October 13 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is proposing updates to the flood maps for Central Lane County and will be hosting open houses with specialists who can answer floodplain questions for residents.

Open houses are scheduled on:

• Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cottage Grove Armory (628 East Washington Ave. in Cottage Grove).
• Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Lane County Public Works Goodson Room (located in the Willamette Building at 3050 North Delta Highway in Eugene); representatives from the County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield will also be in attendance.

Property owners who may be affected by the proposed updates also received notification of the open houses with their annual Community Rating System floodplain letter at the end of September. 

“Our partners at FEMA have done a great job creating opportunities for residents to view, learn about and provide feedback on these maps,” said Lane County Planning Director Amber Bell.

Updated flood maps better represent flood risk in Lane County by showing the areas with the highest flood risk. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place but, before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. The maps have been updated to reflect the effects of wildfires on the study area since the release of the initial preliminary maps in February 2020. 

The Central Lane community was prioritized for the Risk MAP process based on state recommendations, local community interest, available data, and outdated floodplain mapping. The mapping process is designed to help individuals and communities understand their natural hazard risks and make smart decisions, identify and assess the risk, and work together to support the long-term planning and projects that make a community stronger and safer. Our partners at FEMA have done a great job creating opportunities for Lane County residents to view, learn about and provide feedback on these maps.

The preliminary map may be viewed online at: bit.ly/clmapupdate

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• To request a personalized flood map of your property, email: [email protected]