1. 2007 Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Windsor Park / Effingham Way area Approximate “A” Zone Issues

2. Windsor Park/ Effingham Issue
A new “A Zone” has been identified for this area
An “A Zone” is a Flood Zone with no published Base Flood Elevation (Flood Stage)
Area residents have been required to obtain Flood Insurance by their mortgage companies
Maps may not reflect the actual likelihood of flooding in this area

3. Map Modernization in GA
In 1999, the State of Georgia entered into a partnership with FEMA Region IV
Georgia DNR assumed responsibility for digital floodplain mapping for all 159 counties by 2009
FEMA provides funding for this initiative on a year-to-year basis

4. Map Modernization in Columbus
Previous Flood Insurance Study and maps were effective from May 3, 1993 until September 4, 2007
“Flood Zones” were drawn using 10-ft contour USGS Quadrangle maps
Several unstudied “A” zones appeared in developing areas

5. Map Modernization Timeline
April 10, 2006 – Received Preliminary FIS and FIRMs
May 23, 2006 – Public Meeting at the Government Center Annex, GaDNR and PBS&J in attendance, start of comment period
September 5, 2007 – FIS and FIRMs are effective

6. Map Improvements 2007 vs. 1993
Portions of Heiferhorn, Roaring Branch and Flat Rock Creeks were redrawn using better topography
A Limited Detail Study was performed on Lindsay Creek East Branch
Aerial Photography serves as the background on all maps
Information in GIS format

7. East Lindsay Branch Limited Detail Study
Purpose was to provide the Community with “Better Data” with which the floodplain could be more accurately managed
Engineering modeling was performed using the 2-ft topography provided by CCG as well as the field validation of culverts

8. Lindsay Creek East Branch Limited Detail Study (cont.)
Engineers did not incorporate the Spillway of the Lake Heath Dam into the model
The model considered the dam to be a wall, or weir, of consistent height
An advisory or approximate Base Flood Elevation of was determined
The contour was mapped and new Approximate A Zone defined.

9. 1993 Approximate A Zone

10. Flood Insurance
Residents have been receiving 45-day notices from their mortgage companies
Mandatory Purchase Requirement if structure (with active mortgage) is in the “Flood Zone”
Most residents qualify for Pre-FIRM rates (subsidized)

11. Flood Insurance (cont.)
Premiums are based on:
Rating (from Elevation Certificate)
Amount of Insurance for Structure
Deductible
Contents Coverage
Zone
Pre-FIRM or Post-FIRM
Premiums are normally placed in escrow

12. Letters of Map Amendment
Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs) are documents that remove structures or defined parcels of land from the Flood Zone
Two Types
LOMA - Out as Shown
LOMA – Normal (Requires Elevation Certificate)
Elevation Certificates are completed by either a Registered Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer

13. CCG Responses to Date
Week of October 8th – Citizens in the newly defined “A” Zone begin receiving letters from their mortgage companies and begin calling CCG for assistance
Three Conference Calls with FEMA, PBS&J and GaDNR
Two direct mailings to the affected communities

14. Options
FEMA and GaDNR concur that a Full Detail Study will be required to revise the three Flood Maps affected

15. Option 1 Continue to use current (2007) Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Panels 0024F, 0025F & 0037F
Residents with active mortgages will obtain Flood Insurance as required

16. Option 2 Have a Full Detail Study completed for this area
Process will require a two-phased approach
Existing Conditions
Conditions after Effingham Way Project is complete
PBS&J is able to supplement the initial work performed with additional surveying, field verification and modeling
Estimated Cost - $30-40 thousand dollars

17. Recommendation
Authorize the Department of Engineering to enter into a contract with PBS&J as a “sole-source” to perform the Full Detail Study
Sign a contract by year’s end to insure that the surveying, modeling, technical review by FEMA and issuance of the Letter of Map Revision all occur prior to September 5, 2008

18. Rationale A more Representative flood model and map for this area
Validate or invalidate three current (2007) Flood Map Panels
If a LOMA or LOMR is obtained within this first Policy Year, residents that obtain Insurance for themselves will be eligible for a Full Refund of the Premiums they have paid in
If forced-placed on their mortgage by the lender, those residents will be eligible for a pro-rated refund

19. Summary
A new “A Zone” has been identified for this area that may or may not reflect the actual likelihood of flooding
Area residents have been required to obtain Flood Insurance by their mortgage companies
Full Detail Study will supercede Limited Detail Study

20. 2007 Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Questions?