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This is our 50th issue of "Welcome to the Flood Zone!"

Our sincerest thanks to all who have continued to enjoy and share this publication over the past 4 years.

Message from Jim

As we send out our 50th "Welcome To The Flood Zone" newsletter, it is with much pleasure to announce that three members of our staff, Tom Blake PLS, Mark Carpenter PLS, and Nikki Oteyza, Office Manager/Education Coordinator, have successfully completed the process of study and formal examination to obtain the nationally-recognized designation of Certified Floodplain Manager! Professional development continues to play a significant part in our business model, as we remain committed to providing the most current and accurate information to our clients and students. Thank you to the Association of State Floodplain Managers for the recognition!

Nikki Oteyza, Mark Carpenter, and Tom Blake

"NFIP Granfathering Rules for Agents" (FEMA, March 2015)

Resources

NFIP Grandfathering Rules

FEMA recently released a great publication that uses different scenarios to show how grandfathering rules may apply to Pre-FIRM and Post-FIRM properties in light of mapping changes and substantial damage or improvements.

One important fact to note is that if a flood zone determination changes due to a map revision, and lower pre-FIRM rates are available through grandfathering, it may actually be more cost-effective to rate the property using Post-FIRM rates and elevations. Rates for properties with favorable elevations could be lower than the subsidized rate! Added bonus: if you are rated using Post-FIRM rates, you will not be subject to the annual rate increases which are transitioning property owners out of subsidies.
Click here to view the FEMA publication.

FEMA's Letter of Map Amendment Removal Document

Letter of Map Changes

Many homeowners and consultants are becoming more aware of the impact of a flood zone determination on a real estate transaction. The result of this determination could be the difference between getting a loan for that dream house or business, or having to add unexpected flood insurance costs to the equation. What many do not know is that these determinations can be challenged if thought to be incorrect.
Read more to find out about FEMA's process for challenging flood zone determinations.

Remember: Many changes to the National Flood Insurance Program became effective as of April 1, 2015. Click the above photo to view FEMA's Fact Sheet.

FEMA Resiliency Meetings Scheduled in May

In coordination with the Maine Floodplain Management Program, FEMA has two more "open house" meetings in Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties to assist property owners one-on-one with flood risk, mapping, and insurance issues before their maps become effective in July. Please inform your neighbors and your clients!

Lincoln County
Monday, May 11, 2015, 2-4 and 6-8 pm
Waldoboro Town Office, Waldoboro, ME

Sagadahoc County
Tuesday, May 12, 2015, 2-4 and 6-8 pm
Topsham Town Office, Topsham, ME

The 2015 Maine Beaches Conference is July 17, 2015!

Southern Maine Community College, South Portland
The Maine Beaches Conference provides continuing opportunities for communication and exchange of the most current information among beach stakeholders with diverse interests, and presents the findings from the state’s beach monitoring programs. Registration begins May 26th!
For more information visit the: Maine Sea Grant website.

Conference Themes Include:
Weighing the options: understanding the challenges of living on the coast.
Getting ready: preparing for and adapting to the future.
Living with the beach: the nature, culture, and art of our beaches.
Identifying the trends: monitoring, research and emerging issues.
Meeting at the beach: balancing user needs and values.
Caring for beaches: partnership and stewardship.
Using best practices and following the rules: coastal engineering and regulation