PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS RELEASED IN ARANSAS AND SAN PATRICIO COUNTIES IN TEXAS

DENTON, Texas – September 23, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Homeowners, renters and business owners in Aransas and San Patricio counties in Texas are encouraged to look over newly-released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks in their area. Residents and business owners can use this information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and other building decisions. Community leaders can use this information to identify how the community should move forward with any development.

The preliminary flood maps denote the location of a non-accredited levee system, the Aransas Pass Levee System, in both counties. The system does not currently comply with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. County and community officials are coordinating with FEMA to update this hazard information.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

To view the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator who may be located at City Hall or the local courthouse. You can also visit http://msc.fema.gov/portal, http://maps.riskmap6.com or www.txchart.com. To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist (at) riskmapcds (dot) com.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.

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