FEMA to use physical map revision; authority moves up modeling work to accelerate map updates

Chris (last name given in transcript as Bockygard) briefed the committee after a biannual meeting with federal and state partners that FEMA plans to pursue a physical map revision (PMR) — a method FEMA uses to issue revised flood maps — rather than a standard Letter of Map Revision for the diversion project.

The authority’s staff and federal partners determined a PMR better suits the project because a large number of map panels must be updated. Chris said the authority’s team will advance hydraulic and flood‑risk modeling now, rather than waiting until post‑construction, to submit model results to FEMA later this year and keep the map update schedule moving while construction continues.

Committee members asked which boundaries would be included in the map revision. Chris said the map revision boundary will be iterative and will be adjusted through modeling and discussions with federal and state reviewers; staff began by evaluating the boundaries used in prior studies and is refining them with new model outputs.

Mayor Carlson and others noted a separate notice related to a Western Cass floodplain update was recently distributed; staff said that announcement started a six‑month process and may affect areas west of the Red River, including parts of West Fargo, but is separate from the diversion’s remapping effort.

Chris said advancing modeling required shifting some funding from the 2027 budget into the current budget to accelerate that work and asked the committee to consider budget adjustments at an upcoming agenda item. He emphasized modeling is the largest technical lift and accelerating it will help meet review schedules.

Ending: Staff said it will provide more details at the upcoming agenda discussion, including schedule options and any associated funding adjustments.