Press Release

DEC, FEMA plan public Open House in Fonda on July 22nd to discuss new flood maps

New maps, standards, insurance ratings & premiums to be discussed on July 22

FONDA - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be holding a Public Open House Meeting, at the County Annex Building in Fonda, on Tuesday, July 22, from 4-8 p.m., to discuss the new Montgomery County Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in general.

"This is a great opportunity for property owners to ask any questions about floodplain management and flood mapping," Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey T. Smith said. "We are continually working towards the goal of being more resilient and better prepared against severe weather. One way to do that is having the public as informed as possible and this Open House gives residents the chance to ask questions and become more knowledgeable."

Any member of the public can access the mapping system online*. There will be no formal presentation at Tuesday's meeting. The public is encouraged to stop in and discuss the NFIP, the Montgomery County DFIRM, how to read the maps, building standards, insurance ratings & premiums and discuss continued flood mitigation efforts.

The local Map Modernization project is part of a nationwide effort to update the County's flood hazard maps. Montgomery County residents and businesses will now have up-to-date, reliable, Internet-accessible information about their flood risk on a property-by-property basis.

On July 21, County Officials will receive an update about the mapping status and the process moving forward.

If you are unable to attend the open house or any have questions, you may contact Paul Weberg at paul.weberg@fema.dhs.gov or Jason Fenn at jason.fenn@fema.dhs.gov. The NYSDEC floodplain management section, at 518-402-8185, can answer questions about the mapping and the NFIP in general.

FEMA Open House (PDF)