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Allegany County told to prepare for new FEMA flood maps, likely official in 2028
Summary
Committee chair Gretchen Hancher told the Planning and Economic Development Committee that FEMA is issuing new floodplain maps using updated methods and that the maps are likely to become official in 2028; every town and village will need to adopt new local laws within six months to remain in the flood management program.
Gretchen Hancher, chair of the Allegany County Planning and Economic Development Committee, told members that FEMA is producing the county’s first comprehensive floodplain map update in decades and that the new maps will use a different data set and methodology than earlier maps.
“These are the first maps updated since the 1970s, 80s, maybe early 90s,” Hancher said, adding that federal funding uncertainty left officials without a firm publication date. “From what they said, I'm thinking the new maps will be official in 2028.”
Why it matters: Hancher warned that when the maps are finalized every town and village in Allegany County will have to adopt a new local law tied to the maps in order to remain in the federal flood‑management program. “Every town and village is going to have to pass a totally new law related to this to stay in the flood management program,” she said, and noted that FEMA will provide a template for local adoption.
The committee discussion was a briefing rather than a decision. Hancher said the mapping uses a new methodology and that federal funding uncertainties mean agencies cannot yet state an exact timetable; she recommended starting preparatory work and said the committee will get a fuller PowerPoint update from the county planning director at a future meeting.
Next steps: Committee members were urged to expect template language from FEMA and to be prepared for local adoption within the six‑month window FEMA requires after maps are made effective. The county planning director is scheduled to present a fuller update at an upcoming meeting when staff can run the PowerPoint presentation.
