HARRIS COUNTY, Texas \u2013 FEMA has released new draft flood maps that could change how flood risk is measured across parts of Harris County.<\/p>\n
Officials with the Harris County Flood Control District say while some areas are seeing an expansion of the floodplain, others are coming out of it due to years of major infrastructure improvements.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we\u2019re looking at these new maps from FEMA, there is an expansion in the floodplain,\u201d said Emily Woodell, chief external affairs officer for the Harris County Flood Control District. \u201cThat\u2019s because it\u2019s raining more, and these maps reflect that reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
Woodell said the updated maps account for increased rainfall, development across the county, and large-scale mitigation projects, including channel widening, bridge replacements, and expanded stormwater detention along bayous like Brays Bayou.<\/p>\n
At the same time, she said, \u201ca lot of communities are coming out of the floodplain, and that\u2019s because of the improvements that we\u2019ve been able to make.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of those areas is Meyerland, a neighborhood that has experienced repeated flooding over the years.<\/p>\n
Ted Karnezis, a longtime business owner in the area, said flooding once devastated his restaurant.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlood killed us. We flooded pretty bad, had a couple feet of water through the entire place,\u201d Karnezis said.<\/p>\n
His family has operated Old Hickory Inn Barbecue in Meyerland since 1963. Now, he is relocating just down the street. New draft maps show reduced flood risk in parts of the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cWait and see. I guess only time will tell,\u201d Karnezis said when asked whether the new maps give him more confidence. Still, he added, \u201cI\u2019m feeling better about the move here.\u201d<\/p>\n
For many homeowners, the biggest concern is whether a change in floodplain designation will increase insurance costs.<\/p>\n
Woodell said the maps themselves do not determine rates.<\/p>\n
\u201cFloodplain maps actually don\u2019t impact insurance rates. They affect whether or not you\u2019re required to carry coverage,\u201d she said. \u201cThese maps are draft, and they have no regulatory implications at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Woodell, residents should keep three things in mind as they review the changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne, we have a long way to go in this process,\u201d she said. \u201cTwo, it\u2019s critical that folks review these maps and give us their feedback. And number three is our projects are working.\u201d<\/p>\n
The draft maps are subject to public comment and could take two to three years to become final.<\/p>\n
Residents can review the updated flood maps and search their address using the Harris County Flood Control District\u2019s online flood map viewer at hcfcd.org\/MAAPnext.<\/p>\n
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