Moak Sponsored Flood Study Deferred by Washington, Messina, & LoBue

    In 2013 Central completed a flood study of the Beaver Bayou in the eastern portion of Central.  The study and resulting maps have been submitted to FEMA for approval.  Since the studies were done according to FEMA’s guidelines it is expected that the maps will be approved, saving Central residents in that area a total of as much as $2 million per year in flood insurance premiums.
    Council Member Aaron Moak sponsored another ordinance at Tuesday’s council meeting to appropriate $115,000 for flood studies of most of the remaining watersheds in Central.  Preliminary studies indicate that these remaining areas of Central are likely to see greatly reduced insurance premiums as well.
    The funding request was deferred for 90 days by a 3-1 vote with Washington, Messina and LoBue voting to wait until other legislation at the State and Federal level is being considered which may help lower rates.  Moak, the sole yes vote, objected to waiting on the State or Federal government to consider legislation which may not even pass, while Central citizens pay ever-increasing flood insurance rates.  Council Member DeJohn was absent.