FEMA Mapping Project - 2022

Almost ten years ago the Town began the processing of updating its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) in order to have more accurate information about the areas in town subject to flooding.  FIRM maps are approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and used by landowners, banks and lending institutions, the Amherst Conservation Commission, the Planning Board and others.  The current FIRM maps in Amherst have not been updated since the 1980's.

The revision process was led by consultants AECOM who performed the technical aspects of the project as well as communicating with FEMA to ensure that the process and maps meet the federal standards.  The proposed maps use accurate topography, the most up-to-date FEMA regression analysis, and data collected through the 2010's.  

The FEMA Mapping Project is in the final step - approval by the Town of the four parts to the project:

1. The Flood Insurance Rate Study

2. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps

3. Local Flood Regulations--proposed Article 16 FEMA Flood Overlay District in the Zoning Bylaw

4. The overlay district--that will be incorporated into the Official Zoning Map