Council Bluffs, Iowa Races to Improve Levees in Advance of FEMA Deadline

Improvements to the Council Bluffs, Iowa, levee system are continuing as city officials hope to beat federal government action that could cost homeowners a boatload of cash in flood insurance.

The city council approved the plans and specifications on the fifth project out of 10 in the recertification of the city’s levee system covering more than 28 miles.

This work is necessary to meet U.S. Corps of Engineers standards in flood protection and avoid the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from redrawing the city map as a flood zone.

“We’re in a race now to get the levees recertified before FEMA redraws its flood assessment maps, maps associated with the Flood Insurance Program,” said Mayor Matt Walsh. “We think the remapping will take place in 2023 so we need to get it certified so that new areas aren’t added to the maps causing homeowners to pay flood insurance.”

Walsh believes that if this recertification effort isn’t entirely done by 2023, FEMA might allow more time, and Iowa’s Congressional members have indicated their willingness to help if needed, he said.

Nevertheless, the possibility of higher flood insurance rates for a good portion of the west end is still there.

Local insurance agent Rick Guill estimated a hike in flood insurance rates could cost homeowners an extra $1,200 to $2,000 a year.

For many, that could be a “deal breaker” in seeking a home loan, Guill said.

“And, that would impact the value of their home,” he added. “It’s important to get the levees fixed.”