Open House on Proposed Changes to Chehalis Basin Area Flood Maps

Floods are the most common natural hazard in Thurston County, and proposed changes to flood maps may change requirements for property near certain rivers and streams

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Submitted by Thurston County Board of County Commissioners

Thurston County government and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will co-host a community open house in Rochester on Thursday, January 17, to present proposed changes to County flood maps that may affect properties near the Skookumchuk, Black, and Chehalis rivers, and Scatter Creek.

What:  Open House on Proposed Updates to Thurston County Flood Maps

When: Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Grand Mound Centralia, 6223 197th Way SW, Rochester, Washington, 98579

The key change is a proposed redrawing of the flood hazard area which will lead to the removal of 190 structures from the flood hazard area, and the addition of 168 structures. FEMA proposed the flood hazard area revision after completing a study of the Lower Chehalis Watershed using new technologies that provided more accurate details about the location of river flooding.

The proposed changes will guide the County’s land-use and building development regulations, and may also affect the cost of flood insurance for some land owners. County staff and FEMA representatives will be available during the open house to explain the proposed changes to preliminary maps, answer questions, and receive public comment.

To learn more about the County’s Flood Programs, visit http://www.thurstonplanning.org and select ‘Flood Programs’ under ‘Planning Links’ on the left. Information on the Open House is also available online.

You may also email flood-related questions or comments to Tim Rubert, Floodplain Manager, at tim.rubert@co.thurston.wa.us, or call (360) 867-2123.

Featured photo credit: Chris Hamilton

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