City council is not optimistic when it comes to the city’s appeal of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps for Malibu, which residents and experts in the city say are grossly inaccurate and could be financially and potentially physically dangerous to residents.
In October, the city appealed the draft maps, which are designed to predict where waves and floods will reach in the event of a storm, but do not match the actual physical geography along Malibu’s coast.
Residents and council members implied FEMA may resist conflicting data or opinions from local coastal engineers and reject the city’s appeal, filed through engineering firm Moffat & Nichol.
“I’m fearful at this point with whose scientist is going to be the one to rule the nest,” Mayor Pro Tem Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner said. “I think it’s time for the city to get on board and plan something now,” he added, “because in a couple weeks, we’re going to get the message.”
Council members asked Public Works Director Rob DuBoux to consult with area cities and local engineers to build a stronger case.
“I agree, we need to really do whatever we can do to make sure that we get all the information and we have a plan once FEMA turns us down,” Council Member Laura Rosenthal said.