The City of Alexandria is helping residents navigate upcoming changes to the FEMA flood maps.
On March 1, the City held a virtual open house which provided background on the FEMA flood maps and introduced the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The purpose of FEMA’s flood maps is to establish flood insurance rates within a community and create zones based on flood risk. It also seeks to inform communities on what areas are considered high flood risk and what development rules and regulations apply within flood zones. The last time that FEMA updated the flood map for the Alexandria area was in 2011.
Now, the City is planning neighborhood-specific meetings in May and June to discuss in greater detail the changes that updates to the flood map will have on Alexandria residents and businesses. The virtual meetings will be held on the following dates and residents are encouraged to register for the meeting specific to the neighborhood where they live or work.
- May 19, 7 - 8 p.m. — Four Mile Run FEMA preliminary map numbers 5155190033F and 5155190029F Register to participate
- May 24, 7 - 8 p.m. — Potomac River/Old Town FEMA preliminary map numbers 5155190033F and 5155190041F Register to participate
- June 2, 7 - 8 p.m. — Hooff’s Run FEMA preliminary map number 5155190041F Register to participate
- June 7, 7 - 8 p.m. — Cameron Run, Backlick Run, Strawberry Run, Taylor Run FEMA preliminary map numbers 5155190017F, 5155190036F, and 5155190037F Register to participate
- June 15, 7 - 8 p.m. — Holmes Run FEMA preliminary map numbers 5155190009F and 5155190028F Register to participate
Residents are encouraged to participate in the 90-day review and appeals process this summer before FEMA finalizes the flood maps in the spring of 2022. The new maps will go into effect fall of 2022.
The City encourages residents and business owners to visit alexandriava.gov/FloodMap for information about the floodplain map update process and potential impacts to existing and proposed redevelopment.
Visit alexandriava.gov/FloodAction for frequently asked questions about flooding and information about projects that address flooding and drainage issues.
