BIDDEFORD — On the basis of proposed revisions to the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps, coastal property owners may have to either purchase flood insurance for the first time or pay more for the insurance they currently carry.

Many property owners told state and federal representatives, who visited Biddeford last week to explain the effect the new maps could have, that they were not happy about the revised maps proposed for adoption, which could cost them more money.

“This government is costing us a fortune, and we can’t afford it anymore,” said resident Ronald Peaker.

FEMA is responsible for administering the National Flood Insurance Program and the maps it produces are used as a basis for flood plain hazard ratings.

Joseph Young, a senior planner with the State Planning Office’s Floodplain Management Program, said FEMA decided the maps it uses, some of which are 30 years old, needed to be updated and the process of remapping the whole country began in 2005.

He said it is expected that the revised digital maps will be officially adopted next year.

Before any areas are rezoned, however, there will be a 90-day appeal process ”“ which will likely start next month ”“ during which time any of the map revisions may be challenged.

Some communities such as Portland, South Portland and Kennebunkport have already appealed or have said they plan to appeal the revisions.

Any challenges, even those placed by a single property owner, must go through the city and be accompanied by scientific evidence that provides a basis for why the specific proposed mapping change should not be adopted.

City Planner Greg Tansley said his office is still studying the maps to see what areas of the city and which property owners would be effected if the revised maps are adopted as is.

He said his office will notify property owners who may be effected by the changes.

Tansley said he has already identified one potential problem. The revised maps place much of Mile Stretch Road in Biddeford Pool in a higher risk zone than it currently is, and he thinks there might be a foundation for an appeal regarding that proposed rezoning.

The reason property owners may seek to appeal is because some of the revised maps cause property to be put in flood zones that previously was not or property was placed in a higher-risk zone. If these changes occur, some property owners could face a big jump in the amount they pay for their flood insurance policies.

Residents who are in a non-special flood hazard area now may pay as little as $388 per year for flood insurance. If placed in a higher risk floodplain zone, their rates could skyrocket to $3,600 in a non-coastal area or nearly $7,000 in a coastal high-hazard area, according to a brochure produced by FEMA.

However, there is a way property owners could save some money.

If they purchase their flood insurance policy before the new maps go into effect they can lock in their current zone and would face a lesser rate increase of about $1,800. Although that is still a large increase, it is much less than what would occur without the zone lock-in.

In addition, the zone lock ”“ and savings ”“ can be transferred to future owners, said FEMA representative Lauren Pawlik.

Sue Baker, the state floodplain manager with the State Planning Office, advised members of the public who were unhappy with the process to call members of the state’s congressional delegation and lodge their complaints.

They are the ones who make the decisions, she said.

The maximum amount of flood insurance coverage available for homes is $250,000, said Baker. She noted that those who don’t have a mortgage are not required to purchase flood insurance, but it still might be wise to do so.

Pawlik noted that it was important to shop around for flood insurance rates with different insurance companies. Many agents do not know much about flood insurance and may not give correct advice, she said.

In addition, both Pawlik and Baker said that property owners should call them if they have questions or problems. Pawlik in particular, said answering property owners’ concerns regarding the National Flood Insurance Program was a primary responsibility of her job.

To reach Lauren Pawlik with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Boston, call (617) 832-4714. To reach Sue Baker or Joseph Young at the State Planning Office, call toll-free at (800) 662-4545.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.