A proposed Flood Insurance Rate Map update for the Cow Creek watershed was released for public review in late 2016. Before the new map is finalized, property owners and lessees will have one more opportunity to provide engineering data through their community during the official 90-day appeal process. The appeal period began Jan. 19 and will continue through April 18. The new map will provide communities in Barton County with up-to-date flood risk information and tools that can be used to enhance local mitigation plans and help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance. Only portions of Barton County within the Cow Creek watershed are being updated.

The local mapping project is part of a nationwide effort led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to increase local knowledge of flood risks and to support actions to address and reduce those risks. The work in Cow Creek watershed has been led by FEMA and the Kansas Department of Agriculture–Division of Water Resources (KDA–DWR) in partnership with local community officials. The 90-day appeal period provides a time frame during which property owners and lessees can provide engineering data for consideration before the new Flood Insurance Rate Map is finalized.

Submitting an appeal requires the development of science-based data to replace preliminary engineering, which can require a significant investment of time and money. Those interested in submitting an appeal are recommended to first discuss it with their local floodplain administrator to help provide guidance on the process. Appeals must be submitted through your local floodplain administrator. Contact information for floodplain administrators in Claflin, Hoisington, and unincorporated Barton County is available at the KDA–DWR website.

The new map, which also can be found on the KDA–DWR website, is still a preliminary version. Barton County officials encourage property owners and lessees to view the proposed Flood Insurance Rate Map to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

For contact information, to view the new map, or to find out more about the Cow Creek watershed project or other Kansas floodplain mapping projects, visit the KDA–DWR website at: www.agriculture.ks.gov/floodplain/mapping.