FEMA changes flood mapping in Talkeetna

The Mat Su Borough is asking for public comment on the new floodplain maps introduced by FEMA, the federal emergency management agency, last week.

Pam Ness of Borough Code Compliance says the most drastic change from past maps is that some of downtown Talkeetna is now in the 500-year floodplain instead of the 100-year flood area.  For a number of people that might mean large reductions in flood insurance premiums.

A hydrological analysis was done on Twister Creek, Billion Slough, the Talkeetna River and the Susitna River.  Ness says THAT science provided new information that had not been previously studied.  The last mapping was done in 1985 using approximate methods.  The village and airport were mapped in 5 feet contours.  Science has progressed substantially since that time and the new hydrology testing methods have changed the maps.

Borough Code Compliance urges anyone in the floodplain area, which includes all of east Talkeetna and downtown to look at the maps.  It is a possibility that street names have added or changed since 1985 and there is incorrect information on the FEMA maps.

If residents cannot find the maps on the Borough website, they are encouraged to call Borough Code Compliance for assistance.

The public comment period is open for 90 days and closes May 11th.