Residents, officials not happy with revised floodplain maps
Montana residents and officials are expressing their frustration after the Federal Emergency Management Agency updated the state's floodplain maps.
According to the Flathead Beacon, homeowners in Evergreen are confused about whether their area has been added to the new map. If it is, they would be required to purchase flood insurance as part of their homeowners insurance policy.
Pam Holmquist, the commissioner of Flathead County, said the flood-prone areas were not designated clearly enough.
"I'm not happy with the maps at all, let's put it that way," said Homquist, in an interview with the paper. "They're just poor maps. As a commissioner, I just want an accurate map so we can protect people in Evergreen as much as possible."
But the source states that many homeowners are frustrated their area has been added to the flood map because floods have not occurred there the past. Jerry DeFelice, spokesperson for FEMA, told the paper residents will have 90 days to file a grievance with FEMA, where they can state their case why they shouldn't be included in the revised map.
Homeowners struggling with flood insurance costs may be eligible for a discount through the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System. The program gives residents discounts based on community actions aimed to lower flood risk.
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