FEMA Flood Map Appeal

New FEMA flood maps based on a West Coast modeling system were reviewed by town officials and found to contain potential inaccuracies for local terrain.

In the planning-board meeting the Town Engineer identified minor inconsistencies near the seawall and raised concerns that the modeling could inaccurately affect flood insurance and renovation requirements.

The planning board voted unanimously to hire Bob Gerber for $1,500 to evaluate the flood mapping methodology, with a 90-day appeal period noted to begin March 1.

The select-board received an informational update from the Town Manager on the ongoing review of the FEMA flood maps by the Town Engineer.

The board-of-appeals authorized the Town Manager to contract with Applied Coastal Research and Engineering for a $12,500 analysis to refute the modeling after the Town Manager reported the maps appear flawed and impact 2,108 properties.

The board-of-appeals also approved an initial mailing to affected property owners.

The board-of-appeals position supports contesting the maps through the engineering analysis.

In its July 13 meeting the board-of-appeals received an updated report from the Town Manager specifying that the West Coast model overestimates wave heights in marshes, supplying a concrete technical basis for the planned appeal.