Watertown Council Approves to “Acknowledge” Staff Appeal of FEMA Flood Maps | Local News

KXLG – Watertown, SD The City Council meeting kept up a hasty pace tonight until it reached the time for the Council to vote on approving the acknowledgment of the intent of the city staff to appeal FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). Although approved, with one no vote, it sparked a discussion on what should be accepted overall and its effect on flood insurance.

 The city’s one notable issue is the proposed base flood elevation (BFE) for Lake Kampeska, which is 4.3 feet lower than the current BFE of 1724.8 feet. This could lead to a “false sense of security” for homeowners, who may mistakenly believe they are no longer at risk of flooding.

Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Heath VonEye…

If the proposed BFE is adopted, it would dramatically drop the 100-year event elevation potentially leading to more homeowners canceling their flood insurance, which could have disastrous consequences if a major flood event occurs.

To address these concerns, the city has drafted an appeal letter with input from HDR Engineering, which the city contracted and has experience with FEMA technical information. The appeal letter will be submitted during the 90-day appeal window, requesting FEMA reconsider the draft FIRM maps and collaborate with the city or a consultant to ensure accurate data and calculations.

City Manager Amanda Mack…

Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten emphasized the importance of accurate maps to protect the community and maintain a financially sound flood insurance program. She has been the point of contact for the flood maps and has worked on them for several years. She also explained that the city could implement a higher freeboard requirement in its ordinances to ensure new constructions are built at safe elevations, even if the preliminary maps are adopted.

Councilman Lynn Jurrens highlighted the impact of flood insurance requirements on homeowners and the potential benefits of maintaining current elevation standards…

The regulatory implications of the map errors were discussed. The BFE determines building regulations, and an inaccurate BFE could lead to buildings being constructed in flood-prone areas.

The appeal process could take several months, and the outcome remains uncertain.

The council voted to approve, with Councilman Jurrens the lone no vote.

Listen to the full meeting audio below: