NEW FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS FOR BEAVER COUNTY
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 17, 2015
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), is implementing changes to the Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) throughout the County in accordance with the Biggert-Waters Act of 2012. On August 17, 2015 changes to the above documents will become effective within Beaver County, including Brighton Township.
Based upon the information provided by FEMA, the flood hazard area designations have changed from previous FIRMs. The 100-year flood zones are now designated as areas having a “1% annual chance of flooding”. Similarly, areas formerly referred to as the 500-year flood zone are now designated as areas having a “0.2% annual chance of flooding”. All flood elevations shown in the revised Flood Insurance Study (FIS) are now referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAAVD 88). To convert to this new reference, elevation values from the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 were adjusted downward by 0.52 feet. All areas having Base Flood Elevations (BFE) were re-delineated using updated topographic data. In many areas, the revised elevation reference and updated mapping changed the extents of the flood zones.
As a result of the changes proposed by FEMA, the Township is required to adopt a new Floodplain Management Ordinance that meets NFIP standards. The Ordinance sets standards for construction, land development and other activities within the Flood Zone. This Ordinance will also become effective on August 17, 2015. The Township was required to comply with the new FEMA standards. Failure to comply would cause the Township and its residents suspension from the NFIP.
How can you find out if your property is located within a Flood Zone? Visit https:/msc.fema.gov/portal/advanced to view the FIRMs and FIS. Persons with flood insurance now, or who will need it when the new maps become effective, have an especially strong interest in contacting an insurance agent. In some cases it may be necessary to engage a Professional Land Surveyor or Engineer to provide an Elevation Certificate (EC) to determine insurance premium rates. General Information on National Flood Insurance Program is available at www.floodsmart.gov and at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program.
BEAVER COUNTY FLOODPLAIN
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National Flood Insurance Information