Important News Concerning FEMA Flood Maps

The big thing happening around town in the last couple of weeks are the letters that some homeowners have been receiving regarding the new FEMA flood maps for the area. People who own property within the newly redrawn flood areas are the ones receiving letters. If you haven't gotten one you are not in the FEMA designated flood area.

Many people who HAVE gotten these letters are very upset. As you all know, after the last several flooding events FEMA has redrawn the maps for Ulster County. It turns out that if ANY of your property (not just where the house sits) is located within the flooding area the ENTIRE property is considered inside the area and is eligible to purchase flood insurance (although it is my understanding that if the house is high you may be able to get an elevation waiver that would decrease the rates for that insurance - but at this point I am not clear about the details of that). Some folks are worried about this development because if you have a mortgage you might be mandated to carry this insurance and the rates are going to rise in the next few years. (It is rumored that the rise will be steep although no solid figures have been released.)

If you would like to see the new flood maps and figure out where your property is in terms of their flood zone determinations you can go to:

http://apps.femadata.com/PreliminaryViewer/?appid=23791d2c76bc423493c1bba064fb83e1

FEMA is leading a public meeting on this issue tomorrow February 5th from 4pm to 8pm at the Woodstock Fire Hall at 242 Tinker St. This would be a good meeting to attend if you have questions. 

There is also a notice on the Town of Shandaken website asking homeowners to contact our Congressman Chris Gibson to tell him to help maintain current flood insurance rates. You can read it for yourself at:

http://www.shandaken.us/news/shandaken-homeowners-please-help-maintain-current-flood-rates/
The Senate has acted on this issue and the House of Representatives is taking it up in the coming weeks. You may want to consider contacting Congressman Gibson if you are in a flood zone.

These are very important issues in our community because so many people now live inside the designated flood area. I urge you very strongly to please take the time to find out more about what this means for you and your property.