Flood Plain Update to Impact More than 1,000 Properties

More than 1,000 local properties will be affected by the federal government's update of flood plains, with many landowners being required to pay for flood insurance for the first time.

That was part of the message Monday night as the Horsham Township Council listened to a presentation on FEMA's ongoing process, begun in 2003, to upgrade flood maps nationwide.

Before hearing from county officials, Township Manager Bill Walker explained that it has been estimated that 447 local properties, totaling 184 acres, will be added to the flood plains of the Pennypack, Neshaminy and Wissahickon watersheds in Horsham. At the same time, he said, 745 properties, totaling 163 acres, will be removed.

“This means a lot of changes for the community,” Walker said.

While saying the new maps will be more accurate, Walker added that properties determined to be in a flood plain must be covered by flood insurance.

John Lesher, of the Montgomery County Planning Commission staff, explained that FEMA administers the National Flood Insurance Program and that newly affected property owners who act quickly will be given reduced rates. If they wait until the new maps go into effect, the lower rates will not be available, he said.

Lesher and Christina Henderson, of the county Conservation District, also explained that municipalities are required to notify affected property owners and update their flood plain ordinances. He said the county will provide a model ordinance this spring.

Walker said after the meeting that he's not yet sure when notifications will be sent out, but that will happen this year. And he said the township has decided to notify both property owners whose land is being added to the flood plains as well as those whose parcels are being removed.

Lesher said an initial 30-day comment period has passed and FEMA is now in the process of placing advertising in the National Register, a process that takes three or four months. After that, he said, there will be a 90-day comment and appeal period. The appeals must be made to FEMA, Walker said.

After that period, Lesher said, FEMA will advertise again, with its final step being a letter of final determination. Six months after that, the new maps become official.

That could occur as early as September 2012.

Residents can see the pending updated maps at both the township municipal building or the Montgomery County Planning Commission office or county Conservation District office. They also can get answers related to the new maps and insurance by calling 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627),