JONESBORO — Some Craighead County residents and business owners could see some changes to their insurance needs due to new preliminary flood risk information.
However, Craig Light, Jonesboro’s engineering director, said the proposed new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Craighead County haven’t changed much since they began circulating a couple of years ago. And he said even after a new map becomes official, it will continue to evolve.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has published the proposed maps for the county and its 10 municipalities. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.
Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.
The new flood hazard information from FEMA has been generated in coordination with local community, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review has already taken place, FEMA officials said in a news release.
It’s been 30 years since the current map has been completely updated, although hundreds of amendments have been made through the years in the course of new development.
However, the 1991 map was drawn completely on paper. Since 2004, FEMA has campaigned for…
