Public input wanted on new Decorah flood insurance rate maps

The Federal Emergency Management Agency—FEMA—is in the process of updating flood insurance rate maps for the City of Decorah.  The new maps will utilize newer data about where the risks of flooding are greatest in Decorah.

City of Decorah staffers have given their input on the proposed new maps.  Now the public will have 90 days to make comments on the flood insurance rate maps.  City Administrator Chad Bird says the proposed flood maps will be available at City Hall, although he's asking that members of the public first call City Hall to set up an appointment time to come in and look at the maps.

The new Project Manager for the Winneshiek County FEMA project is Monica Urisko.  She and other FEMA officials will visit Decorah March 11th.  Her visit will include a 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. public meeting at City Hall.  The meeting will provide background on the National Flood Insurance Program, will give an overview of the floodplain mapping project for the County, including the projected timeline for the rest of the project and will give the details of the comment and appeals process.