Following findings that the NFIP in Oregon may harm salmon, steelhead, Southern Resident Killer Whale, and other endangered and threatened fish species, FEMA was required to make changes to how the NFIP is implemented in the state. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, FEMA is currently developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify potential social and economic impacts of the proposed changes.

As part of the process, FEMA seeks public input relevant to proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to address in the EIS. The initial Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS was published on March 6, 2023 and opened a 60 day public scoping process that ended May 5, 2023. To accommodate additional public input, the comment period will reopen May 25, 2023, for an additional 32 days, closing June 26, 2023.

FEMA will host virtual and in-person public meetings during the comment period. The two scheduled virtual public meetings are June 1 and 7, 4 – 6 p.m. Additional information on these and future in-person meetings is available on the project website.

FEMA administers the NFIP, a nationwide program that reduces future flood damage by requiring minimum floodplain management standards and provides protection for property owners against potential flood losses through insurance. Information about the EIS and how to submit comments can be found on the project website.

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