For decades, the national response to
flood disasters was generally limited to construction of flood-control works,
such as dams, levees and seawalls, and providing disaster relief to flood
victims. This approach did not reduce losses nor discourage unwise
development. To compound the problem, the public could not buy flood
coverage from insurance companies, and building techniques to reduce damage were
often overlooked.
In the face of mounting flood losses and
escalating costs of disaster relief to the general taxpayer, the U.S. Congress
created the National Food Insurance Program in 1968. Their intent was to
reduce future damage and to provide protection for property owners from
potential losses through an insurance mechanism that allows a premium to be paid
by those most in need of the protection.
The program is administered by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency [FEMA]. FEMA produces Flood Insurance Rate
Maps [FIRM] that show areas subject to flooding. The flood risk
information presented on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps is based on historic,
meteorological, hydrologic, and hydraulic data, as well as open-space
conditions, flood-control works and development.
What is the 100-Year Flood Plain?
Special Flood Hazard Areas are areas
subject to inundation by a flood that has a 1% or greater chance of being
equaled or exceeded during any given year. This type of flood is commonly
referred to as the 100-Year or base flood. A 100-Year is not a flood that
occurs every 100 years. In fact, the 100-Year Flood as a 26% chance of
occurring during a 30-year period ... the length of many mortgages. The
100-Year Flood is a regulatory standard used by federal agencies, and most
states, to administer flood plain management programs. The 100-Year Flood
Plain is used by the National Flood Insurance Program as the basis for insurance
requirements nationwide.
Flood Insurance Facts
Homeowners' insurance does not cover flood
damage. Federal flood insurance, purchased through your insurance agent or
directly by the National Flood Insurance Program, is the only guaranteed flood
insurance coverage available for your home.
FEMA disaster aid is only available during
Presidentially-declared disasters. Flood insurance policies pay claims
whether or not a disaster is declared.
More than 25% of the National Flood
Insurance Program's claims are for structures outside identified flood plains.
Floods can occur anywhere. People who face even moderate flood risks
should get insurance, which can be purchased for as little as $80.00 per year.
"Floods are disruptive, costly and dangerous.
Recovering from a flood is a slow and painful process. That is why it is
up to each of us to prevent property damage and loss of life in flood prone
areas. You can learn simple, cost-effective ways to avoid this kind of
tragedy in the future. Also, every homeowner who lives in a flood hazard
area should have flood insurance. If you do not have flood insurance you
should contact your local insurance agency or call toll-free 1-800-427-4661."
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President William Jefferson Clinton
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Recovery Times -- June 17, 1996
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Who is in charge of Flood Plain Management
for Monongalia County?
In August, 2003 the Monongalia County
Commission assigned the enforcement of the Monongalia County Flood Plain
Management Ordinance to the Monongalia County Planning Commission.
The Monongalia County Planning Commission houses
the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, conducts flood plain determinations, issues
permits and provides guidance on building techniques that lessen damages from
potential flooding episodes.
 What are your responsibilities under the
Flood Plain Management Ordinance?
If you plan on doing any building, filling
or substantial improvements to your property ... contact the Monongalia County
Planning Commission at 180 Hart Field Road, Morgantown, WV 26505 -- (304)
291-9570, Fax (304) 291-9573 or by
e-mail ... director@moncpc.org .
A site plan will be required in order to
determine if the proposed construction is in the flood plain portion of your
property. You will also need to provide the tax district name, map number
and parcel number for your property [i.e. Morgan district, map number 11G,
parcel 80].
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