Crawford County officials notify property owners of preliminary FEMA flood maps, 90-day appeal window

Crawford County commissioners told residents at their August meeting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and an accompanying Flood Insurance Study for Crawford County, starting a 90-day period for technical comments and appeals. The maps could add or remove structures or land from the regulated special flood hazard area that determines local floodplain management requirements and eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program. Commissioner Jim Emerson briefed the panel and said the county will publish notice and make the maps available on the county website. Why it matters: changes to the FIRM can affect flood insurance requirements and property transfer disclosures. Owners newly placed in a floodplain may face higher insurance and sale impacts; those removed can avoid costly elevation work or insurance requirements. County staff emphasized the appeal process is the last practical chance to seek map changes without costly individual technical work. Commissioner Emerson said some properties will be removed, others expanded, and that appeals, if needed, may require engineering documentation or a Letter of Map Amendment, which is more expensive once maps are final. He urged residents with questions to contact county staff and to check the published maps. County staff member Kyle was identified in the meeting as working on outreach and notification; officials said Kyle has been contacting affected property owners. County Clerk Lisa Lusker and other staff will help post notices and information. A resident who said their home of nearly 60 years now appeared in the floodplain asked who to contact; commissioners pointed to Kyle and county staff for follow-up. The county noted the preliminary determinations have been in local newspapers; the 90-day statutory appeal period begins with the second publication date. Officials said they have worked on the mapping for about two years and will assist owners in understanding next steps. No formal county action was taken at the meeting; the discussion was informational and staff were directed to post the FEMA materials and continue outreach. County residents who are unsure whether their property has changed or who want to appeal should contact county staff as soon as possible to confirm deadlines and required documentation.