New Monroe County flood maps to be unveiled

Monroe County residents are invited to review the county's new flood maps at an open house that will be held by federal and state flood plain management personnel on Monday, October 29. Experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will be on hand to answer residents questions about the maps, their risk for flooding, flood insurance and development standards in flood zones.

FEMA is mid-way through a five year initiative to update all the nation's flood maps. The Monroe County maps were issued in a preliminary format. There will be a formal three month appeals period before the maps are finalized.

The open house will be held in Brighton Town Hall Auditorium from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 2300 Elmwood Avenue in Brighton.

"These new maps use an aerial, digital format, making it easy to see roads and buildings in relation to flood risk zones," said Mike Dabney, division director for flood insurance and mitigation for FEMA, Region II, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. "People should know their risks, so that they can take steps too minimize those risks," said William Nechamen, chief of the flood plain management section, NYSDEC. "FEMA and DEC staff will be available to answer questions about the maps and about the National Flood Insurance Program."

© October 28, 2007 - Westside News Inc.