Public can now comment on new City of Decorah floodplain maps

If you own property in the City of Decorah which is shown as being on the new FEMA flood insurance map, the city is urging you to review the new map.

Property owners who believe their property rights will be adversely affected by the proposed flood hazard determination must file an appeal with the City or FEMA by December 4^th

The criteria for the appeal are outlined in information provided by FEMA and which may be found on the City's website at www.decorahia.orgor through FEMA at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe.

Not every homeowner will be impacted by the new maps, but anyone who owns property in a flood zone should review the information.

The new flood map, once adopted, will replace the current 1976 FIRM maps used by lenders and others for determining those properties that are required to purchase flood insurance.

City officials say it might be a good idea for property owners to purchase flood insurance prior to the effective date of the new flood insurance rate maps to be eligible for a lower‐cost option.  Purchasing flood insurance at the reduced rates will only be possible prior to the effective date of the new maps, which is anticipated to be mid‐winter 2020 / 2021.

If you should have questions on the mapping, please review the maps on‐line at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv