Floodplain Modifications Could Affect You

New modifications to the floodplain in Muskingum County could mean changes for county residents.

Flood Plain Coordinator Ray Mennega said the new maps allow the floodplain to be more accurate and clear thanks to overhead photos and smaller contour lines. He said these changes may put some structures in the new floodplain that weren’t there before.

"If you are anywhere near a water course, be it large or small, you could be near the floodplain," said Mennega. "When a house is mortgaged and in the 100 year flood plain, the federal government requires flood insurance."

According to Mennega, flood insurance is crucial to keeping you afloat should flood waters damage your home.

"They should really look into flood insurance because the federal government will, depending on the circumstances, will grandfather a house that has been located in the low risk to the high risk zone," he said. "So when you purchase your insurances, it will be under the low-risk premiums."

The new maps will be effective July 6 and homeowners needing flood insurance should start their coverage by that date.

For more information on the changes or how you could be affected, call 455-7905.