Jan. 25 meeting set to discuss new flood maps, flood study for lower Snoqualmie, Skykomish rivers

King and Snohomish counties are hosting a public meeting Jan. 25 in Carnation to discuss a new flood study and draft flood maps for the lower Snoqualmie and Skykomish rivers. The updated information will be used to revise flood insurance rate maps for property owners within the two counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with the counties on the study, which is part of King County's overall floodplain program. FEMA has given King County the highest rating of any county in the nation for its flood hazard reduction services, resulting in a 35 percent discount in annual flood-insurance premiums for county residents.

The Jan. 25 meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Carnation Elementary School, 4950 Tolt Ave. Draft flood maps will be on display for public review and comment. FEMA Region X representatives will provide an overview of the National Flood Insurance Program, and floodplain management specialists from the Washington State Department of Ecology will also be on hand to provide information on state floodplain regulations.

The current floodplain maps, called flood insurance rate maps, will be updated using new aerial photographs, topographic maps and river channel surveys. FEMA has provided a grant to King County through the Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) program to fully fund this project. The CTP Program assists qualified local communities to update maps to improve the information about flood hazard areas.

The new flood study includes 40 miles of the Snoqualmie River, from the mouth upstream to Snoqualmie Falls, and on the Skykomish River from the State Route 522 bridge upstream approximately 10 miles to the railroad trestle along State Route 2. King County and Snohomish County, which is also participating in the CTP Program, are working closely together on all technical aspects of the new flood study.

Study work began in 2004 and involves collecting ground elevation data and aerial photography along the river valleys. Field crews have also collect river channel information by boat.

The information, including estimates of flood elevations and areas of inundation, will be displayed on the draft flood maps at the public meeting, which are also available online at http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/flooding/maps.aspx. Public comments on the draft flood maps will be accepted until Feb. 15.

County staff and the study contractor will review public comments and finalize the draft flood maps, which will be submitted to FEMA for final review and approval. The new flood insurance rate maps are expected to be available later this year.

For more information about the floodplain study, contact Jeanne Stypula, King County's project representative, at 206-296-8380; or Vaughn Collins, Snohomish County's project representative, at 425-388-3464, Ext. 4619. For questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, contact Ryan Ike, Floodplain Management Specialist at the FEMA Bothell office at 425-487-4767.