Horry County residents worry that not enough is being done to stop proposed FEMA Flood Map

Horry County, S.C. (WPDE) — FEMA has released proposed changes to the flood zone and insurance rate maps for Horry County.

The deadline for Horry County to appeal the proposed FEMA flood maps is July 17th.

The county has filed for an extension, but officials say they have received no official response back from FEMA.

RELATED: Myrtle Beach Chamber CEO says new FEMA maps could have "devastating impact" on economy.

Fred Nesta is part of the effort to stop the flood maps from being approved.

He says it's become part of his daily routine.

"Oh countless hours. Since April, on average 5 or 6 hours a day, every day. Phone, emails, speaking to people, trying to get people engaged. Especially our congressmen, and senators and governor," Nesta said.

Becky Warren is the HOA president of Harbour Towne in Myrtle Beach. She said sheis also fighting the maps. Spending an average of three to four hours a day on it.

She is frustrated in the lack of time, 90 days, FEMA gave the county to appeal.

"They really haven't given our Horry County officials much time to appeal this process so we need the political aspect of this to pressure FEMA to extend that deadline time-that's all we are asking for," Warren said.

RELATED:"We were just all in shock": Outcry continues over FEMA flood maps

Warren and Nesta have been asking for help from Governor Nikki Haley, Congressman Tom Rice and Senators Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham. They are hoping they will step in and help get FEMA to extend the appeal deadline.

"The Horry County delegation stated this was a federal issue and we needed to contact Senator's Rice, Graham and Scott. And we did that hoping that we would get replies from there and some help in pressuring FEMA to take a look back at everything they are doing," said Warren.

Warren and Nesta have been frustrated with the lack of response.

"They work for us, we pay their salary, we pay their benefits, they don't have the right to blow off their bosses and we are all their bosses and I urge everyone to call the Governor, call Lindsey Grahams office call Tim Scott's office, call Tom Rice's office and say move," said Nesta.

To see the maps click here.

We did reach out for comment from Governor Nikki Haley, Congressman Tom Rice and Senators Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham.

Congressman Rice sent ABC 15 News this statement:

"My office has been working closely with relevant parties at the local, state, and federal level to ensure FEMA is using accurate data and appropriate methodology. I have notified FEMA that appeals to the draft maps are expected and FEMA officials have fully-committed to working with community leaders to address our concerns."

Senator Scott sent ABC 15 News this statement:

"When redrawing flood maps, it is important that we understand both the historical data of areas in question and the economic impact being drawn into a flood zone would have on low-income and working class families. It certainly appears FEMA has gone outside of the historical data when drawing the new maps around Horry County, as many of these new areas did not flood during either last year's 1,000 year flood or Hurricane Floyd. My office will provide support to local officials as they go through the appeals process."

We are waiting to hear back from Governor Haley and Senator Lindsay Graham.

If you would like to contact any of the lawmakers about your concerns, their contact information is here:

Governor Nikki Haley(http://governor.sc.gov/CONTACTUS/ )

Senator Lindsay Graham(http://www.lgraham.senate.gov/ )

Senator Tim Scott(https://www.scott.senate.gov )

Congressman Tom Rice( https://rice.house.gov/contact )