From press and staff reports
Updates to Attala County’s Flood Insurance Rate Map are nearing completion, providing residents and business owners with updated information about local flood risks and potential insurance requirements.
The revised map, known as a Flood Insurance Rate Map, or FIRM, reflects current data and flood modeling and is part of a nationwide effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to improve awareness of flood hazards and reduce long-term risk. The project in Attala County has been led by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA Region IV in partnership with local officials.
A preliminary version of the map was released April 24, 2025, followed by a Flood Risk Community Open House on Aug. 5, 2025. The formal 90-day appeal period began Feb. 12, 2026, giving property owners and other stakeholders an opportunity to review the proposed changes and submit appeals or comments.
The appeal period allows residents and business owners to provide additional technical information that may affect flood hazard determinations. Appeals must include scientific or technical data, such as hydraulic or hydrologic studies, to support a request for changes to mapped flood hazard areas.
Community members who notice errors that do not involve flood hazard data — such as misspelled road names, missing streets or incorrect corporate boundaries — may submit written corrections, known as comments.
All appeals and comments must be submitted through local officials. Residents interested in filing an appeal are encouraged to consult with local officials before beginning the process to better understand the requirements and documentation needed.
Officials urge residents and business owners to review the proposed map updates carefully, learn how any changes may affect their property and determine whether flood insurance requirements could apply.
The new FIRM is expected to become effective in early 2027, at which time any revised flood insurance requirements would take effect. The effective date is subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.
The preliminary maps are available online at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv or https://msc.fema.gov/portal.
For information about the appeal deadline, contact FEMA Region IV’s Mitigation Division at 770-220-5406. For general questions, a FEMA Map Specialist can be reached toll-free at 877-336-2627 between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.
