The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Middlesex County, Massachusetts (All Jurisdictions). These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Middlesex County, Massachusetts (All Jurisdictions). These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that our community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Tyngsborough is a participating member of the NFIP which allows flood insurance to be available to anyone in our community. However before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, each community will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. The appeal period ends November 26, 2023.
It is important to note, however, that the sole basis for such appeals is the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the proposed flood hazard determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect. The appeal data must be submitted to FEMA during the appeal period. Only appeals for the proposed flood hazard determinations supported by scientific or technical data can be considered before FEMA makes its final flood hazard determination. Any interested party who wishes to appeal should present the data that tend to negate or contradict FEMA’s findings to the Tyngsborough Conservation Department. In the event that said data is determined not to be appealable, the Letter of Map Revision process is available to change/update the maps.
To find the preliminary copies of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), please go to https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home where you will click on “MSC Search All Products” and then use the drop down feature to find the State (Massachusetts) – County (Middlesex) – Community (Tyngsborough) and then click the “search” button. From there, you will see the effective and preliminary maps. The effective maps only contain the maps that include the Town of Tyngsborough but the preliminary maps unfortunately include all of Middlesex County. The panels for Tyngsborough end in the following four numbers and one suffix: 0104F, 0108F, 0109F, 0111F, 0112F, 0113F, 0114F, 0116F, 0117F, 0118F, 0119F, 0128F, 0226F.
After the Letter of Final Determination is set which will be between December 2023/January 2024, FEMA will hold an open house for the affected areas in Middlesex County. Communities will be informed of the meetings and the public is welcomed to attend to take a look at the maps alongside FEMA Coordinators.
If you have any questions regarding the proposed flood hazard determinations, revised FIRM panels, or revised FIS reports for your community, you can call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance exchange (FMIX) at 1-877-336-2627 or email the FMIX staff at [email protected]. The Conservation Department is also available to try and answer any questions you may have.