The Utah County Commission held a meeting on May 24, 2023, focusing on updates regarding flood risk management and public outreach efforts related to the Provo River. The meeting began with discussions on the impact of water levels on shoreline erosion, emphasizing the need for continuous updates to flood risk maps as water levels fluctuate.
The commission reviewed new flood risk maps, highlighting areas where floodplain risks have been reduced due to changes in water flow. The maps indicate that regions marked in black show reduced flood risk, while areas in blue, gold, and red represent new flood risk zones. The discussion pointed out that the most significant changes are observed west of Interstate 15, where the river's impact transitions to lake effects.
A timeline for the ongoing study was presented, indicating that the river tie-ins were completed in April. The commission plans to conduct targeted public outreach in Provo to inform residents about the upcoming changes. A preliminary flood insurance rate map, which serves as FEMA's draft flood maps, is expected to be released in the fall of this year. Following this, public meetings will be held to allow for community feedback and appeals regarding the maps.
The commission noted that there is an 18-month period before the new maps go into effect, which includes a six-month adoption phase after the final determination is made. To facilitate community engagement, the Provo Resilience Collaborative is developing outreach materials, including fact sheets and a project website that will host all relevant information about the study.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for residents to access the project website for detailed information and resources related to the flood risk study. The commission emphasized the importance of keeping the community informed and engaged as the project progresses.