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Shamokin Creek Flood Project: Welcome!
About Flood Maps
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes maps called Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). These maps show where flooding could happen during a big storm that has a 1 in 100 chance of happening each year. These are called "100-year" floods.
FEMA shares a draft of the map first and lets the public share thoughts or concerns. After that, the map becomes official and is used to help decide who needs flood insurance.
Project Background & History
Although the window for submitting comments on FEMA's draft flood map had passed, the City of Shamokin took proactive steps to ensure its residents had accurate and updated information. The city secured a $130,000 grant to conduct its own flood study--an initiative that was approved as part of a broader state plan supporting the city's financial recovery.
This effort was made possible in part by early groundwork from Olivia Zavrel, a Bucknell University student who began mapping work in 2019. Her contribution helped lay the foundation for the successful grant application to fund the study.
The resulting Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) study analyzes how water flows through the area's rivers, streams, and infrastructure. With support from SEDA-COG, the City of Shamokin selected Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI) to conduct the study. The project was successfully completed, and FEMA is now using the results to inform updated flood maps, expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.
Why It Matters If You're in a Flood Zone
If someone builds a new property or fixes up an old one in a flood zone, they have to follow special building rules. For example, the first floor must be built high enough to stay above possible flood waters.
Also, these properties must have flood insurance, which can cost thousands of dollars a year. Properties will stay in the flood zone unless a big project is done to protect them from 100-year floods, which is the level FEMA requires.
If your property is newly added to a flood zone, you might get a lower price for insurance during the first year under FEMA's rules.
Announcements
You're invited to a Flood Information Meeting hosted by the City of Shamokin:
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Time: 3-4 PM and 6-7 PM
Place: Shamokin-Coal Township Library
Both meetings will have the same information.
Come learn how Shamokin is working to appeal FEMA's new flood map and what you can do to save money and stay safe.
You'll also find out how this study may change your flood risk and what it means for your property.
What's Coming Next
- New Draft Maps for Shamokin: Early to mid-June 2025
- Appeal Period: Not needed because changes only affect Shamokin
- FEMA Sends Final Letter to City: Early to mid-June 2025
- Final Maps Become Official: Winter 2025/2026
- Maps Go Into Effect: 6 months after the final letter
Questions?
Contact:
Alimara Cassidy - Project Coordinator, SEDA-COG
alimara.cassidy@seda-cog.org
(570) 524-4491
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