Meeting set for Tuesday, July 26

Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Jefferson County residents who own properties near the Aucilla River and whose lands could be subject to flooding are urged to attend a meeting that the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) is holding next week in Greenville.
Set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, at the Greenville Town Hall (154 SW Old Mission Ave.), the focus of the hearing will be to develop preliminary flood-risk maps for the Aucilla River Watershed, which includes parts of Jefferson and Madison counties.
The SRWMD is seeking feedback from citizens, as well as elected officials, to update the Aucilla River flood risk maps, which were last updated in 2016, and which changes will influence FEMA flood maps.
Leroy Marshall, chief professional engineer with the SRWMD, recently told the Jefferson County Commission that Tuesday’s meeting was critical.
“This is the last time that citizens or landowners can comment on the map and have their comments considered,” Marshall said. “After this meeting, we go into the development of the preliminary maps, which only an engineering study can change. But at this stage, change is possible if someone thinks the map is incorrect.”
Marshall added that the new modeling is for 26 miles of the Aucilla River and will result in changed flood elevations.
“Typically, flood areas get smaller, but sometimes not,” Marshall said, adding that changed weather patterns and development could alter flooding patterns.
He urged citizen participation to ensure the accuracy of the new maps.
For those unable to attend in person, an online option will be available prior to the meeting. To get the link, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com.