After an independent consultancy study. the City of Boston has decided to appeal the 2013 Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which could have significant implications for regional insurance providers.
Considering the significant future impact not only for consumers but also insurance providers, the City of Boston hired Woods Hole Group (WHG) to evaluate FEMA’s flood mapping methodology, data sources and modeling. In the end WHG’s report concluded approximately 507 acres of land should be removed from the 100-year floodplain, on top of an additional 33 acres that should be included.
According to a press release from Boston Mayor, Martin Walsh’s Office, the City filed an appeal disputing the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) mapping and flood study approach, citing inconsistencies and potential errors based on technical and scientific grounds.
“The City is ensuring that the new FEMA maps best reflect the current flood risk of Boston,” said Brian Swett, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “However, these maps do not address the future impacts of climate change and sea level rise. We know that coastal flooding will get worse in the decades to come, and the City has a number of initiatives underway to better prepare for this challenge.”
FEMA released Suffolk County’s new maps on November 15, 2013, for public review. The new maps added 1,585 acres of land to the 100-year floodplain, which includes 13,709 housing units and 4,202 businesses. All properties with federally-backed mortgages or loans in the 100-year floodplain are required to carry flood insurance and comply with flood protection standards in local zoning and state building codes.
Additionally, WHG is currently conducting a more in-depth and accurate hydrodynamic flood modeling of Boston Harbor, which after completion will be submitted as supplemental information for a scientific appeal.
The appeal period ended on August 27th, 2014 and the City has assured affected neighborhoods, businesses and groups will be made aware of any developments.
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