Levee Low-down Next Week

As noted in a previous post, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released new maps for Southwestern Illinois that show the American Bottoms, from the Mississippi River east to Bluff Rd., as no longer protected. Next Tuesday evening, the public will be able to see those maps for the first time:

Tuesday, July 29th
5:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Monroe County Annex (901 Illinois Ave.) in Waterloo

Representatives from FEMA and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be on hand to answer questions and accept comments regarding the flood mapping project. Those attending this open house will have the opportunity to:

• Locate their property on the newly produced Monroe County digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM);
• View the new Flood Insurance Study Report (FIS);
• Review map panels & FIS for accuracy & submit comments;
• Learn about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Understanding the new maps and checking their accuracy are among the most important things that property owners can do to protect their interests--plan to participate!