Bexar County recently issued the following announcement.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided Bexar County with preliminary copies of the revised report for the unincorporated areas of Bexar County. Hard copies of the preliminary revised Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report are available at the Bexar County Public Works building located at 1948 Probandt Street, San Antonio, Texas 78214 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM).
You may view the digital copies of these revised FIRM and FIS report materials on the following FEMA website: https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/searchLoad.action
To find the current flood map for your property, please visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center Website at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home. To view the current floodplain designation on your property and the flood map panel number enter your complete address and zoom in on your property. The panel number will help you find the specific documents you need to review.
These proposed flood hazard determinations, if finalized, will become the basis for the floodplain management measures that Bexar County must adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, before any new or modified flood hazard information becomes effective for floodplain management purposes, FEMA will provide citizens a 90-day period to appeal the proposed flood hazard information presented on the preliminary revised FIRM and FIS report posted to https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/searchLoad.action .
During the 90-day appeal period beginning February 2, 2022, any owner or lessee of real property in Bexar County who believes his or her property rights will be adversely affected by the proposed flood hazard determinations may file an appeal with Bexar County. The appeal request should present to Bexar County the data that negates or contradicts FEMA’s findings.
Appeals need to be submitted to Bexar County by April 30, 2022 at the latest. Appeals should be submitted to FEMA_Appeal@bexar.org.
It is important to note, the sole basis for such appeals is the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the proposed flood hazard determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect. Only appeals of the proposed flood hazard determinations supported by scientific or technical data can be considered before FEMA makes its final flood hazard determination at the end of the 90-day appeal period. Please refer to “Criteria for Appeals of Flood Insurance Rate Maps” for the supporting data and documentation required for an appeal (starting on page 5 of the PDF).
Bexar County will review and consolidate any appeal data and issue a written opinion stating whether the evidence provided is sufficient to justify an official appeal in our own name or on behalf of the interested parties. Bexar County must submit the appeal data to FEMA during the 90-day appeal period.
Note that the 90-day appeal period is statutory and cannot be extended. However, FEMA will consider comments and inquiries regarding data other than the proposed flood hazard determinations (e.g., incorrect street names, typographical errors, omissions) submitted during the appeal period, and will incorporate any appropriate changes to the revised FIRM and FIS report before they become effective.
For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance Exchange toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).
Original source can be found here.
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