One of the wettest summers in Iowa history has officials in at least one county rethinking a decision to not take part in the National Flood Insurance Program. Residents of eight Iowa counties and dozens of Iowa towns are unable to get flood insurance because their local governments have not signed up for the program.
Officials in Delaware County are now revisiting the idea after two devastating floods within two years. Delaware County Supervisor Jeff Madlom says there are benefits, but also significant costs involved with enrollment in the Federal Flood Insurance program.
“Right at this time, emotions are high. They’ve had such severe damage and this is what they think will be the answer to solve their problems. And it will some, but it’s going to create some too,” Madlom said. The program is retroactive. So, signing up now would mean flood victims could get FEMA money to help fix their damaged homes.
But not everyone likes the idea of the federal government regulating the repairs. “If you have a fire, tornado or wind damage and you are in Zone A and have 50 percent or more of damage, you have to build back to national flood insurance standards,” Madlom explained. The Delaware County Board of Supervisors will vote on the first reading of an ordinance to enroll in the program at their meeting coming up September 7th.
The other seven Iowa counties that have not enrolled in the program are Sioux, Buena Vista, Dickinson, Winnebago, Hamilton, Allamakee and Clayton Counties.
By Katie Wiedemann, KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids