New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon would like to remind county residents that they have until April 30, 2014 to appeal any revisions made by FEMA to the Flood Insurance Rate Map and Flood Insurance Study report.
These reports take into account current flood conditions throughout New Castle County to ensure that residents’ insurance rates and coverage match up with the risk of flooding in their area.
“I applaud FEMA’s goal of ensuring that New Castle County’s flood insurance policies and rates are up to date based on current conditions throughout the County, but we want to be sure that the data being used is accurate,” County Executive Gordon said. “No one knows flood conditions better than the residents, so if you think the data is incorrect please submit any appeals for review before the Flood Zone Maps become finalized.”
As has been publicized, residents have had 90 days to provide scientific or technical data that refutes the current proposals for the FIRM and FIS report. Appeals can be submitted to the New Castle County Department of Land Use, C/O John Gysling, 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720. A copy must also be sent to Mr. Jon Janowicz, P.E, FEMA Region III Office, 615 Chestnut Street, One Independence Mall, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404.
Any appeals would be reviewed and consolidated in order to determine if an appeal by the County is justified.
Data can still be presented after the 90 day period, and, if warranted, FEMA will revise the FIRM and FIS report. However, the current determinations would be enforced until revisions could be made. After the Flood Zone Maps become finalized, the County must adhere to the guidelines set forth by FEMA in order to continue being eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program.
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