Letter From Mayor: Update on Work to Revise FEMA Flood Maps

Mayor Jay Gillian posted his weekly open letter to citizens on Friday, and this edition outlines the measures an outside consulting firm is taking to revise the flood zones designated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) maps for Ocean City.

The maps could have potentially dramatic effects on required building elevations and flood insurance premiums.

May 10, 2013

Dear Friends:

The City has recently received a progress report from our coastal engineering consulting firm, Atkins, NA.  This firm was retained to review and analyze FEMA’s Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) Maps for Ocean City.  The objective is to work with FEMA toward having the next set of maps that are released much more accurate and realistic.

Atkins has been to Ocean City on multiple occasions over the past few months.   They have familiarized themselves with our community and our coastal features.

Atkins has also closely reviewed the ABFE Maps and the data that went into them. They have determined the obvious areas of concern, primarily the sections of the island that have been inappropriately placed in the “V” zone. 

Atkins and city staff met at length with FEMA Region II personnel and contractors on March 28, 2013. The objective of this meeting was to obtain a better understanding of the approach FEMA followed to produce the ABFE maps and their future plans for revisions. There was a clear acknowledgement that what FEMA has done to this point is well short of a complete study according to their own guidelines.

FEMA advised that they are completing a more formal flood potential analysis and mapping exercise over the summer. The city was encouraged to provide suggestions, updated data, revisions and comments to FEMA during this process.  Atkins has been directed to undertake this next phase of the project on our behalf.

At the end of the month, Atkins personnel will again be in Ocean City to undertake additional field work analysis.  FEMA has been requested to participate in the work.  Following this, Atkins will provide FEMA with a Findings Report and associated data.

We have been advised that we can expect to receive a new set of “work maps” during the summer, prior to the release of preliminary maps in the fall.  Accordingly, our consultant is on schedule and on task.

I have increasing confidence that FEMA will remain receptive to our consultant’s input toward an improved map product for Ocean City.

Have a great weekend!

Warm Regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor