[Archived] FEMA Flood Map Appeal Period Now Open

For Immediate Release: July 22, 2021

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is proposing updates to the City of Alexandria’s current floodplain maps and has requested that the City provide community outreach assistance. Individual property owners who are affected by the changes are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period before the maps become effective in fall 2022.

The 90-day appeal period begins today, July 22. Alexandrians are encouraged to review the updated maps, as they reflect the current flood risks of where you live or own property and requirements for flood insurance coverage. These factors can affect the cost of your policy.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials; however, individuals may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map are technically or scientifically incorrect. Please follow these guidelines when submitting an appeal:

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the Preliminary Flood Insurance Study was in progress.
If property owners see errors that do 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.

Please submit questions or appeals via email to stormwater@alexandriava.gov or mail them to: Brian Rahal, P.E., CFM, Transportation & Environmental Services, 2900B Business Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314.

FEMA flood maps inform communities about local flood risk and set minimum floodplain standards, helping communities to build safely and resiliently. 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 that FEMA is developing are scheduled to go into effect in Alexandria and neighboring jurisdictions in the fall of 2022.

Appeals must be received by the City of Alexandria by 5 p.m., October 20, for submission to FEMA. Visit alexandriva.gov/FloodMap for information about the floodplain map update process and potential impacts to existing and proposed redevelopment or view frequently asked questions.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Kelly Gilfillen, Acting Communications and Public Information Director, at kelly.gilfillen@alexandriava.gov or call 571.208.9001.

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