FEMA has announced the rescheduling of local public workshops regarding the updated floodplain map for Whitman County. Originally planned for February, these workshops were postponed due to travel restrictions. The Pullman workshop is now set for Thursday at 6:00 PM at city hall, while the Colfax workshop will take place next Thursday, May 8th, at 6:00 PM in the Public Works Building.

The federal government is in the process of finalizing the updated floodplain map for Whitman County. The current map is based on topographic data from the late 1970s, whereas the new maps utilize digital technology for a more accurate prediction of potential flooding areas. This update also accounts for changes in local waterways since the 1970s, impacting flood flow patterns.

The revised floodplain delineates both expansions and contractions in various areas. Notable expansions include north Colfax along the Palouse River and downtown Pullman, where there is an increased risk of flooding from the South Fork of the Palouse River. The updated FEMA flood map will influence whether property owners are required to purchase flood insurance. Proposed updated flood maps for Whitman County are available for viewing online at [this link](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e772bce53187461a9b3475a694dd2666).

For those unable to attend in person, the workshops will also be accessible via Zoom: the Pullman session can be joined [here](https://ogilvy.zoom.us/j/99890222731) with passcode 260484, and the Colfax session can be accessed [here](https://ogilvy.zoom.us/j/99166936596) with passcode 651204.