Mesilla trustees consider amendments to town’s flood ordinance

April 23--LAS CRUCES -- Proposed amendments to a Mesilla's Flood Damage Prevention ordinance will be considered by the town's board of trustees when they meet at 6 p.m. Monday at Mesilla Town Hall, 2231 Avenida de Mesilla.

The amendments are anticipated to be minimal, but are needed so Mesilla officials can submit the revised ordinance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency so the town can continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. The program offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community agrees to adopt and enforce an ordinance that meets or exceeds FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

In March, Mesilla officials received a letter from FEMA notifying them a Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map had been completed and will go into effect on July 6. Trustees have until that date to adopt an amended ordinance and submit it to FEMA to remain eligible in the flood insurance program.

"No significant changes have been made to the flood hazard data on the preliminary or revised preliminary copies of the FIRM for Doña Ana County," said a portion of FEMA's letter to Mesilla Mayor Nora Barraza. "Therefore, the town of Mesilla should use the preliminary or revised preliminary copies of the FIRM as the basis for adopting the required floodplain management measures."

"... The adoption of compliant floodplain management measures will provide protection for the town of Mesilla and will ensure its participation in NFIP."

If trustees don't approve and submit an amended floodplain management ordinance by July 6, Mesilla could face suspension from the flood insurance program.

Also at Monday's meeting, trustees will consider hiring a deputy for the Mesilla Marshal's Department. There is one vacancy in the department. Before deciding if the vacancy will be filled, trustees will meet in closed session to discuss possible candidates.

Information about Monday's meeting is available by calling Mesilla Town Hall, 575-524-3262.

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