CRESWELL – The Sept. 10 meeting at the Creswell Community Center brought together Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, local administrators, and residents to discuss upcoming changes to floodplain maps in the Creswell and Cottage Grove areas.
The update, part of a long-term national effort, utilizes new technology and data to assess flood risks more accurately, and also alters which properties are considered at risk.
That also means new insurance requirements for some residents.
Marshall Rivers, FEMA Region 10 representative, led a presentation and answered questions in Creswell that Wednesday night.
Rivers said that new flood maps have been created using advanced technology, including light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and updated survey data, to provide a more accurate assessment of flood risk. The new maps are based on more precise elevation and terrain data, replacing older, less accurate information from previous decades. The modeling now better reflects current conditions, but is still considered a “snapshot in time,” Rivers said.
Updated flood maps will redefine which properties are considered at high or moderate risk for flooding. Some homes will be added to, and others removed from, the high-risk zones.
Across the entire study area, the number of structures in high-risk zones is being reduced, but in Creswell – especially east of I-5 – more properties are being added to the high-risk area.
What’s more, residents with federally backed mortgages in newly designated high-risk zones will be required to purchase flood insurance, which could significantly increase costs.
The changes may affect property values, insurance costs, and future development or construction in affected areas.
Many residents expressed concern about the affordability of flood insurance, especially those on fixed incomes. Other attendees questioned the accuracy of the maps, noting that their properties have never flooded or are above the floodplain according to private surveys. There was frustration about the perceived lack of recourse after previous appeals or protests.
Around two dozen folks joined the meeting and inquired about the changes during the open house. Tables were set up along the community center walls, providing information on purchasing flood insurance, property identification and digital mapping, flood studies and engineering, and the City of Creswell. Maps of the changes in both cities were taped to the walls, with FEMA personnel on standby to explain them.
Creswell homeowner Jeannie Markham voiced her concerns.
“The rumor is that the flood insurance is like $6,000 a year. That’s $500 a month. I mean, who can afford that?” Markham said. “It’s not in your budget, especially if you’re retired and I’m kind of on a fixed income, that’s crazy.”
According to the city’s website, land or property owners in high-risk areas on the updated map will need to have flood insurance for loans from federally regulated or insured lenders. It’s encouraged that everyone learns their flood risk level, whether it be high, moderate, or low, and to purchase flood insurance.
Markham said she already had her land surveyed and that her home was above a three-foot flood zone, but it still lies within an at-risk area on the updated FEMA map.
“I feel trapped, because that’s a lot of money,” she said. “It feels like the government is saying, you have to do this, but they don’t live here.”
A 90-day appeal period will open, during which residents can submit feedback or documentation to challenge the new maps. Residents can also pursue Letters of Map Amendment or Revision if they believe their property has been incorrectly classified.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged, provide input during the appeal period, and contact local officials or FEMA with any questions. Residents should contact their city planners (Curtis Thomas for Creswell and Lenny Crow for Cottage Grove) to submit feedback or documentation during the appeal period.
Residents can also explore options like Letters of Map Amendment or Revision if they believe their property has been incorrectly classified on the new maps.
After the appeal period and review, FEMA will work toward issuing a Letter of Final Determination in Fall 2026. This will give communities six months to adopt the new flood maps.
The new maps are expected to take effect in Spring 2027, though the timeline may be adjusted based on the volume and complexity of feedback.
FEMA will review all feedback received during the appeal period and respond.
For more information about the updated flood insurance rate maps, visit ci.creswell.or.us/page/flood-risk-map-amendment.
