Germantown approves amended flood maps [The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn.]

Jan. 29--The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on final reading Monday night revisions to the federal flood maps that could lead to several residents needing flood insurance.

The board's unanimous approval came after two property owners potentially affected by the amendments expressed their concerns and a desire the for the city to improve a ditch.

Their comments were similar to those expressed during a public hearing two weeks ago. In that hearing, Sherrie Hicks, a homeowners association president whose home will be absorbed into the flood zone, indicated her research showed the amendments could result in a flood insurance premium of $3,400 annually for her.

The updated maps are part of the flood district regulation amendments by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The primary area of concern is along a waterway known as Lateral G on the suburb's eastern side near Houston High and Johnson park. About 150 homes are affected by the amendments, Tim Gwaltney, Germantown's city engineer, said. There were plans to make improvements to the ditch about a decade ago, with Germantown commissioning the design work. But the next step in the improvements never advanced, and the work is not in the suburb's immediate capital plans.

None of the aldermen commented before the final vote.

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