By Gianna Njau
EAST PEORIA, Ill. – (25 News) -New floodplain maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency could lead to a potentially expensive flood insurance requirement for East Peoria property owners.
The updated maps add about 430 properties across several East Peoria neighborhoods, including parts of Richland, the area around Central Junior High School, and neighborhoods near Meadow Avenue and East Peoria Community High School.
The changes place portions of those neighborhoods into a new floodplain. Homeowners with federally backed mortgages in the affected areas will be required to carry flood insurance.
The city council reluctantly accepted the new layout Tuesday night. The elected leaders initially considered rejecting the proposal, but they realized there would be a “humongous” negative impact” if the maps were not accepted, said Commissioner Mark Hill.
City Planning and Community Development Director Ty Livingston said a no vote would endanger residents’ efforts to obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Livingston said insurance costs will vary depending on the individual home and how it is impacted by updated flood maps.
Mayor John Kahl said the city will continue lobbying for changes as FEMA periodically updates its maps to reflect changes in flood risk.
The new maps take effect Sept. 7.
Comments