BY ROO MOODY, JESSICA SHORTEN & ARIEL WORTHY
FEMA releases updated draft flood maps Houston residents can now see preliminary Federal Emergency Management Agency map data through a new interactive dashboard from FEMA and the Harris County Flood Control District in the first countywide update since 2007. The big picture HCFCD spokesperson Emily Woodell confirmed the county’s 34 floodplain administrators received preliminary data and maps from FEMA in the first week of February. The Modeling, Assessment and Awareness Project (MAAPNext) kicked off in 2019 and aims to supplement FEMA maps while incorporating the data in an interactive dashboard. HCFCD Executive Director Tina Petersen said the preliminary data received from FEMA will help individuals understand potential floodplain impacts. However, she cautioned against using the data formally, as it is set to change.
Public works facility to open in April West University will soon have a new public works facility that will be nearly three times the size of its current facility. The overview Mayor Susan Sample announced Feb. 16 that the $12.4 million facility is expected to open at the end of April and will house the entire public works operational division and the parks maintenance division, which will free up space in the recreation center. The new facility will be at Westpark Drive
Proposed flood hazard zones Draft floodway (extreme-risk) Draft 100-year floodplain (high-risk) Draft 500-year floodplain (moderate-risk)
59
69
610
90
288
BRAYS BAYOU
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SOURCE: FEMA MAAPNEXT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
and Dincans Street. It will be over 17,000 square feet, two stories tall with three vehicle bays, an upgrade from the two at the current facility, officials said.
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The timeline Petersen said any changes to insurance rates and requirements based on the maps won’t be consid- ered until they become official, which could not be until 2028.
WESTPARK DR.
N
9
BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
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