Missoula County's Updated Floodplain Maps: What You Need To Know

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On the Wednesday edition of KGVO’s County Talk program, the County Commissioners brought Matt Heimel, Floodplain Administrator and Adriane Beck, Director of the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management, to talk about the proposed floodplain boundary updates.

County Talk Discussed New Floodplain Maps

Commissioner Josh Slotnick explained floodplain maps.

“The DNRC, (Department of Natural Resources and Conservation), in partnership with FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency), are drawing up new floodplain maps. Floodplain maps have been in existence for many decades. The change right now is more around technology than anything else. Now, this is done with LiDAR, which is like radar, but it's sent down from a plane. It's incredibly accurate.”

Heimel explained the importance of flood insurance for those now in the newly drawn floodplain.

“Homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, so flood insurance, especially that provided through the National Flood Insurance Program, can protect one's investment,” said Heimel. “It's not only available to homeowners, but also renters can have ‘contents coverage’. So definitely look into flood insurance if you find yourself in a flood hazard area.”

Matt Heimel Provided Information About the New Floodplain Maps

Heimel advised one caller who was deeply concerned about his property now being on the redrawn floodplain map.

“For this specific instance, this is a great example where I would really invite you to come and speak with me, so that we can look exactly at what is going on here” said Heimel. “Because while it is correct that the floodplain map changes, this portion of property could be mapped as in the floodplain now, but maybe there's some recourse. Maybe there are some options for us to look at, or perhaps we need to really talk about how to take the new maps into consideration.”

Heimel Said the Floodplain Map is Vital to the Stewardship of the Land

Heimel said the floodplain map is vital to the stewardship of the land and the rivers.

“The way I see it, it really comes down to making sure that we have floodplain stewardship,” he said. “We are stewards of the floodplain. On the county end, we're partners in a whole comprehensive floodplain management program. Visit here, or call the county planning office, at 406-258-4657, or email floodplain@missoulacounty.us."