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Last modified: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 3:15 PM CST
Commission approves FIRMS
by Erin C. Hevern • Daily News
Richland County Commissioners approved Monday first reading of a flood mapping ordinance, which upon final authorization adopts the flood plain changes in the county reflected on the newest Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS).
The ordinance aims to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions. Also included in the ordinance is a series of restrictions, including the necessity of obtaining a development permit if one has interest in constructing a home within a flood hazard area.
"This is a pretty important ordinance to get passed," said Brett Lambrecht, Richland County emergency manager. "It's doing the right thing in our county... It's making people not build in the flood plain, keeping them out of harm's way."
The final FIRMS, issued by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), will go into effect Dec. 18, after more than one year of being preliminary. Changes to the base flood elevation affects certain areas in the city of Wahpeton, and in Barrie, Center, Summit and Walcott townships.
Lambrecht indicated to the commissioners he is near completion on a project he began last year — to get all Richland County townships and cities to participate in the NFIP. He said he has six townships and four cities left in order for the county to be 100 percent compliant.
With 100 percent of the county participating, individuals could see 10-50 percent off their flood insurance. NFIP coverage is available to all owners of insurable property, but their community must be a participant in the program.
Lambrecht suggests to individuals in a flood plain without insurance, to invest in the protection prior to the FIRMS going into effect.
Preliminary FIRMS can be viewed by the public in Lambrecht's office at the Richland County Courthouse, Leach Library or the office of the county highway department.
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