NCAFPM Regional Reports
On August 30 the NCFMP released the first truly digital Preliminary Map Maintenance updates for Orange County (and also for Alamance and Chatham Counties, which are not in Region B). This Preliminary release was the first in the nation that did not include hard copy, legacy NFIP products, but rather provides the communities with the geodatabase of the entire flood hazard dataset, from which on-the-fly FIS, FIRMs, and the digital data can be incorporated into the communities GIS for ease of access and review. These three counties have conducted public outreach meetings, and to date have reported that citizens have found the digital data easy to access and understand; two appeals have also been submitted.
Region B Randy Mundt, AICP, CFM
The following counties in Region B are scheduled to have new Preliminary data released in the next six months: Johnston (April); Durham and Wake (June/July).
The Town of Wrightsville Beach is continuing to remain busy with residential development and floodplain issues. The town is in the process of a cycle modification of its CRS program and trying to reach a class 7 in 2014. In addition, we have invited a consulting company to speak at our board meting in March concerning grants for the elevation of structures. The grants are just a few possibilities for communities to receive discounts on flood policies and reduce insurance premiums.
Region C Tony Wilson, CFM
Is building higher smarter or not allowing any enclosures on the ground floor? It is my opinion that our community’s Base Flood Elevations have reached its peak. Elevation is very important, but imagine a elevated community with no enclosures.
News from New Hanover County: The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners approved increasing a budget to map the shoreline in the county by an additional $50,000 at their February 17 meeting. According to Jim Iannucci, County Engineer, at the July 15, 2013 Commissioners meeting, staff brought forward a proposed project requesting the Commissioners’ approval to move forward with releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP), ultimately selecting engineering and surveying professionals to implement the oceanfront and inlet shoulder — continued on next page
Spring 2014
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