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LD 758

Resolve, To Update Flood Mapping In The Sandy River Watershed To Federal Emergency Management Agency Standards

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Russell Black and 9 co-sponsors

Directs a study and pilot to update Sandy River flood maps to FEMA standards, coordinating agencies and funding to inform local planning and flood-insurance decisions.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · LD 758

Summary — LD 758 (132nd Maine Legislature)

Resolve, To Update Flood Mapping in the Sandy River Watershed to Federal Emergency Management Agency Standards
Bill status: Signed by Governor (May 30, 2025)
Introduced: February 25, 2025

Purpose

LD 758 directs state action to improve flood hazard information for the Sandy River watershed by bringing flood mapping/data into alignment with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards. The enacted version (as amended) directs a study to update flood hazard data and pilot work toward those mapping standards.

Key provisions

  • Requires the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) to conduct a study and pilot project to update flood hazard data in the Sandy River watershed with the goal of aligning mapping to FEMA standards (amendment C “A” (S‑89) clarifies scope toward a study/pilot).
  • Directs DACF to coordinate with the Maine Office of Community Affairs and the Departments of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management and Transportation as needed to update flood hazard data within the watershed.
  • Anticipates DACF will seek a mix of Other Special Revenue Funds and external funding sources to support the pilot project and study.
  • Specifies agency coordination and data development rather than immediate regulatory or statewide mapping changes.

Who is affected

  • Residents, property owners, and municipalities in the Sandy River watershed (potential implications for flood insurance, building standards, and local planning).
  • State agencies involved in emergency management, community affairs, transportation, and natural resources (coordination and data-sharing responsibilities).
  • FEMA, to the extent updated data are submitted for adoption into the National Flood Insurance Program maps.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes (approved 04/01/25 and 05/22/25) indicate:
    • Potential current biennium revenue increase and cost increase to Other Special Revenue Funds (DACF plans to seek such funds and external grants).
    • Minor cost increase to the General Fund.
    • Additional costs for collaborating state agencies are expected to be minor and absorbable within existing budgets.

Legislative and procedural timeline

  • Introduced 02/25/2025; referred to Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
  • Committee amendment C “A” (S‑89) adopted; Engrossed and passed by both chambers (final passage 05/27/2025).
  • Signed by the Governor on 05/30/2025.

Expected outcomes

  • Development of more accurate, FEMA‑compatible flood hazard data for the Sandy River watershed through a study and pilot mapping effort, informing local planning, emergency preparedness, and potential future updates to FEMA flood insurance maps.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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