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FEMA to Send Letters About Floodplain Map Changes

By Beacon Staff

Changes to the floodplain maps in Evergreen will take another step forward when the 90-day protest period for the changes begins on April 27.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent out letter a to Flathead County on April 13, according to Flathead County Planning Director BJ Grieve.

Roughly 1,000 parcels of land were added to the 100-year floodplain, also known as the Special Flood Hazard Area, in the update. FEMA began the process last June, and it is the first update since 1984.

Landowners who are added to the floodplain could experience changes, such as being required to purchase flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage or having to apply for a floodplain permit for certain property uses.

Grieve said FEMA will put public notice about the new base flood elevations on April 20 and April 27 in the Daily Inter Lake, with the second publication kicking off the 90-day protest period.

The final map won’t be produced for a while after the protest period, according to previous statements from FEMA.

Copies of the maps can be found at www.flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/Drafts.php, along with a frequently asked question (FAQ) section. There are also physical copies hanging at the planning office.

For more information on floodplain regulations and permit applications, visit www.flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/downloads.php and www.flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/floodplain.php, or contact Bailey Minnich with the county planning office at [email protected] or (406) 751-8200.

Since the county is only involved in regulations, questions about the actual floodplain mapping process should be directed to Sarah Brush of FEMA’s regional office at [email protected] or (303) 235-4871.

UPDATE: A previous edition on this story indicated that landowners would be receiving letters. The April 13 letter actually went to the Flathead County Commission.