The Federal Emergency Management Agency is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Jefferson County, West Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. The 90-day appeal period will begin Aug.14, 2025.
The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and agency officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.
Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.
- An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
- Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
- If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator:
- For the Town of Bolivar, please contact Chris Higdon by email at bolivarth@frontiernet.net or by phone at 304-535-2476.
- For the City of Charles Town, please contact James Newman by email at jnewman@charlestownwv.us or by phone at 304-724-3251.
- For the Town of Harpers Ferry, please contact Steve Paradis by email at sparadis@harpersferrywv.us or by phone at 304-535-2206.
- For the City of Ranson, please contact Reiley Stanley by email at rstanley@ransonwv.us or by phone at 304-724-3861.
- For the Town of Shepherdstown, please contact Gino Sisco by email at gsisco@shepherdstown.us or by phone at 304-876-2312.
- For Jefferson County (Unincorporated Areas), please contact Mason Carter by email at engineering@jeffersoncountywv.org or mcarter@jeffersoncountywv.org or by phone at 304-728-3227.
The new preliminary maps for Jefferson County may be viewed online at the Region 3 Flood Map Changes Viewer.
For more information about the flood maps:
- Use a live chat service about flood maps at the Federal Emergency Management Agency Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX). Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
- Contact an agency Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
Jefferson County Flood Mapping Milestones
- April 17, 2024 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
- Sept. 24, 2024 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
- Dec.11, 2024 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
- August 14, 2025 –Appeal Period starts.
- Summer 2026* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)
If you have any questions, please contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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