What kind of computer do you use? Some old Heathkit set you soldered together with a woodburning tool? Unless that’s what you’re using, they probably have something for you: [link]

We’re still using 1968 data from the last big flood!

We have $1M for watershed art placed in the Allen’s Creek watershed (and other projects that use stormwater fees: paving streets, cutting and planing trees, police and forester) but not about 1/4 of that to collect data to make these maps meaningful to help protect life, health and property. UofM is also heavily negativity impacting the watershed but little or no help there either.

There is some talk of now doing data collection and model calibration which is good, and long overdue and greatly needed.

Yes.

Letter to those with property that changed to designation within floodplain:

Dear Property Owner:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be issuing new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) on April 03, 2012. These maps may change the flood zone designation for your property located in the City of Ann Arbor. Based on a review of the new maps by the City staff, your property may now be mapped in an area that requires the purchase of flood insurance. If you have a mortgage and the structure(s) is determined to be in a Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain) by your lender, you will be required by your lender to purchase flood insurance. There are several courses of action available to you:

1. Do Nothing – When the new maps become effective in April your mortgage company (if applicable) will review them, and if they find that the structure(s) is now in an area that requires flood insurance, your lender will contact you and direct you to purchase flood insurance.

2. Purchase Flood Insurance – All private insurance writers have the ability to provide flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Contact your insurance agent to inquire about rates for your structure.

The new flood maps are available on the City of Ann Arbor’s web page at: http://www.a2gov.org/floodplains

Please note that these maps are a product of FEMA. The City can only offer you information concerning your options, but the final determination is between your mortgage company and FEMA.

If after reviewing the flood maps you feel as if your structure(s) is not in the floodplain you may apply to FEMA for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). A LOMA specifies a structure’s location relative to the Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain). This process entails hiring a Licensed Land Surveyor or a Registered Professional Engineer. Additional information about the LOMA process can be found at: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/fmc_loma.shtm To learn about the risk of flooding, visit the website http://www.floodsmart.gov

Letter to those with property that changed to designation outside floodplain:

Dear Property Owner:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be issuing new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) on April 03, 2012. Upon review by City staff, it appears that a structure(s) on your property will no longer be in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain).

The new flood maps are available for review on the City of Ann Arbor’s web page at: http://www.a2gov.org/floodplains

If you are currently paying for flood insurance, you are encouraged to call your mortgage company about the possibility that they will now drop this requirement.

Although flood insurance may no longer be required for your property, FEMA encourages homeowners to continue coverage even though the structure(s) appears to be mapped outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain). If you decide to continue your flood insurance, the rate could be lower due to the new flood designation. To learn about the risk of flooding, visit the website http://www.floodsmart.gov