Changes to flood maps announced for Jones County

     FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Jones County. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, and letters were sent to those affected in the fall of 2018. Before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

     The 90-day appeal period has been updated and will end on Jan. 27, 2021. Residents and business owners are also encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

     • Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

     • An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic and hydrologic data, to support the claim.

     • Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.

     • If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information – such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary – they can submit a written comment.

     • The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

     As a result of these map changes, some buildings throughout Jones County may, for the first time, be included in a high-risk flood zone, known as the Special Flood Hazard Area. This may result in those affected homeowners being required to purchase flood insurance.

     Submit appeals and comments by contacting Brenda Leonard, Jones County EMA Coordinator, ema@co.jones.ia.us, 319-462-4386.

     The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: https://fema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e7a7dc3ebd7f4ad39bb8e485bb64ce44. Contact a FEMA Map Specialist at 1-877-336-2627 or FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.