Sebastian County citizens now have an easier way to access local floodplain information on-line at www.sebastiancountyonline.com.

The County, City of Fort Smith GIS Department, and Western Arkansas Planning and Development District have collaboratively compiled a multi-layer map which includes more accessible floodplain data in addition to typical geographic layers, such as streets and roads, aerial imagery, properties, building footprints and parcels.

The new system was created in response to the several calls received by Sebastian County’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM) about the often confusing FEMA floodplain maps. Citizens can still access the FEMA maps on-line for $10, or at the Sebastian County DEM at the Courthouse in Fort Smith for no fee.

According to the press release, “The Sebastian County Quorum Court adopted the new FEMA Floodplain maps dated May 20, 2010, as well as a new floodplain ordinance and code for the unincorporated areas of Sebastian County in the regular Quorum Court meeting on April 20, 2010.”

Tonya Roberts,  Sebastian County’s DEM Director  and Certified Floodplain Manager, said, “I believe this site will make it much easier for citizens to be aware of their flood danger and give local real estate agencies and lending institutions a clear answer on whether or not a structure is in a floodplain.”

It is the hope of the County’s DEM and its collaborators that the new system will not only “answer many questions” but also allow Sebastian County citizens and businesses to stay ahead of the tide when it comes to planning for the possibility of future flooding.

For more information, one may contact Tonya Roberts at (479) 783-3932 or troberts@co.sebastian.ar.us.