The Federal Emergency Management Agency will hold an open house in Benton Harbor this week to show the public its latest flood maps for Berrien County.
FEMA engineer Ken Hinterlong tells us the agency periodically will review data from the area and determine where flooding could be most likely.
“We have authority to map any and all floodplain that causes flood damage at a 1% chance level, meaning what a lot of folks refer to as the 100-year floodplain,” Hinterlong said.
Hinterlong says the maps help regulators determine flood insurance requirements. They also help steer development.
“Local communities use them for floodplain regulation or floodplain management regulations administered by both the state as well as local communities, and any community that has land use jurisdiction.”
The latest review took a look at the St. Joseph River watershed, which affects 29 communities, including seven charter townships, 11 townships, six cities, and five villages. The maps also cover Paw Paw Creek and McCoy Creek.
Anyone can view the new maps and talk with FEMA about them at the open house this Thursday. It’ll be at the Benton Harbor Public Library from 4 to 6 p.m.
Hinterlong says the open house is an opportunity for homeowners, renters, and business owners to learn about how they can protect themselves from potential flood losses.
