Harris County Officials Call on FEMA to Expedite Flood Risk Map Release

The Harris County Commissioners Court convened on August 26, 2025, to address critical issues regarding flood risk management and the urgent need for updated flood risk maps from FEMA. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the county in making informed decisions about flood safety and infrastructure planning due to delays in the release of these essential maps.

The discussion began with a report from Dr. Peterson and her team, who expressed readiness to release local flood risk maps but emphasized the necessity of FEMA's action to proceed. The court members unanimously supported a motion to approve signatures on a letter directed to FEMA Administrator Stolar, urging the expedited release of updated flood risk maps for Harris County.

The drafted letter outlined the long-standing collaboration between Harris County and FEMA in safeguarding communities through various programs, including hazard mitigation planning and flood control initiatives. It underscored the county's experience with catastrophic flooding events, particularly Hurricane Harvey, and the increasing frequency of intense rainfall, which necessitates the most current floodplain data for effective decision-making.

The letter articulated the critical role of accurate floodplain mapping in shaping land use, guiding infrastructure investments, and informing insurance requirements. It also highlighted the substantial investment made by Harris County in overhauling floodplain models and collaborating with FEMA to provide high-quality local data.

Commissioners expressed concern over the repeated delays in releasing the updated maps, which hinder the county's ability to communicate risks effectively and implement timely protective measures. The letter concluded with a call for FEMA to prioritize this request, emphasizing the importance of providing residents with accurate information to make informed decisions regarding their safety and livelihoods.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the court to continue supporting FEMA in expediting the release of the flood risk maps, reinforcing the shared goal of enhancing resilience and risk awareness for the county's 4.8 million residents.