OTHER NEWS
Property owners along FEMA floodplain should review insurance requirements

FEMA adjusted its Flood Insurance Rate Map for Sioux Falls, which will have an impact on business owners and homeowners in the affected areas. The floodplain essentially runs along the Big Sioux River. Business owners and homeowners located within Sioux Falls' flood plain may need to purchase flood insurance by March 2009. Those who have an FDIC-insured bank loan or other federal loan will likely be required to purchase flood insurance; those who have no such loan may not be required to purchase coverage but will not be covered in case of a flood and have no insurance to cover any losses.

The City of Sioux Falls held an open house in November to advise property owners within the floodplain about this matter. The City of Sioux Falls has been a participating regular member in the National Flood Insurance Program since 1979. As a member, the city has adopted regulations in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program to control development and activities in flood hazard areas. The goal is to reduce the risk of future flood damage and provide affordable flood insurance.

Purchasing necessary flood insurance before the March 2009 deadline may save business owners and homeowners money. For more information, contact the City's Planning Department at (605) 367-8888 Follow this link to view maps and the insurance study: www.siouxfalls.org/Zoning/flood_mgmnt.