Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Franklin County

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map along Gum Run and Middle Spring Creek in the Township of Southampton, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and agency officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period began on Oct. 24, 2025. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information-such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary-they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator or the Franklin County Planning Department: [email protected]. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: Region 3 Flood Map Changes Viewer

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the "Live Chat" icon).
• Contact an agency Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at [email protected].

Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Franklin County Flood Mapping Milestones

• Sept. 11, 2024 - Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• Jan. 30, 2025 - Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map for Gum Run and Middle Spring Creek in the vicinity of Township of Southampton released.
• Feb. 27, 2025 - Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• Oct. 24, 2025 - Appeal Period started.
• November 2026* - New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at [email protected].

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The Federal Emergency Management's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.