Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps

Full Doña Ana County Map(pdf - 645kb) Get the Facts. Be Flood Smart www.FloodSmart.gov NFIP General Information Line 1 (800) 427-4661

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations; Revised Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report; and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, Department of Homeland Security)

SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, Department of Homeland Security) has released preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) and corresponding Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for Dona Ana County. These DFIRMs contain proposed Special Flood Hazard Areas as determined by Flood Insurance Studies performed by the City of Las Cruces, the Dona Ana County Flood Commission and FEMA.

Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed modified Base (1-percent-annual-chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs) shown on the Preliminary revised Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Comments on any aspect of the FIS and FIRM, other than the proposed BFEs, will also be considered. These BFEs and modified BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures by which Dona Ana County and surrounding incorporated communities are required to either adopt or show evidence of, having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In addition, these BFEs once finalized, will be used by insurance agents, and others to calculate the appropriate flood insurance premium rates.

DATES & SUBMISSION: The appeal period begins following the second publication in the Las Cruces Sun-News and the Las Cruces Bulletin on January 9, 2009 and January 16, 2009, and ends 90 days thereafter. During the 90-day appeal period following the second publication, any owner or lessee of real property who believes his or her property rights will be adversely affected by the BFE determinations may appeal in writing to Staff from the City of Las Cruces or Dona Ana County. The appeals will then be forwarded to FEMA.

Note that the 90-day appeal period is statutory and cannot be extended or shortened for any reason. It is important to know, however, that the sole basis for the appeals is having knowledge or information indicating that the proposed BFE determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect. However, inquiries regarding data other than the proposed BFE determinations (e.g., incorrect street name, typographical errors, omissions) will be considered as comments and not appeals. Any applicable changes will be made before the revised FIS report and FIRM become effective.

During the appeal period, private citizens who wish to appeal should present to Staff from the City of Las Cruces or Dona Ana County the scientific or technical data (preferably in shapefile format) intended to negate or contradict FEMA’s findings in any form.

These preliminary DFIRMs may be viewed on this website or in several locations throughout the county:

Additional locations are being secured and more information will follow.