FEMA Removed Buildings from Flood Map Before Camp Mystic Expansion Amid Flood Concerns
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) repeatedly granted Camp Mystic’s appeals to remove buildings from its 100-year flood map, despite the camp operating in a dangerous flood plain. In 2011, FEMA designated the camp in a “Special Flood Hazard Area,” requiring flood insurance and tighter construction regulations. However, through multiple appeals, the agency amended the map, removing buildings from the hazard area in 2013, and again in 2019 and 2020, potentially allowing the camp to avoid insurance requirements or lower premiums. Despite the amendments, analysis showed both camp sites were at risk, with the Guadalupe site fully within the 100-year flood plain.
John Q. Hosedrinker