Public meeting, Dec. 6 in Lecanto, FL, to discuss flood prone areas in the Chassahowitzka River Watershed
SWFWMD photo of Chassahowitzka River.
Citrus County, Florida - The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD or water district) is hosting an open house on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, at 4:00 p.m., at the Citrus County Government Building, located at 3600 W. Sovereign Path in Lecanto, FL. The open house was scheduled so that information can be gathered to improve identification of flood prone areas in Citrus County. Residents living in the Chassahowitzka River watershed are are invited to attend.
Water district representatives will present preliminary data for flood prone areas and explain the basis behind the findings, and also gather additional information that may be used to identify areas which may be prone to flooding. After public comments are addressed, information will be finalized and presented to the water district’s Governing Board for approval to use the data for regulatory purposes. This information is not currently being incorporated into the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) although it may be used in future DFIRM updates.
Residents unable to attend the open house may provide virtual public comment - now through Dec. 30, 2022 - at WaterMatters.org/Floodplain. The website will present preliminary data for flood prone areas, and the public will have the opportunity to submit comments.
The information, which identifies areas prone to flooding, can be used by local governments for land use and zoning decisions, to help manage development in and around floodplains and wetlands, to reduce flood risks, to preserve land and water resources, and for emergency planning. It will also provide valuable information to the public for decisions about purchasing and protecting property.
For more information or to find out which watershed you live in, please visit WaterMatters.org/Floodplain or call the water district office at (352) 415-0974.