The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has updated its maps of

areas at risk of flooding, much to the disdain of Southern California homeowners.  New

flood areas, deemed by the feds, now requires thousands of homeowners to buy flood

insurance for the first time. 

            Premiums range between $500 and $1,700 a year and will affect more than 150

cities and unincorporated areas in the region. Some residents are taking steps to

contest the new fees, saying they are forced to pay money for insurance they will never

need.  Long time Angelenos in South Los Angeles say they have never experienced

flooding that would impose a threat to their property.

            The Floodzone Justice Association claims the map updates were rushed and

include disputed data. The association believes half of the homes should not be

included in the new flood zone.  Protests from Ventura County residents have resulted

in FEMA allowing more time to study the necessity of adopting new flood zones in

Oxnard. 

            In Los Angeles, officials are seeking funds from the Army Corps of

Engineers for a more detailed study.  FEMA said the new mapping being done nationwide

is supposed to be a collaborative process, with local flood-control authorities given

an opportunity to point out errors.