Appeal period underway for FEMA-proposed flood maps in Brookings County

BROOKINGS The 90-day appeal period on preliminary flood maps for Brookings County including the city of Brookings is underway.

Residents, property owners and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to take advantage of the appeal period, which will end March 6.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has proposed updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map for all of Brookings County. A public open house to review the preliminary maps with FEMA representatives took place in Brookings in mid-September.

FEMAs new digital maps use updated data and science to show the extent to which the areas throughout Brookings County might be at risk for flooding. This, in turn, may impact floodplain development requirements and/or flood insurance rates, once in effect.

Flooding is the most costly and common natural disaster in the United States, according to FEMA. The updated mapping process is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce those risks.

Appeal process

The maps are still preliminary. The statutory 90-day appeal period began Dec. 7. The sole basis of an appeal must include the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the flood hazard determinations proposed by FEMA are scientifically and/or technically incorrect.

• To view the preliminary maps, go to FEMAs Map Service Center at https://fema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e7a7dc3ebd7f4ad39bb8e485bb64ce44
• People with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact FEMA. For more information, visit www.fema.gov/event/brookings-county-south-dakota-flood-map-appeal-period
• To learn more about appeals, visit https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_appeal-comment-processing_112022.pdf

Once FEMA reviews all appeals and makes any needed changes, the final steps will start. FEMA will notify the city of Brookings and Brookings County that the maps are final and will take effect in six months. During those six months, the city and county must update their ordinances and land development regulations to adopt the new maps. This new information will be used to manage development in high-risk areas. The maps and any new flood insurance requirements will take effect six months later.