FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for specific areas in Stafford County, Virginia. These updates are based on feedback provided by the community during the first appeal period in September 2020 for Stafford County’s flood maps. On March 25, 2022, community partners are invited to participate in a second 90-day appeal and comment period regarding the proposed updates around the following areas:
- Along the Rappahannock River and on Rappahannock River Tributary 1.
- Along the county border near Fauquier County.
The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.
Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.
- An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
- Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
- If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: John Saunders, Environmental Program Administrator, [email protected]. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/1v4Lie.
For more information about the flood maps:
- Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
- Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at [email protected].
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
Stafford County Flood Mapping Milestones
- March 11, 2019 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
- Dec. 23, 2019 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
- Feb. 19, 2020 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
- Sept. 30, 2020 – First appeal period began.
- March 25, 2022 –Anticipated start date for second appeal period for specific areas.
- April 2023* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at [email protected].
