For the first time since 2009, FEMA will be releasing new preliminary flood elevation maps for Jefferson County.
The maps are being released to reflect flood-sensitive areas following hurricanes Rita and Ike.
The areas the Jefferson County Engineering Department says it's most concerned about is south of Interstate 10: Taylor's Bayou, Hillebrandt Bayou, Labelle, Sabine Pass, Bevil Oaks and Pine Island Bayou.
12 News HD spoke to Herb Johnson who has been a resident of Taylor Landing for 22 years. Johnson tells 12 News HD that his house has only flooded once in two decades. It flooded during Hurricane Ike.
Johnson is concerned the new maps will show his neighborhood is flood prone; forcing him to pay higher premiums.
"My insurance agent told me that if they change the flood mark and boundary lines, my insurance could go from $325 a year to $2,400 a year," says Johnson.
Engineering Director for Jefferson County, Don Rao, says concerned citizens need to voice their concerns to FEMA.
"People come in and say I've lived there for 20 years and I've never flooded. But, they have me in 'X' zone and I'm having to pay high insurance rates," says Rao, "Well, that's the sort of things FEMA needs to know."
Johnson plans on viewing the new preliminary maps on Thursday at a public open house. All Jefferson County residents are urged to attend.
The open house will be held Thursday, January 17th at Ford Park Arena from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. At 10 a.m., insurance companies and mortgage companies can view the maps.
Once the maps are viewed by the public, the public can then voice concerns. FEMA will take those concerns into consideration before drawing the final maps.
