Map Moderization

The devastation caused by Hurricane  Katrina prompted The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to mandate the modernization of our National Flood Insurance Rate Maps (NFIP). These maps are critical documents which identify special flood hazard areas and other area's which are susceptible to flooding. The currently approved NFIP maps where adopted in 1988 and are outdated.

As a result, the Kentucky Division of Water has been working closely with FEMA and several engineering firms to provide us with new NFIP maps. The preliminary maps have been presented to the city and the county and are currently under review. There is a public comment period from November 7, 2007 through December 7, 2007 for the non-technical aspects of the new maps. We have provided copies of these maps on the website to allow those who wish to review them the opportunity to do so from the comfort of their home or office.

Below you will find a chart with all of the panels that will comprise the new NFIP floodplain maps. To determine which panel you wish to look at, use the county index map to locate the panel number below. (the panel number is the last four numbers of the panel i.e. 0065C) NOTE: These PDF maps are very large in size and may take some time to load. In our attempts to provide the most detailed information available, we are presenting them in the detail levels provided to us. Thanks for your understanding.

The current NFIP maps for Harrodsburg and Mercer County are comprised of 7 maps. The new maps total 22 plus the index map. As you can imagine, they are substantially more detailed than the current set. As a result of this, there may be property owners who are not in a special flood hazard area today, who will be in a special flood hazard area when the new maps become official.

There will be a grandfather period between now and 30 days prior to the adoption of the official maps to allow those property owners who will be required or desire to purchase flood insurance to obtain policies at the non-flood hazard area (Zone X) rates. If the property owner waits until such time as the new maps become the official maps, then they would have to purchase the policies at the rate for whatever flood hazard zone they are in. As you can imagine, this could result in significant savings to you the property owner.

We are encouraging anyone and everyone who thinks they could be affected by these new maps to visit the Planning & Zoning Office at 109 Short St. in Harrodsburg to get an official determination as to whether or not you will be affected.

NOTE: The grandfathering shall remain in effect as long as the policy is continuously in effect. In other words, even after the maps become official, you would pay the premium rate for a non-special flood hazard area, even though you were in a special flood hazard area.

We are also encouraging anyone and everyone to consider purchasing Flood Insurance. To learn more about Flood Insurance, please visit the FloodSmart.gov website.

The approval process for the new floodplain maps is extensive and is expected to be completed by November 2008. Check back often as this new information is added to the website.