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County Board takes 'watershed moment' for NFIP discussion  Share
The contemplation of whether or not to continue in the National Flood Insurance Program has been the subject of meetings of the Lawrence County Board for the past several months. However, at its Wednesday, July 15 meeting, discussion on the subject was limited. One citizen to address the board was Tim Williams. He refuted information that was brought to last month's board meeting about programs being made unavailable to the county if the county would drop out of the NFIP. He also pointed out the outrageous $8,800 insurance premium being charged for his 2,100-square foot home, a loan requirement as a result of inclusion in the NFIP. ''We need to separate our county from our government,'' he said. Emily Bakken, Lawrence County Farm Bureau manager, upheld Williams' comments concerning various program availability. She said that although those in the flood plain could not get more money in a disaster, anyone else in the county would still be eligible to get federal disaster assistance even if dropping out of the NFIP. Bakken confirmed that social security checks, food stamps and other assistance would not be subject to removal should the county choose to rescind participation in the NFIP. She also suggested that local banks could give loans to those in the flood plain who qualify. Also, insurance would be available at cheaper rates from insurance companies who have private flood insurance plans. Encouraging the Board to rescind involvment in the NFIP on behalf of the Farm Bureau, Bakken said that it would just be ''back to the way it was before.''
New local NFIP administrator Chris Winkles reported that he and board member Ryan Curtis had met with Paul Osman of the NFIP to discuss the program in further detail. Board Chairman Charlie Gillespie said, ''at the next meeting, we're going to have a vote on this one way or another.'' He commended those citizens who have attended board meetings to discuss the matter by showing ''good manners and demeanor.'' He added, ''this has been quite a watershed moment for Lawrence County.'' In the brief business meeting of the board, long-time County Engineer Richard Trowbridge was reappointed for another six-year term. He has held the position for 36 years. County Board member Jesse Middagh gave a report on the Lawrence County Health Department, stating that the budget had been accepted at $4,102,657, lessened by the expenditures making a deficit of $3,025. The next meeting of the Board will be at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug 19. Barbara E. Allender is editor of the Bridgeport Leader.
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