Village Administrator Steve Hamilton said the meeting is open to all residents of Scioto County.
Both the Village of New Boston and the City of Portsmouth will have an inspection of their flood defense systems April 15, 2011. Hamilton said it could cost as much as $300,000 — which the village doesn't have — to make the necessary upgrades to the village flood defense system. If either municipality fails the inspection, it could mean residents of both areas will be required to purchase their own flood insurance. If that happens and the flood walls are not certified, that could also cause flood insurance rates to increase.
But Hamilton explained how people can avoid being hit with higher rates.
"If they get their insurance now, the ones in the floodplane, it will not raise (their rates). They'll be grandfathered in after the 15th (of April 2011) if something happens that the walls don't get accredited," Hamilton said.
Hamilton said the purpose of the Sept. 20 meeting is to allow FEMA and ODNR the opportunity to explain how residents will be affected and what they should be doing right now. The meeting will also give residents a chance to have their questions answered.
"I want it to come from FEMA and ODNR's mouth," Hamilton said. "I want it to come from the mouth that mandated this levy system certification, not from second hand."
In addition to FEMA and ODNR, representatives from the Village of New Boston will also be attending. Hamilton said representatives from the city and county have also been invited.
The meeting will be at the Vern Riffe Community Center in New Boston from 6 to 9 p.m.
RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235, or e-mail rottney@heartlandpublications.com.
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