Flood meeting about questions

There's an opportunity to get some questions answered today about the Federal Emergency Management Agency maps issued for Carson Valley.

A representative from FEMA will be on hand to provide information about purchasing flood insurance for the thousands of Valley property owners who are new to the floodplain.

If you got a letter from the county, then chances are you're in the floodplain until and unless a federal judge rules otherwise.

The county has challenged the federal government's mapping technique in court. It will take some time before that lawsuit comes to fruition. Barring the issuance of an injunction, property owners who are in the floodplain will be required by their lenders to purchase the insurance.

Even if a federal judge orders FEMA to redo their mapping, there's no guarantee everyone who's been added to the flood plain will be removed.

The ultimate purpose of flood insurance is to pay for damage caused by actual water. If you're in danger from flooding, the federal government is the only source of insurance to restore your home. Without it, you're on the hook for the cost of repairing your home.

The representative is an insurance specialist, who can answer questions about rates and obtaining flood insurance, not a policymaker who can influence the agency's decision about the mapping.

Officials recommend folks attending today's meetings in the CVIC Hall bring the letter they received from the county.

Knowing what's coming in this bureaucratic flood will help residents be better prepared should there be an actual flood.