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FEMA Considers Changes to Flood Plain in Cedar Rapids

By Mark Geary, Reporter

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jul 28, 2008 at 5:31 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 28, 2008 at 6:00 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS - Plans to change the flood plain in Cedar Rapids could lead to new challenges for those trying to recover from last month's flood.

Some Cedar Rapids homes and businesses could be added to the 100-year flood plain. But the change has nothing to do with the recent flooding. FEMA has been in the process of updating flood plain maps for the past few years.

The changes are happening because the government has better tools and information now to determine where the flood plains are.

This is just a preliminary map of potential changes to the flood plain.

View Preliminary Map.

The areas in purple would be removed from the flood plain. The most visible area that falls into this category is the majority of May's Island. However the areas in yellow would be added.

There is a chunk of properties along First Street west of the river that could possibly be added. Also, FEMA is considering de-accrediting the earthen levy along 1st Street.

People who live in the 100-year flood plain with federally insured mortgages are required to get flood insurance.

Remember this map is still in the preliminary stages. It could take up to two years before that map becomes final. But people who live in the changing areas may want to consider getting flood insurance now, because they could temporarily get a cheaper rate.

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