MANHATTAN — A proposed Flood Insurance Rate Map update for Ellis County
was released for public review in November 2019. Before the new map is finalized, property
owners and lessees will have one more opportunity to provide engineering data through
their community during the official 90-day appeal process. The appeal period began Jan.
20 and will continue through April 20. The new map will provide communities in this
area with up-to-date flood risk information and tools that can be used to enhance local
mitigation plans, and help local officials and residents make informed decisions about
reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.
The local mapping project is part of a nationwide effort led by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency to increase local knowledge of flood risks and to support actions to
address and reduce those risks. The work in Ellis County has been led by FEMA and the
Kansas Department of Agriculture–Division of Water Resources in partnership with local
community officials. The 90-day appeal period provides a time frame during which property
owners and lessees can provide engineering data for consideration before the new Flood
Insurance Rate Map is finalized.
Submitting an appeal requires the development of science-based data or technically-backed
information to replace or update preliminary engineering, which can require a significant
investment of time and money. Those interested in submitting an appeal are recommended
to first discuss it with their local floodplain administrator to help provide guidance on the
process, as appeals must be submitted through your local floodplain administrator. Appeal
period guidance along with contact information for floodplain administrators in Ellis
County is available at the KDA–DWR website under the Ellis County mapping project
page.
The new map, which can be found on the KDA–DWR website, is still a preliminary
version. Ellis County officials encourage property owners and lessees to view the proposed
Flood Insurance Rate Map to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood
insurance requirements.
For contact information, to view the new maps, or to find out more about Kansas
floodplain mapping projects, visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/floodplainmapping; select “Ellis
County” to view the mapping project in Ellis County.

Appeal period open for proposed Ellis Co. floodplain map