DENVER - Flood insurance rate map changes for the Musselshell River through Golden Valley County are nearing completion. The new maps will provide 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 several years ago by counties along the Musselshell River and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). It is part of a nationwide effort led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce those risks.
“Some sections of the Musselshell River have old floodplain maps that were produced over 30 years ago, while some sections had no maps at all to identify flood risk areas” explained Tiffany Lyden, DNRC Floodplain Outreach Specialist. ”Updating and developing new, accurate floodplain maps is a key step in providing accurate information to help keep families, homes, businesses, and infrastructure safe from future flood events.”
New flood insurance rate maps for the Musselshell River through Musselshell, Rosebud, and Petroleum Counties have been in effect since November 2019. Before new flood insurance rate maps can become effective in Golden Valley County, 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 for Golden Valley County starts on September 3, 2020 and ends December 2, 2020.
Golden Valley County 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/musselshell and at the county and town offices.
If you have technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, you may be able to appeal the flood risk information on the proposed maps during the 90-day Appeal Period. For further details on this process, visit www.floodplain.mt.gov/musselshell or contact Page Dringman, Golden Valley County Floodplain Administrator at 406-932-5470 or Tiffany Lyden, DNRC Floodplain Outreach Specialist at 406-444-0599.