Proposed Beaverhead County Flood Maps Reflect Changes to Local Flood Risk, Insurance Rates

Updates to Beaverhead County’s flood insurance rate maps are nearing completion. The new maps will provide Beaverhead County, Dillon, and Lima with more accurate flood risk information that can help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.

The mapping project was initiated in 2015 as a joint effort involving Beaverhead County, Dillon, Lima, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and FEMA. It is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce those risks.

Before new flood insurance rate maps can become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period during which local residents and business owners can provide additional data for consideration before the maps are final. This appeal period starts on June 9, 2021, and ends September 7, 2021.

Officials encourage residents and business owners to review the proposed flood insurance rate maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements, and any concerns or questions about the information provided.

The proposed maps can be viewed online at www.floodplain.mt.gov/beaverhead, or at the Beaverhead County Courthouse, Dillon City Hall, or Lima Town Hall. The maps also can be viewed on FEMA’s Map Service Center by visiting

https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/.

Appeal packages may be submitted during the 90-day appeal period. The sole basis of the appeal must include the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the proposed flood hazard determinations are scientifically and/or technically incorrect.

For further details on this process, visit www.floodplain.mt.gov/beaverhead or contact Rob Macioroski, Beaverhead County Floodplain Administrator, at 406-683-3768 or Tiffany Lyden, DNRC Floodplain Outreach Specialist, at 406-444-0599 or tlyden@mt.gov.