SB 104 has passed second reading in the House and is on its way to a final vote on third reading.
Requires certain information be given to the department of natural resources before a person may reconstruct an abode or a residence that is located in a floodway and is substantially damaged. (Current law requires the substantial damage to be by means other than floodwater.) Requires the lowest level of the abode or residence to be at least two feet above the one hundred (100) year flood elevation. (Current law requires the elevation to be at or above the one hundred (100) year flood elevation.) Removes the state board of finance from the administration and approval procedures concerning the flood control revolving fund.
Floodway reconstruction issues are always tricky. The public policy is generally sound — unless they take precautions like elevating the home, you don’t want people rebuilding in an area that is going to get flooded again and again. But, when the floods come, it gets tough to tell people they have to leave their home.
Leave a Reply