Meeting in Crystal River, June 29, to help identify flood prone areas, online comments welcome through Aug. 12
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) invites all residents living in the North Citrus Withlacoochee River watershed area to attend an open house-type public meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at the Coastal Region Library, located at 8619 W. Crystal Street in Crystal River, Florida. The water district is gathering information to improve identification of flood prone areas within Citrus County.
Water district representatives will present preliminary data for flood prone areas, explain the basis behind the findings, and gather additional information that may be used to identify areas which may be prone to flooding. After addressing public comments, 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); however, it may be used in future DFIRM updates.
Residents unable to attend the open house may provide virtual public comment now through Aug. 12 at WaterMatters.org/Floodplain. The website will present preliminary data for flood prone areas within the North Citrus Withlacoochee River watershed 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 at (352) 796-7211, extension 4297.