FEMA’s top official says his agency should give counties and cities in the Mississippi Delta region another 90 days to adopt new flood-zone maps.
But FEMA administrator Craig Fugate said at a meeting Monday in West Memphis that he’s not sure if he can make such a decision himself.
The session at Mid-South Community College attracted more than 400 people, many of them claiming that the new maps — outlining areas where flood insurance would be required for new construction, and where it would be recommended — would devastate the Delta area’s economy.
FEMA has told counties and cities in the region that they have until July 6 to adopt the new maps, or face a denial of FEMA disaster aid should it be requested. If FEMA extends that deadline another 90 days, the deadline would be in early October.