Public Open House – Revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently notified all municipalities in Cumberland County that they would be required to amend their Floodplain Management Ordinances and Flood Insurance Rate Maps ("flood maps") by June 20, 2024 in order to continue to be eligible to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a federal program that enables property owners in participating communities to purchase federally-backed flood insurance, and allows communities the ability to qualify for certain federal grants and disaster assistance related to flooding. Property owners with structures in high-risk flood areas who hold mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are required by law to purchase flood insurance and adhere to floodplain management regulations.

The Maine Floodplain Management Program and FEMA are hosting a public open house on Monday, May 13, 2024 at South Portland City Hall to help property owners understand how their flood risk may be changing as a result of the new flood maps and to answer any questions property owners might have about the revised maps. If you think you may be in a flood zone, or are unclear how you may be affected by these mapping changes, you may choose to attend the open house. No formal presentations will be made and no appointment is necessary. You may drop by any time between 3:00pm and 7:00pm on May 13. For more details about the open house click here.

The new flood maps and associated background material were introduced at the April 8, 2024 Town Council meeting and may be accessed online at:https://play.champds.com/falmouthme/event/3039/s/1259 Copies of the new flood maps may also be viewed in person at Falmouth Town Hall.