Government : Proposed flood plain maps may require more homeowners in Vinton to buy flood insurance; meeting set for May 8

On May 8, the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host an Open House to present preliminary floodplain maps to Benton County citizens. The meeting will be held at the Benton County Law Enforcement Center, 113 E 3rd Street, Vinton, on Tuesday, May 8th, from 6-8 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. The open house will provide property owners an opportunity to view the preliminary maps and learn how their flood risk may have changed. Representatives from FEMA and the Iowa DNR will be on hand to answer questions and address residents' concerns about the preliminary flood maps. 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, including flood insurance. These preliminary maps are an update of the existing maps, which date back to 2008. The maps will become the basis for local community's floodplain management measures. Insurance companies will use the maps to determine flood insurance rates for buildings and contents. As a result of these map changes, some buildings in Benton County may, for the first time, be included in a high-risk flood zone, known as the Special Flood Hazard Area. This may result in those affected homeowners being required to purchase flood insurance. Residents with questions can contact the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources at 515-725-8333 or Jason.Conn@dnr.iowa.gov. See the latest flood hazard maps HERE.