Planning Commissioners Examine New Flood Map

WATER VALLEY – The new flood plain ordinance and map were the topic of discussion by Planning Commissioners at their October meeting.

The new map, which went into effect Sept. 17, takes much of the City out of the flood plain, according to Billy Humphreys who serves on the Commission and is the City’s flood plain administrator.

The latest map is a revised version of the one presented at the public hearing held in Coffeeville on Aug. 27, 2009, which placed a number of additional homes and businesses in the flood plain, particularly in the Central Street area.

That map did not reflect flood control work performed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers including holding dams they built north of town. Humphreys explain-ed that if the Corps of Engineers had not built those dams and had not had them certified, Water Valley would have much more property included in the flood plain.

The commissioners went over the areas of town still in the flood zone including the area around the 300 block of South Main Street and property in the Champion Circle area.

They also noted that the BorgWarner plant and the Yalobusha General Hospital campus were among the areas removed from the flood zone.

Humphreys emphasized importance of having flood insurance for property still in the flood plain.

Among other items, the Commissioners discussed the possibility of a new business in the old service station property located at 129 South Main Street. They were also informed of a new policy of requiring homes and businesses to be “up to code” before electrical service would be reestablished.

Attending the Oct. 18 meeting were Chairman Ken French, Lyn Morris, and Humphreys.

The Planning Commission meets on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at City Hall. Persons wishing to appear before the group should contact City Clerk Vivian Snider to be placed on the agenda.