FEMA flood maps hurt us, benefit insurance

Flooding is arguably the most catastrophic natural disaster that all of us face living in Iowa. What some people may not know is that we are in our own flood-related crisis of the “insurance type” in some of our Iowa communities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is currently developing and implementing new 100-year flood plain (Zone A) maps across the nation. These maps are approximate, full of errors, and are placing homes in Zone A without any potential for flood risk. To top it off, they are requiring flood insurance with premiums that are very expensive for those Zone A properties.

For example, on a $150,000 home in Kalona, the annual flood insurance premium is expected to be about $1,700. Over one-third of Kalona residents are currently mapped in Zone A, according to FEMA, and in 100 years, this adds up to $50 million dollars in insurance premiums, not to mention the major property devaluation. Would an actual 100-year flood event even do this kind of damage to Kalona?

I encourage Iowans to get educated on this issue quickly and write to your national representative. Your home or business or community might soon be affected by this government-imposed economic crisis. Do an Internet search on “fema map errors” and “flood insurance fairness” to find out more.

Cam Conrad

Kalona