Public Invited to Attend Open House to Discuss New Flood Insurance Rate Maps

SUMTER, S.C. (September 8, 2016) - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Office of Flood Mitigation will be hosting an Open House for property owners within the Wateree Watershed to review new flood mapping on Monday, September 19 at the Kershaw County Government Center from 4-7 PM. Property owners in Sumter County and the City of Sumter are encouraged to attend to learn about their risk of flooding and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property.

The new preliminary maps were produced through a partnership of impacted counties, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The new maps for Wateree Watershed are based upon the best available flood hazard and risk data. Over time, flood risk changes due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening and shifting, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes. 

“The new maps are more precise and accurate than older maps and will impact property owners in both Sumter County and the City of Sumter,” stated Helen Roodman, senior planner in the Sumter City-County Planning Department. “Residents will have a chance to meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists at the open house to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits, and more.”

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance or contact your insurance agent. 

The Kershaw County Government Center is located in Camden at 515 Walnut Street.

All residents are encouraged to attend the open house. If you have questions about the Sumter County or City of Sumter floodplain development regulations please contact Roodman at (803) 774-1636. Preliminary map documents are also available for review at the Sumter City-County Planning Department, 12 W. Liberty St, Sumter SC 29150 from 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

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