Federal officials have revised a map of the floodplain in Snoqualmie, changing flood insurance rules for some residents and allowing new downtown development.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a Letter of Map Revision, or LOMR, for the Snoqualmie River floodplain Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The Letter of Map Revision updates the FEMA floodplain and floodway boundaries shown on the maps. This change was based on more accurate topographic information and hydraulic modeling.

Base flood elevations have remained the same or decreased by tenths of feet when compared to the prior FEMA maps, according to a statement from the city of Snoqualmie.

The floodway boundary revision removes a portion of the downtown business district from the floodway, easing restrictions on new construction and redevelopment.

Snoqualmie currently participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which enables residents in the floodplain to purchase a separate flood insurance policy backed by the federal government – even for properties that have been flooded previously.

The modified base flood elevations will be used to calculate flood insurance premium rates for all new buildings and their contents and for the second layer of insurance on existing buildings and their contents.

To continue participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, the community must use the Letter of Map Revision modified floodplain and floodway boundaries and Base Flood Elevations to carry out the floodplain management regulations.

Residents can learn more about their insurance protection options by calling a local insurance agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at 800-427-4661.

The Letter of Map Revision and revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps are on file at City Hall for review and may be viewed at www.ci.snoqualmie.us in the “Legal Notices” section.