City of Salisbury updates flood insurance rate maps

After 30 years, the City of Salisbury says they have changed their flood maps. The City of Salisbury says they chose to adopt a new map because of the increasing rise in tidal waters, frequency of intense storms, and changes in geographical areas that are prone to flooding. The previous Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Study were put into place in September 1984.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has apparently been working with local governments across the country updating and revising FIRM’s and FIS’s, which could include the addition or modification of the regulatory floodway, Base Flood Elevations, Base Flood Depths, and Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations.

To be able to participate in the National Flood Program, municipalities must adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that meet or exceed their minimum requirements. The hope in adhering to the plan is to prevent property and life loss, or the cost that comes with damages.

For details on the City’s new FIRM, which will go into effect on August 17, check out their website.