Borough updates flood maps

aired 02/10 – The Mat Su Borough has been working with FEMA on updating flood maps in the Borough.

Pam Ness with Borough Code Compliance said that little information on flood mapping has changed in the Upper Valley with the exception of downtown Talkeetna.

People who have lived here since the 80s, and even since 2006, know that much of east, and west, Talkeetna is in a 100 year flood plain.  If houses are built, it requires flood insurance.  Ness says that insurance can be as high as $2,600 a year.  If buildings are done correctly, there is a possibility that flood insurance might be as low as $200 a year.

Ness was surprised, and almost shocked, at a recent FEMA change.  She says she is still waiting on FEMA’s reply to their proposed reclassification of part of downtown Talkeetna.  According to the latest maps, some of downtown Talkeetna would now be in the 500-year flood plain and not the 100-year floodplain.  If that is the case, she says some residents and business owners may have a drastic drop in insurance premiums.

Other than that possible huge change, there is very little change, except for the Butte area.  She says there are also minor changes along Willow Creek and Montana Creek.  The changes in the Butte are from a re-examination of a flood that occurred in the 1970s.

The Borough is holding a public meeting with FEMA officials for any Borough resident interested in viewing the maps and getting insurance information.  Flood information is available from the Borough and Ness advises anyone who cannot make it to the meeting to email her at pamela.ness@matsugov.us

The meeting is Thursday, February 11^th at 6 pm at  Borough headquarters in Palmer.