Pierce County Seeks Public Input On Updated Nisqually Flood Maps

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Pierce County is updating its flood insurance rate maps along the Nisqually River, and is asking the public to weigh in on the proposed changes.

Flood insurance maps are used by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to show where flood insurance is required, and helps the county determine where floodplain regulations are applied.

The county's flood maps have not been updated since 1987. According to an update from the county, they needed some significant changes, as shown by the 1996 Nisqually River Flood, where several areas outside the current FEMA map were damaged.

The county is asking residents to look the maps over, and share any comments or concerns they may have on the new updates. The maps can be found on Pierce County's website. Comments can also be submitted online. The public comment period began Thursday, and will remain open through Aug, 3.