FEMA Flood Map Update

Overview

FEMA, in cooperation with the state of Oregon, Lane County, the city of Eugene, and other local communities, has updated flood maps to better show the risk of flooding in Lane County. To help inform the community, FEMA has put together a virtual resource. Residents can visit it online to learn more about this map update. You can view the virtual resource at: bit.ly/clmapupdate. 

Through this virtual resource, property owners and community residents can learn about the flood mapping process and what the changes mean for them. They can also get information about the National Flood Insurance Program. Residents can learn who to contact if they need more support.

We encourage you to visit the virtual resource, review your flood risk, and ask questions via the contact information it provides. You can preview the Coast Fork and Middle Fork Willamette River map updates directly through the Flood Map Comparison Tool. You can also ask for a flood map for your property by emailing PropertyIDMap@starr-team.com. 

Flooding is the most common and expensive natural disaster in the United States. Studies show that the high-risk areas on flood maps have a 26% chance of being flooded at some point during a 30-year mortgage. Learn more about the costs of flooding and flood insurance on the Flood Smart website at www.floodsmart.gov.

Why are the Flood Maps Changing?

Flood risk changes over time, and mapping technology has improved. By working with the state, county and local communities, FEMA is using updated data and newer technology to update the flood maps. Updated maps will more accurately represent the risk of flooding in your community. 

The new map can help Eugene residents better understand flood risks. This leads to more informed decisions about how to guard against damage and loss.

What does this mean for you?

The new flood map, officially known as a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), identifies areas of flood risk (high, moderate, low). It will influence financial, planning, investment and development decisions.

Owners of structures in high-risk areas will be required to have flood insurance for loans from federally regulated or insured lenders. We encourage everyone to be aware of their flood risk and purchase flood insurance. 

The revised map is available online for public review and comment. You can view the maps here: https://arcg.is/0fGKTr0.

Amazon Creek Floodplain Map Updates

The Amazon Creek Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are being updated through a separate, but concurrent, process than the Coast Fork and Middle Fork Willamette River FIRM updates. This process is known as a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR). The Amazon Creek effective vs. DRAFT SFHA comparison tool is available in the Project Links section below. Please note these changes are in the draft stages and subject to change.

These maps will ultimately be used to support the LOMR process. Following the release of the LOMR, a 90-day appeal period will be offered for the community to appeal the results as needed. After the LOMR becomes effective (approximately one month after the appeal period expires), it will be incorporated into the final maps combined with the ongoing Central Lane County project before the Letter of Final Determination (LFD) is issued. An LFD is a letter FEMA sends to the Chief Executive Officer of a community stating that a new or updated FIRM or DFIRM will become effective in six months.