Changes to flood plain rules could impact seasonal campers in Hadley
The Connecticut River FILE PHOTO
Property belonging to Mitch’s Marina on the Connecticut River in Hadley is a favorite haunt for campers. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
By SCOTT MERZBACH
HADLEY Permanent structures within the Connecticut River floodway are already prohibited by the town, but amending the town’s flood overlay district bylaw is raising concerns that trailers and recreational vehicles that line the waterfront during the summer could pushed out.
As the Planning Board continued discussions this week about bringing rules related to the floodway and flood plain into compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program, members expressed worry about whether campers would continue to be allowed with a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
One Third Of Flood Claims Came From Moderate/Low-Risk Zones
The National Flood Insurance Program has released information today about the reasons why people should purchase flood insurance to protect their property.
One statistic that is of particular note, according to their press release, is that thirty-five percent of flood claims for 2020 were in areas that are categorized as moderate/low-risk when it comes to designations for flood zones. Most people think they are covered by their homeowners policy, but those policies do not cover flooding.
Depending on where you live or own property, you may be required to buy flood insurance, but in those other areas, it is optional.
CEDAR RAPIDS When the Cedar River flooded over 10 square miles of the city in 2008, few property owners had flood insurance slowing recovery for residents and business owners as they waited for resources from the federal government.
In 2010, city officials set out to change that by beginning the process to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The city’s participation in the program means residents who buy flood insurance receive lower premiums for their homes or businesses.
The city’s efforts to reduce flood damage, foster comprehensive flood plain management and work toward building a more flood-resilient community have earned it a designation as a Class 6 community. The means a 20 percent discount on flood insurance premiums for Cedar Rapids residents compared with those in communities not in the program.
The new board chairman of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. wants to study eliminating the company's ties to independent agents who bring in all of Citizens' business. Independent agents across Florida quickly called the idea ridiculous.
Firm selected to aid Martin Road Lake project
The Amarillo City Council has approved a $247,300 Professional Services Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. to aid the process of delivering erosion repairs and a new fishing amenity at Martin Road Lake.
Per the Agenda Item Summary, HDR Engineering, Inc. was selected for the project due to unique qualifications as the design engineer on the Dale Street improvements and ongoing analysis of the Martin Road Lake Master Plan.
Kyle Schniederjan, the city’s director of Capital Projects & Development Engineering, previously noted the project has roots as far back as 2013, indicating erosion had become a safety issue. He said communities were effectively asked to evaluate liability as it relates to the National Flood Insurance Program as a means of finding solutions and methods to reduce liability. The Martin Road Lake Basin was identified as one of the highest risk basins in the community, per officials.