RICHLAND, Wash. – FEMA and local officials are working to update the flood risk map for Benton County. This effort aims to help communities understand flood risks and protect homes and businesses.
The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) can help communities decide how to reduce their risk and protect homes, businesses, and other critical assets.
Michelle Mercer, Benton County Planning Manager, said Benton County’s flood maps were last updated in the 1980’s.
“The technology has changed greatly, and we have a lot of advances to have more precise data to understand better where the water, the hydraulic and hydrologic, pathways for our rivers will be going,” Mercer said. “And so these maps hopefully will be a lot more precise than the old kind of paper maps that we used to use.”
Flood risk can change due to new development, weather patterns, and other factors.
The preliminary flood maps have been released to the public for review. Mercer noted that Benton City, West Richland and Finley are among the most affected areas.
“If you’re in the 100 year flood zone, then your local jurisdiction, your city or your county’s building department will require you to build your structure to a higher standard in order for you to receive flood insurance. If you’re in that 100 year zone your lending institution will generally require you to carry flood insurance. If you’re in the 500 year flood zone, you may not be subject to those requirements,” Mercer said.
FEMA and the county plan to hold a public comment period and an appeal process in the spring of 2026. Residents with questions are encouraged to contact their city or county planning departments to understand how their properties might be affected.
The finalization of the map is expected in spring 2027, though the project timeline is subject to change.
More information on the FIRM map changes and insurance requirements can be found here.
