Contributed photo
Contributed photo
The Village of Itasca has been closely following work by DuPage County, the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) and FEMA as they update the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for DuPage County.
Using the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) and a review of FEMA data, DuPage County was able to release preliminary copies of updated floodplain maps for public review and response in August. Those draft maps revealed areas of Itasca, particularly the Willow Street and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods, as lying within the 100-year floodplain. Prior to this map, a floodplain had not existed in this area.
In response to this new information, village leaders hosted a special meeting to provide information to the neighborhood’s affected property owners. Attendees were given sample letters to respond to the county and ISWS.
Over 500 comments were received, prompting FEMA and ISWS to postpone the next phase of the public-review process, which was a technical appeal period. The delay will give the county time to review the comments received and determine how to resolve them.
It is anticipated that some watersheds may need to be re-studied, and models, maps and flood profiles may need to be redrawn to more accurately depict the 100-year floodplain.
Once updated, the revised preliminary floodplain maps will be made public for review and comment, and the preliminary map process will start again. Property owners with questions about the timeline or process should contact Community Development Director Nancy Hill at 630-228-5621 or via email at nhill@itasca.com.
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