[Archived] City of Alexandria to Host Virtual Open House on FEMA Flood Map Update Process

­­For Immediate Release: February 16, 2021

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating its flood maps of Alexandria and has requested that the City of Alexandria provide community outreach assistance. The City will host a virtual open house on March 1, from 7 to 8 p.m. Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate to learn more about the update to the floodplain maps.

FEMA flood maps inform communities about local flood risk and set minimum floodplain standards, helping communities to build safely and resiliently. The standards also determine the cost of flood insurance, which helps property owners financially protect themselves against flood damage.

FEMA map changes occur periodically, as the agency deems necessary; the maps in Alexandria were last changed in 2011. FEMA develops the new maps and sets the process timeline, which typically takes place over a 36-month period. The flood maps FEMA is developing are scheduled to go into effect in Alexandria and neighboring jurisdictions in the fall of 2022. Before the new maps take effect, residents will be invited to participate in a review and appeals process. 

Current flood map update schedule:

• Preliminary Maps Published – September 30, 2020

• Virtual Community Open House – March 1, 2021, 7 p.m. Register to participate

• 90-day Public Review and Comment Period – summer 2021

• Flood Map Updates Finalized – spring 2022

• New Flood Maps Become Effective – fall 2022

Flood risk changes over time due to weather patterns, land development and erosion. The changes are likely to affect some residential and commercial property owners, who may need to obtain coverage under a new flood insurance policy or alter existing policies. This effort is unrelated to recent flash flooding in Alexandria.

It is important to know current flood risk if your residence or business is in a FEMA 100-year floodplain or is susceptible to damage from any type of flooding, so that steps can be taken to protect yourself, your family, your business and your property. 

Visit alexandriava.gov/FloodMap for information about the floodplain map update process and potential impacts to existing and proposed redevelopment. 

Visit the City’s Flooding and Drainage webpage for frequently asked questions about flooding and information about projects that address flooding and drainage issues.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact geralyn.taylor@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4990, Virginia Relay 711.