FEMA PUBLISHES NEW FLOOD RISK MAPS

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently presented draft flood risk maps to communities in Fort Bend County. The maps identify known flood risks and are used for insurance and development decisions.  The flood maps include a  re-study of the Brazos River and Oyster Creek  in Fort Bend County.

County Judge Bob Hebert stated, “We encourage Fort Bend County residents to take the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the flood risk in the community by visiting the “Drainage District” website located at this link:  http://fbcmap.co.fort-bend.tx.us/floodplainmap/ The maps can help residents make informed decisions about flood protection. In addition to the information provided on the website, numerous workshops will be held around the county in the near future.  Citizens will have every opportunity to view the maps and ask any specific question they may have.”

The new maps are based on detailed ground elevation models, decades of rainfall and storm gauge information and current topographic data.  Residents and property owners may submit scientific or technical information if they believe the flood maps contain errors.  Appeals are submitted through communities to FEMA, and FEMA will notify communities, insurance companies and residents of the effective date of the final maps after resolving all appeals.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.  FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

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