New FEMA Maps for Central Texas Expand Flood Plains

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Hundreds of Central Texas residents could be forced to buy flood insurance or face stricter building regulations for new structures nearly three months after deadly flooding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has begun releasing advisory maps.

The Austin American-Statesman reports the maps made public on Aug. 22 face a yearlong review process. The proposals would dramatically expand flood plains along the banks of the Blanco River and tributary creeks.

FEMA’s flood plain maps determine which property owners must buy flood insurance and how high they must build new construction in the areas hardest hit by deadly Memorial Day weekend flooding.

Future construction would be governed by a raised base flood elevation, the minimum height for the first floor of any new building. Building anything lower could lead to higher insurance premiums.