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#18-06 - Amending Chapter 15.30, Section 15.30.030 Relating to Adoption of Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Flood Maps. Second Reading. Adoption.
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SUBMITTED BY: Kate Huber, Senior Planner & Floodplain Administrator
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt Ordinance #18-06, amending VMC Chapter 15.30 to adopt the 2019 FEMA flood insurance rate maps.
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SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Adoption of the 2019 Flood Insurance Rate Maps is the final step in a multi-year mapping process. In 2011, the City of Valdez began working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for the City of Valdez.
The FIRMs and FIS are important tools utilized by the community for our participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a voluntary Federal program that enables property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance protection against losses from flooding. It was established to reduce future flood damage through community floodplain management and to provide protection for property owners against potential losses.
In order for the City of Valdez to participate in the NFIP, we must adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations to reduce future flood risks to new construction and substantially improved structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). When we meet this requirement, the Federal Government makes flood insurance available within the community as a financial protection against flood losses. Our floodplain ordinance must meet or exceed the federal standards.
In 1983, the City of Valdez adopted the first FIRMs and FIS for the area. At that time, we also adopted Title 15.30. (See attachment.) In the years since initial adoption a handful of map changes and revisions have also been incorporated. The ordinance tonight will replace existing FIRMs for all ar...
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