Maps Give New View on Floods: New Maps Available for Study at Wichita’s Neighborhood City Halls Might Change Homeowners’ Flood Insurance Needs.

By Brent D. Wistrom, The Wichita Eagle, Kan., The Wichita Eagle, Kan.

Dec. 27–New studies of low-lying areas in Sedgwick County could change the cost of flood insurance for some county residents.

Depending on where you live, the cost of the insurance could rise or fall.

The only way for Wichitans to know if they’re affected by the new flood zone maps is to view them at neighborhood city halls. Those who live in unincorporated areas of the county can see the new maps at the Sedgwick County Bureau of Public Services at 1144 S. Seneca.

The maps are the result of studies along portions of Cowskin and Dry creeks. A stretch of the Little Arkansas River from Valley Center to the county line was also re-examined.

Once the maps are finalized in mid-February, some flood insurance policyholders will see changes in their rates.

Robert George, the county’s flood plain manager, said new studies tend to reduce areas previously thought likely to flood.

The county this year sent letters to about 4,000 property owners whose lots are in flood zones. But, he said, the county does not know how many people’s homes could be affected.

People who think the new maps are incorrect can appeal in writing to their local government and the Federal Emergency Management Administration. The deadline for appeals is Feb. 15.

George said valid appeals require professional measures of elevations that conflict with the existing studies.

“Not only is it hard, it’s expensive,” he said.

Reach Brent D. Wistrom at 268-6228 or bwistrom@wichitaeagle.com [mailto:bwistrom@wichitaeagle.com].

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Copyright (c) 2005, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.

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