Cities say new FEMA flood maps are full of errors

DES MOINES (AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency's $200 million a year project to upgrade the nation's flood plain maps is being criticized by some local officials who say the maps seem arbitrarily drawn and in some cases contain mistakes.

FEMA says the project uses new mapping technology to better identify areas susceptible to flooding and help prevent future catastrophes.

But not everyone is happy.

In areas like Oakville, Iowa, and Garden City, Kan., officials say the new maps will force residents to buy costly flood insurance and thereby stifle growth and hurt property values.

FEMA spokesman Josh deBerge says the new maps don't contain a lot of changes and all major changes were the result of advances in technology that allowed for better analysis.