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Westport Island adds sea‑level rise scenarios to public GIS
Summary
The select board voted to accept a county‑prepared KML layer showing multiple sea‑level rise and storm‑surge scenarios for Westport Island and to publish it on the town GIS site so residents can view projected inundation under different scenarios.
The Westport Island Select Board voted June 16 to add a sea‑level‑rise and storm‑surge scenario layer to the town’s public GIS. The layer, prepared as KML files by county planners in line with state guidance, includes multiple scenarios residents can toggle to see potential inundation of buildings and roads.
A staff member explained the layer displays buildings that would be inundated in bright red and colors roads pink where they are affected, and that the county created five scenarios that correspond to state planning guidance. Board members discussed concerns that publishing the maps could affect property sales and noted that the information is public: "It is accessible," one member said, adding that realtors would still determine disclosure obligations.
The board directed staff to work with Dennis and town administrative staff to post the layer and an explanatory two‑page diagram on the town site so residents can interpret the scenarios. The motion to accept the new GIS layer was made and approved by voice vote.
Board members emphasized the tool is intended for planning and public awareness: it shows a range of probabilities and is meant to help officials and residents prepare for potential impacts to roads, causeways and low‑lying homes.
