Jersey Shore Magazine

FEMA Flood Maps: A Timeline Which came first, the new flood guidelines or Sandy? 1997 FEMA developed a "Flood Map Modernization Plan" to update and digitize flood hazard maps. 2004-2008 Map modernization (Map Mod) funded and work begins. 2009 During Map Mod, FEMA realized the need for new flood analyses and data. As such, FEMA initiates a program called Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP). March 16, 2009 RISK Map approved by Congress. Flood map update projects commence, focusing on determining elevation in floodplain hazard areas. 2010-2014 Based upon RISK Map data, FEMA rolls out digital maps (Flood Insurance Rate Maps), including new flood zoning for some areas and revised insurance rate sheets. July 2012 Congress passed the BiggertWaters Act in an attempt to stabilize the NFIP, which had incurred billions in debt. Congress will no longer subsidized the NFIP. As a result, substantially higher flood insurance rates will be reflected on FIRMs. Jersey shore HOMES RAISING THE JERSEY SHORE, continued from page 69 "The problem is not rebuilding," Kasimos said. "It's rebuilding within the restrictive guidelines within the new FEMA standards." Kasimos created a grassroots organization called Stop FEMA Now to address homeowners' frustration with the FEMA maps. Facing preliminary flood map data and the associated potential of higher flood insurance rates, coupled with the uncertainty of funds to elevate their homes, the question arose: To raise or not to raise? FEMA Flood Maps and Sandy: Impact and Implications FEMA began compiling data to update coastal flood maps in 2009, a process that won't be completed in New Jersey until next year, at earliest, when the FIRMs (Flood Insurance Rate Maps) are finalized. (See Timeline.) Then Sandy pummeled New Jersey. Soon after, Governor Christie released FEMA's preliminary flood map data, called Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFEs), in order to help guide homeowners rebuilding after Sandy. ABFEs display the recommended elevation needed for homes in flood zones. Those that lie within FEMA's one hundred-year flood zone—Zones V and A—should be elevated according to their Base Flood Elevation (BFE). (See Glossary.) Zone V is the area subject to high velocity wave action (a three-foot breaking wave) from the one-percent-annual-chance coastal flood. "Zone V is subject to stricter building requirements than other zones because these areas are exposed to a higher level of risk," according to FEMA. Zone A is also subject to storm surge flooding but not highvelocity wave action. However, FEMA still considers it a "high risk flooding" area. According to the flood hazard emergency rule released after Sandy, new homes and those "substantially reconstructed"—i.e., those homes whose cost of repair equals or exceeds fifty percent of the predamage fair market value of the home—are required to elevate their home according to the ABFE. Homes that have not been significantly damaged have no legal obligation to build higher. However, this doesn't mean less damaged or undamaged homes are in the clear. Homes in Zones V or A may face significantly higher flood insurance premiums via FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if they aren't raised above their BFE when the FIRM is released. In the opinion of many distressed homeowners, the chicken came 2 0 1 3 October 2012 Superstorm Sandy devastates New Jersey. 70 June 2013 ABFEs are revised to reflect new data. Many homes that had been designated Zone V are changed to Zone A. 2014/2015: FIRM maps and final NFIP rate sheets will be ratified and adopted, after about six months to a year of appeals. courtesy of FEMA j e r s e y s h o r e • F a l l / H o l i d a y D ecember 2012/ As New Jersey's FIRM January 2013 map has not been completed, Governor Christie releases FEMA's preliminary flood map, called Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFEs). ABFEs were expedited to assist in the rebuilding process after Sandy. Screenshot of the current FEMA flood map zones from Bay Head south to Silverton. Zone V is indicated in red, and Zone A is yellow. Some areas on the barrier island are Zone A, whereas some areas to the west are Zone V, which has caused controversy.

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