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Alaska Risk MAP Program

Community Risk MAP Studies

City of Homer Risk MAP Study

In Early February 2011, FEMA initiated a Coastal Physical Map Revision study to update the DFIRM for the Homer Spit. This project included 8 miles of revised coastal hazard analysis that included collection of storm surge data (coastal hydrology) and the analysis of overland wave height (coastal hydraulics), in addition to computing wave run-up. The new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) became effective November 6, 2013.

The Homer coastal area was also part of Coastal Physical Map Revision of the Kenai Peninsula Borough

Coastal Study Scope

Specific to the City of Homer, the scope of work of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Risk MAP Study included:

  • A detailed coastal flood hazard analysis including the collection of storm surge (coastal hydrology) and overland wave height analysis (coastal hydraulics) near Beluga Lake and Beluga Slough.
  • Preparation of a regulatory Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Report document to the Community. A FIS is a book that contains information regarding flooding in a community and is developed in conjunction with the FIRM. The FIS, also known as a flood elevation study, frequently contains a narrative of the flood history of a community and discusses the engineering methods used to develop the FIRM. The study also contains flood profiles for studied flooding sources and can be used to determine Base Flood Elevations for some areas.
  • Preparation of a regulatory Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) map for all panels within the Community which identifies the Community's flood zones, base flood elevations, and floodplain boundaries. This map is used to determine where the purchase of flood insurance is required for properties with federally-backed mortgages. The preliminary FIS and DFIRM’s are scheduled to be released in Winter/Spring 2016.
  • All of the above datasets will be in the in the North American Vertical Datum of 1988.
  • The State and FEMA will provide guidance, feedback, coordination and technical support throughout the Risk MAP Project Life Cycle.

For more information contact:

Rebecca Rein

State of Alaska Risk MAP Coordinator
Division of Community and Regional Affairs
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1650, Anchorage, AK 99501-3569
Phone (907) 269-3037
Fax (907) 269-4539
Email: rebecca.rein@alaska.gov

Revised 08/01/2024