Gov't
Council Funds Floodplain Study
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By Dave Freneaux
In a 5-0 vote at Tuesday's City Council meeting, $35,000 of Central's $6 million surplus was appropriated to fund a study of the Beaver Bayou Wartershed. The study is expected to result in changes to the FEMA flood maps which may save as many as 1,600 families in Central a combined $300,000 per year in flood insurance premiums. Central resident and former Central Floodplain Manager Kathi Cowen initiated the effort to have this study done. Council Member Aaron Moak quickly supported Ms. Cowen's idea and sonsored this Ordinance to fund the study.
Funding for the study met resistance as Council Members Washington and LoBue attempted to control the process by which the study is to be awarded. City Attorney Sheri Morris informed Council Member LoBue that his motion, seconded by Council Member Washington, to amend the Ordinance to give the City Council control of the process, was out of order. The fact is that the awarding and oversight of professional service contracts such as this falls under the authority of the Mayor's office.
The process that lies ahead includes finding a qualified engineering firm to do the study, performing the study, and working through FEMA to have the results of the study approved and flood maps revised. That entire process is likely to take up to two years, at which time any resulting flood insurance reductions could take effect.
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