FEMA Issues Salem Flood Map Revisions

SALEM, MA – FEMA released their revisions to the Salem flood maps earlier this month. The changes made to the maps are scheduled to go into effect in July, after the appeal period has ended.

The city hired Applied Coastal Engineering in 2015 to conduct a study of the most recent FEMA flood insurance rate maps, according to a statement from Mayor Kim Driscoll's office. After the preliminary review, Driscoll requested $41,150 in funding from City Council to complete a full analysis. The Letter of Map Revision was filed with FEMA in July 2016.

Property owners in revised areas are expected to see a full or partial decline in their flood insurance premiums because of the changes, since the revisions lower the base flood elevations around the city. The city estimates that 650 parcels will be positive affected by the revisions. Roughly 30 will be removed completely from from FEMA flood zone, and an additional 280 will be partially removed.

The rest – 340 – will see a less dramatic benefit as the flood designation is lowered.

"While the precise amount that will be saved by Salem homeowners cannot be quantified, it is likely that it will be greater than the $41,150 that the City invested in the appeals process," read the statement.

"I would like to thank the City Council for their partnership in this work and to our Planning Department staff, especially Tom Devine, who helped guide this process over the last almost two years," said Driscoll. "Hopefully these revisions will provide some degree of financial relief to Salem property owners. We will also be able to move forward knowing that our flood maps as a City are now more accurate overall."

Click here to view the revised flood maps.

Image via FEMA