noted that affected property owners have until August 11, 2011 to appeal FEMA's preliminary mapping.

To learn more about the impacts of the preliminary mapping, the public is invited to attend a FEMA open house on Wednesday, June 15. Federal, state and local representatives will be available to discuss flood insurance, building requirements and to provide personalized parcel mapping at the event.

FEMA Open House

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

West Valley Middle School Cafeteria

1500 S. 75th Ave.

Yakima

For more information, please call Yakima County Public Services at 574-2300.