FEMA will hold a public meeting in Three Rivers on Monday, September 9 to discuss the new preliminary flood maps and what they mean for residents.

The open house meeting, which is not scheduled to have a formal presentation, will run from 5-7 p.m. at the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce building, 1116 N. Main St.

Officials say experts at the meeting will be able to explain flood risk and flood insurance regulations, as well as floodplain development regulations and the mapping process.

Residents will also be able to meet with experts one-on-one to discuss their own addresses on the new maps and learn about their specific risks and ways to help prevent flood loss.

The updated maps will highlight several streams and flooding sources, including the St. Joseph River, Portage River, Rocky River, Portage Lake, Fawn River, Prairie River and White Pigeon River, as well as tributaries including Armalege Drain, Bear Creek, Flowerfield Creek, Kerr Creek, Little Swan Creek, Nottawa Creek, Nye Drain, Prairie Tributary 8, Profile Lake Drain, Spring Creek (St. Joseph River East), Swan Creek, and Blossom/Goodrich/Havens Lakes.  These updates encompass 49 Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels and cover 18 communities, including 12 townships, four villages, and two cities.

Once in effect, the maps will inform flood insurance rates and local floodplain management rules adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. 

You can view the preliminary flood insurance rate maps and FIS report here.