MOUNT VERNON, Wash. - Recently released flood estimates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reveal what many in Skagit County had feared; the 100-year flood waters will be much deeper and cause more damage than initially hoped.
The new projections that were finalized in June, more than double the original depth estimates in the County if the Skagit or the Sammish River should meet 100-year, or 1% flood levels.
"The problem is the way the data was compiled," says Chal Martin, Public Works Director for Skagit County. "FEMA predicts that one or all of the levees along the river will fail in a flood. We don't ever expect that to happen."
The new maps would regulate home and business owners looking to expand. The new flood maps would require any owner to build ground levels at or above the flood mark. In some cases, that would mean building the entry way 10 feet or more above ground.
"That would cost more for home and business owners, and in the long term it would bring down the local economy." says Martin.
FEMA's Chief Analyst on the Flood maps says the new estimates are correct and based on higher level technology than was available when the initial maps were drafted in 1984.
"We do stand by the maps," says Ryan Ike. "We think that it's important that people understand the risk."
Business owners like Jeff Kaptein are frustrated. He owns ACE Hardware in Mt. Vernon and says the new regulations only prevent expansion.
"If I want to expand, I have to move my entry way 10 feet off the ground," says Katein. "We tried to get it done before these new maps came out, but we just weren't able to. The flood may come next year, who knows."
The appeal period will begin in October. The maps could go into effect by early 2011.
Tonight, is the first of five public meetings for Skagit County residents to weigh in on the controversial maps.
Meeting times and locations are as follows:
• La Conner: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, Maple Hall, 108 Commercial St., La Conner
• Burlington: 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 17, Burlington City Hall, 833 S. Spruce St., Burlington
• Concrete: 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 18, Concrete Town Hall, 45672 Main St., Concrete
• Sedro-Woolley: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 24, Sedro-Woolley Municipal Building Council Chambers, 325 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley
• Mount Vernon: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26, City Police and Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place, Mount Vernon
Computers will be available at the meetings for residents to determine whether their properties are within the 100-year flood plain.
