August 1, 2023 |
Photo – FEMA Flood Plain Map – Bigfoot99 file photo
Saratoga Mayor Chuck Davis is asking residents to bring any information that refutes the new FEMA flood map to an August 15th public meeting.
In November of 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency presented an updated Carbon County flood insurance rate map. Some Saratoga residents were confused about why certain properties were now in the flood plain when neighboring properties were not.
This past February, former Saratoga council member Jon Nelson contacted FEMA and said he had proof that some of the computer data used by the federal agency was wrong. Apparently, FEMA agreed because in early July the Board of Carbon County Commissioners and the Saratoga town council received letters stating that a 90-day appeal process would begin on July 26th. The three-month appeal time will allow residents in three areas of Carbon County to gather information that refutes FEMA’s findings.
Saratoga is at the epicenter of the appeal process. The three zones under scrutiny are either in or near the town. Mayor Chuck Davis will hold a special public hearing before the August 15th normal town council meeting to discuss the appeal process.
In the FEMA letter, residents are asked to bring any “scientific or technical data” that contradicts the government agency’s findings. No one knows exactly what type of “scientific or technical data” FEMA is looking for. Mayor Davis said residents should bring any information related to flooding to the August 15th public hearing. The mayor said the flood map appears to use simplified data. Mayor Davis said it’s up to residents to prove the federal government wrong.
Mayor Davis said he has a large copy of the FEMA flood insurance rate map posted in the Saratoga town hall. He encouraged residents to look at the map and see if their property is affected by the changes. The mayor said everyone in the flood plain will be required to purchase insurance through the federal government, including the town.
Mayor Davis said he isn’t entirely clear on what kind of information FEMA needs to disprove its flood map. The mayor said he wants to make sure the people of Saratoga are treated fairly.
The special public hearing is scheduled to begin at 4:30pm on Tuesday, August 15th. Mayor Davis said he will try to get more information from former councilman Nelson before the hearing. Following the public hearing, the regularly scheduled Saratoga town council meeting will begin.
People living outside of the incorporated areas of Saratoga contained in the flood plain appeal are being asked to contact Carbon County Planning and Development Director Sarah Brugger. Call 328-2752 or email sarahbrugger@carbonwy.com for more information.
The 90-day appeal process is scheduled to end sometime around October 24th.
