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BACKGROUND: <br />Many of the mapped floodplains within Kittitas County were assessed for flood risk in <br />the late 1970s using approximate mapping techniques. In 2024, FEMA proposed new <br />flood studies for several streams on the east side of the Kittitas Valley, including within <br />the City of Kittitas, and for an area east of Cle Elum. These studies will ultimately update <br />the regulatory maps. <br />FEMA conducted surveys in 2024 and recently shared draft versions of the proposed <br />regulatory maps. On October 23, 2025, FEMA's mapping partner, STAR II, hosted a <br />Flood Risk Review meeting to present the modeling work and mapping outcomes. <br />During this meeting, we were informed that comments on the draft maps are due by <br />November 24, 2025. <br />DISCUSSION: <br />During and following the October 23, 2025, Flood Risk Review meeting, County staff <br />requested two technical reports and the associated hydraulic model to support a <br />comprehensive technical review of FEMA's work. To date, these materials have not been <br />received. It appears that FEMA's lack of response may be related to the ongoing federal <br />government shutdown. <br />Given the absence of the required technical information, staff recommend that the BOCC <br />formally request an extension of the public comment period to ensure adequate time for <br />technical evaluation once the data have been provided. Given the magnitude of the <br />changes between the current effective maps and the proposed draft maps in the Kittitas <br />Valley area, allowing adequate time for local review is essential to ensuring confidence in <br />the final outcomes of this process. <br />FISCAL IMPACTS: <br />Staff time and consultant costs associated with the technical review will be funded <br />through existing Flood Control Zone District resources. No budget amendment is <br />anticipated to be necessary at this time. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />Exhibit 1: Draft Extension Letter <br />Exhibit 2: Example maps illustrating changes between existing and proposed mapping in <br />the Cle Elum and City of Kittitas vicinities. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />