The town of Southport has prepared for what Selectman Gerry Gamage has called a “crisis” for those affected by the rising cost of flood insurance.

A public hearing is planned for Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall to discuss the new flood maps issued by the Federal Management Emergency Agency, which have affected roughly 15 residents.

Under the new maps, homeowners that were previously listed as outside the flood zone might have to purchase a flood insurance policy because their home is now located in a high-risk flood zone. 

The cost of flood insurance has risen in recent years since Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Act of 2012, effectively reducing the subsidies that FEMA provides for flood insurance. In some cases, premiums have increased by thousands of dollars. 

But there might be some recourse, Gamage said. Residents who are listed in a “moderate-to-low risk” flood zone can apply for a “preferred risk policy” from now to July 16 of this year. The preferred risk policy could offer a much lower premium based on the homeowner’s flood loss history, according to www.floodsmart.gov. 

The Southport public hearing is intended to be informational, the selectmen said. The meeting will also address an ordinance change that will adopt the new flood regulations proposed by the federal government. Other articles that appear on the town warrant will also be discussed. 

Although the new flood regulations have been widely criticized by homeowners nationwide, choosing to ignore the FEMA flood zones would strip Southport’s eligibility to receive emergency assistance in case a disaster ever occurred.  

Although the selectmen said they are recommending the ordinance pass at town meeting, Selectman Smith Climo offered his two cents about the flood zone changes.  

“The few places that are now going to be considered in this flood plain, it would need one heck of a flood,” Climo said. “There hasn’t been that high of a flood since Noah.”