New York—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released a flood map revision for areas in Dutchess County which received flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) in 2012.  Communities impacted by this map change include the Town of Fishkill and the Town of Wappinger.

This revision shows the 1% annual chance flood hazard as decreasing, and incorporation of this new information into the maps will allow for an improvement in the precision of the flood hazard information shown on the 2012 effective maps.

FEMA will use the Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) process to update the FIRMs.  After the LOMR has gone in to effect, FEMA, under existing authorities, will offer insurance refunds for the current policy year to property owners whose homes were removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).  Refunds will only be available to homeowners who have not received claim payments under their National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy. 

Prior to the LOMR becoming effective, FEMA must produce revised mapping products and allow for a statutorily required 90-day appeals period.  Upon resolving all appeals, FEMA will issue an effective LOMR.  FEMA estimates the revised maps to become effective in April of 2014. 

In close coordination with the Towns of Fishkill and Wappinger, FEMA expects to participate in a public meeting with residents as soon as possible to assist each property owner with specific guidance on how to utilize the revised maps.

For more information on the revision and what it means for an individual property owner, residents should contact their local floodplain administrator.  Copies of the revision have been provided to the Towns for their use and dissemination.

Region II External Affairs: (212) 680-3616;  FEMA-R2-ExternalAffairs@fema.dhs.gov

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