Flood Maps Could Force Thousands in North Dakota to Buy Insurance

Fargo, N.D., city engineers say an additional 7,500 homeowners may be required to purchase federal flood insurance when new flood plain maps are released.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency rate map will show homes located in what is considered the 100-year Red River flood plain, at 39.5 feet. Homeowners in that designated area with federally backed mortgages are required to buy high-risk flood insurance.

FEMA began revising Fargo’s flood plain more than a decade ago. The Forum reports that the maps are expected out at the end of September.

Flood stage for the Red River is 18 feet. The Fargo and Moorhead, Minn., area has battled major flooding for the last three years.

Information from: The Forum