Flood maps updated for Tangipahoa Parish

New Orleans CityBusiness, Feb 28, 2008 by Reports

The public will be able to view revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps for Tangipahoa Parish from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Louisiana Department of Labor Conference & Training Center, 1711 Nashville Ave., in Hammond.

Specialists will be at the open house to answer questions from the public and provide additional information about the flood mapping process, the impact of new flood maps for Tangipahoa Parish and flood insurance benefits and requirements.

The maps, which replace current maps that were made using older technology, will be available in digital and paper formats.

The National Flood Insurance Program uses the maps, which illustrate flood-risk zones.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which manages the NFIP, spearheaded the development of the new maps.

"This is a great step forward for Tangipahoa Parish," said Jim Stark, acting associate deputy administrator for FEMA's Gulf Coast Recovery Office. "By having these updated flood maps, residents and community officials can better understand their risks and make safe, informed choices on where to live and how to build."

FEMA said it has delivered preliminary versions of the flood maps to floodplain managers and code officials in communities throughout the parish, including Amite, Hammond, Independence, Kentwood, Ponchatoula, Roseland, Village of Tangipahoa and Tickfaw.

A map covering unincorporated areas of Tangipahoa Parish was also provided to the parish.

Public reviewing of the maps is part of the process that precedes adoption of the maps.

While adoption is voluntary, it is a requirement for participation in the NFIP.

For more information, go to www.lamappingproject.com.