FEMA originally provided new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) to Hardy County on April 14, 2022. In the local review process, the County realized that the new map models from which the maps were created did not consider the seven flood control dams that are located in Hardy County. So, the mapping process and the new floodplain maps were challenged through an appeal process.
The Planning Office arranged for FEMA to access the technical engineering data from NRCS regarding the dam designs. FEMA then added this data and reran their models. After multiple federal funding delays and administrative disruptions, in 2025, FEMA’s engineers finally presented slightly revised floodplain boundary maps to the County. Their conclusion was that the dams had a minimal impact on the floodplain boundaries, and without more (expensive) on-the-ground survey data, the maps were as accurate as possible.
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