Due to the turn out at the first preliminary flood mapping meeting, the City of Cedar Falls will have another meeting for those individuals who did not make it to the first open house meeting. The open house will be held at the Cedar Falls City Hall, 220 Clay Street, Wednesday, May 29th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. This is the same meeting that was available to the public last March.
The open house will include a short presentation that describes the preliminary mapping project, where the maps can be viewed, project timeline, comment and appeals, and flood insurance. Then, property owners will have 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 2011. 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 Cedar Falls 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 property owners being required to purchase flood insurance.
If you are unable to attend this open house meeting, the information is available on the city’s website at www.cedarfalls.com/flood. Residents with additional questions can contact the Cedar Falls Planning and Community Services Division at 319.276.8600.