90-Day Appeal Period for Preliminary Revised Floodplain Maps Begins Oct. 29

On August 29, 2014, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided Brunswick County with preliminary copies of the revised Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for Brunswick County, North Carolina and Incorporated Areas. FEMA has posted digital copies of these revised FIRM and FIS report materials to the following Website: http://www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata. In addition, the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program (NCFMP) has also posted digital copies of these revised FIRM and FIS report materials to the following Website: http://www.ncfloodmaps.com.

These proposed flood hazard determinations, if finalized, will become the basis for the floodplain management measures that Brunswick County must adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, before any new or modified flood hazard information is effective for floodplain management purposes, FEMA will provide community officials and citizens an opportunity to appeal the proposed flood hazard information presented on the preliminary revised FIRM and FIS report posted to the above-referenced Website.

During the 90-day appeal period beginning on October 29, 2015, any owner or lessee of real property in your community who believes his or her property rights will be adversely affected by the proposed flood hazard determinations may appeal to the Brunswick County Floodplain Administrator, Reggie Hucks. It is important to note, however, that the sole basis for such appeals is the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the proposed flood hazard determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect. The appeal data must be submitted to the NCFMP during the 90-day appeal period. Only appeals of the proposed flood hazard determinations supported by scientific or technical data can be considered before FEMA makes its final flood hazard determination at the end of the 90-day appeal period.

Any interested party who wishes to appeal should present the data that tend to negate or contradict FEMA’s findings to the Brunswick County Floodplain Administrator, Reggie Hucks. Appeals should include the tax parcel ID number, address, the owner’s name, the reason for the appeal, and supporting scientific or technical information, including a flood elevation certificate from a surveyor. Appeals can be emailed to reggie.hucks@brunswickcountync.gov or mailed to: Reggie Hucks, P.O. Box 249, Bolivia NC 28422.