Published: Monday, February 13, 2006
Katrina aid delays flood-plain map update
New Orleans is a good example of why building on a low-lying area should be avoided.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN — Updating of Trumbull County's flood plain maps is being delayed because of the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina.
"All of the activity is going south," said Trish Nuskievicz, a planner and environmental specialist with the Trumbull County Planning Commission.
Updating these maps will save time and money for county residents and help keep them safe, and will be a joint venture of the county, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The ODNR and FEMA have notified the county commissioners that they want the mapping process to begin. "We would be the anchor in the county to get it done," Nuskievicz said of the planning commission.
The maps haven't been updated since 1978 and 1979. "We're really long overdue," she added.
A flood plain is a low-lying area adjacent to a body of water that is prone to flooding.
Helping recovery efforts
Nuskievicz said the county is in line for the update, but FEMA resources — money and staffing — have been directed to help hurricane recovery efforts.
She pointed out that not building in a flood plain can save people their money, time and possibly their lives. She said New Orleans is a good example of why building on a low-lying area should be avoided.
The flood plains and structures on them can be identified using photographs and the county auditor's Geographic Information System.
The paper maps show 2,200 structures — sheds, houses and commercial buildings — are on flood plains, Nuskievicz explained.
The number is increased to 6,700 when using the GIS and overlaying structures on the low areas. "It's a guarantee that these areas are going to flood," Nuskievicz said.
Insurance required
She pointed out that property owners are required to have flood insurance if the structures are built on a flood plain. Insurance can cost as much as $1,200 per year.
It would also be useful to those who want to check before buying property — ensuring it isn't in a flood plain so they can avoid having to purchase flood insurance.
Some people are paying for insurance and aren't required to, because they aren't in a low area. The update can save them money, too.
Nuskievicz explained that the county is waiting for a meeting with ODNR's flood plain section. "You can expect a certain amount of delays in a project of this size," she said.
The county will send all the information, including photographs and GIS maps, to identify the flood plains.
"It's information ODNR doesn't see on a daily basis," Nuskievicz said, noting the data will not only verify were areas flood, but the depth of the water.
She said that once the maps are updated, people will be able to identify the areas on the county auditor's Web site.
yovich@vindy.com
Monday, February 13, 2006
New Orleans is a good example of why building on a low-lying area should be avoided.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN — Updating of Trumbull County's flood plain maps is being delayed because of the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina.
"All of the activity is going south," said Trish Nuskievicz, a planner and environmental specialist with the Trumbull County Planning Commission.
Updating these maps will save time and money for county residents and help keep them safe, and will be a joint venture of the county, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The ODNR and FEMA have notified the county commissioners that they want the mapping process to begin. "We would be the anchor in the county to get it done," Nuskievicz said of the planning commission.
The maps haven't been updated since 1978 and 1979. "We're really long overdue," she added.
A flood plain is a low-lying area adjacent to a body of water that is prone to flooding.
Helping recovery efforts
Nuskievicz said the county is in line for the update, but FEMA resources — money and staffing — have been directed to help hurricane recovery efforts.
She pointed out that not building in a flood plain can save people their money, time and possibly their lives. She said New Orleans is a good example of why building on a low-lying area should be avoided.
The flood plains and structures on them can be identified using photographs and the county auditor's Geographic Information System.
The paper maps show 2,200 structures — sheds, houses and commercial buildings — are on flood plains, Nuskievicz explained.
The number is increased to 6,700 when using the GIS and overlaying structures on the low areas. "It's a guarantee that these areas are going to flood," Nuskievicz said.
Insurance required
She pointed out that property owners are required to have flood insurance if the structures are built on a flood plain. Insurance can cost as much as $1,200 per year.
It would also be useful to those who want to check before buying property — ensuring it isn't in a flood plain so they can avoid having to purchase flood insurance.
Some people are paying for insurance and aren't required to, because they aren't in a low area. The update can save them money, too.
Nuskievicz explained that the county is waiting for a meeting with ODNR's flood plain section. "You can expect a certain amount of delays in a project of this size," she said.
The county will send all the information, including photographs and GIS maps, to identify the flood plains.
"It's information ODNR doesn't see on a daily basis," Nuskievicz said, noting the data will not only verify were areas flood, but the depth of the water.
She said that once the maps are updated, people will be able to identify the areas on the county auditor's Web site.
yovich@vindy.com
Monday, February 13, 2006
Updating of Trumbull County's flood plain maps is being delayed because of the federal government's response to...
