MANHATTAN — A proposed Flood Insurance Rate Map update for a portion of Rice County was released for public review in January 2019. Before the new map is finalized, property owners and lessees will have one more opportunity to provide engineering data through their community during the official 90-day appeal process. The appeal period began Aug. 13 and will continue through Nov. 11, 2020. The new map will provide communities in this area with up-to-date flood risk information and tools that can be used to enhance local mitigation plans, and help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.