New flooplain maps to make debut

May 23--MOUNT PLEASANT -- Henry County residents are invited to a public meeting June 11 for the presentation of new, preliminary floodplain maps.

The meeting, hosted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will address any change in the map and the flood risk to property owners in Henry County. Representatives from FEMA and DNR will be on-hand to answer questions during the meeting, which will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Henry County Emergency Management Office at 900 W. Washington St. in Mount Pleasant, said Joe Buffington, director of the Henry County Planning and Zoning office.

The presentation will cover tools and programs available to residents with property in the floodplain, including flood insurance. Insurance companies also use the preliminary maps to determine flood insurance rates. Flood insurance may be required of those who now own property in the "special flood hazard area," or a high-risk flood zone. Some buildings in the country are considered to be in this high-risk area for the first time.

Buffington said he has reviewed the new floodplain map and agrees with the assessments made.

"Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. It is vital that property owners understand their risk and take advantage of tools or programs available to them," according to a press release on the topic.

In other business at its Tuesday meeting, the Henry County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with Calhoun-Burns Associates Inc. for the final design of Bridge 198 on Salem Road in Mount Pleasant.

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