Fort Worth Updates Floodplain Maps, Urges Flood Insurance

0:00Fort Worth is updating its floodplain maps along Eastland Creek in the Eastside neighborhoods, mainly because new growth has bumped up flood risks. There, in City Council District 11, they're adding 102 structures to the map, with 11 more showing higher risk, two with lower, and 12 getting removed. Over in District 5, no new ads, but three structures face higher risk, one lower, and three drop off the map entirely. The city wrapped up a detailed flood risk study and plans to send the revised maps to FEMA for approval this fall. Officials estimate adoption in about nine months, though public comments could stretch it to a year or more. Once approved, they'll mail notices to affected homeowners. Residents in these zones might need flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage, but the city strongly recommends it even if you own. Outride. Thanks to Fort Worth's spot in FEMA's community rating system, everybody gets a 15% discount on policies. Plus, any yard work, fences, or building in the floodplain now requires a city permit to avoid worsening floods for neighbors.

1:07At a public meeting on March 23rd, at AM, Pate Elementary, project manager Morgan Wallach shared how the city mows the creek three times a year, clears culverts, monitors water levels, and sends road alerts during storms. No big crowd reactions reported, but folks can check their own risk on the city's flood risk viewer tool. The city's also surveying residents for its next stormwater strategic plan update, so chime in if eastern creek hits home. Keep an eye on those mailers and stay flood smart, Fort Worth. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Dallas News today, AI-powered local news.