April 28 meeting in Vashon to discuss new flood maps, coastal shoreline study

Results of a new coastal flood hazard study, draft flood maps of King County’s marine shorelines and new proposed coastal flood regulations are the subject of a public meeting, set for April 28 at 6 p.m. in the Vashon High School Commons.

King County is sponsoring the meeting so Vashon residents can learn about the new study and draft maps, which will be used to revise federal flood insurance rate maps for property owners within unincorporated areas of the county.

King County is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to improve floodplain information and mapping, which is part of the County’s overall floodplain management program. FEMA representatives will also be at the meeting to provide an overview of the National Flood Insurance Program.

The current flood insurance rate maps will be updated using new aerial photographs, topographic maps and river channel surveys.

The information, including estimates of flood elevations and areas of inundation, will be displayed on draft flood maps at the meeting, and are also available online at www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/flooding/maps.aspx.

Public comments on the draft flood maps will be accepted until May 20. King 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.  After approval, FEMA will publish new flood insurance rate maps.

The public will also have an opportunity to comment on new proposed coastal regulations and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) threshold determination on these regulations at the public meeting, and during the SEPA comment period, which is expected to open mid to late April. These coastal regulations meet the federal requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.

For more information about the floodplain study or proposed coastal flood regulations, contact King County’s River and Floodplain Management Section at 206-296-8001.

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The King County Flood Control District is a special purpose government created to provide funding and policy oversight for flood protection projects and programs in King County.  The Flood Control District’s Board is composed of the members of the King County Council. The Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks develops and implements the approved flood protection projects and programs. Information is available at http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/.

Related information

Floodplain maps

Flooding services and information

King County Flood Control District

King County Water and Land Resources Division