The topic:Change in flood plain maps likely to hit homeowners in the pocketbook.

WHATHAPPENED?

The picturesque rivers that flow through Ottawa are normally peaceful and pleasant, however there are times when these watery ribbons become raging forces of destruction.

During the last 25 months, the city has suffered through several "100-year-floods" that have destroyed homes, uprooted businesses and flooded Central Elementary School out of existence.

Now, local leaders warn, soon-to-be released Federal Emergency Management Agency flood area maps are expected to raise the current base high water mark by nearly a foot and a half, which means the current flood plain would be greatly expanded near the Fox and Illinois rivers as well as low areas near Goose Creek.

Experts agree those revised levels would force homeowners whose properties lie underneath them to buy FEMA-mandated flood insurance whether they have ever been affected by high waters.

Local officials expect a flood of panicked inquires when the maps are made public.

The national Flood Insurance Act of 1968 established the federal program and, in 1973, the mandatory purchase provision was added to strengthen the provision. Five years ago, Congress passed the Flood Insurance Reform Act, which focused on repetitive loss properties.

The legislation requires the force placement of flood insurance if a lender determines the structure is not adequately insured.

Last year, Ottawans Nelson Nussbaum and his wife, Karen, bought their dream house in the 100 block of Pleasant Avenue, a spectacular home with dramatic river vistas on the Illinois River's north side. They learned from the previous owner the property had never been flooded and the house was above FEMA's base elevation, but not wanting to risk their investment, the Nussbaum added flood coverage to their homeowner's policy for about $500 more per year.

Keeping the policy in mind, they watched anxiously last August when record waters rose within two feet of their property. But in the end, they were relieved to remain high and dry while many in the county were not as fortunate.

"From what I have been told, we expect to be included in the revised FEMA flood maps, but seeing we already have the insurance, there should be no problems," Nussbaum said. He is not so sure how his neighbors and other community members will react to the revision news, which most likely greatly increase their insurance costs.

"Insurance is what it is, like taxes," he said, adding the additional cost is the price one pays to "live in such a special place." And, because the Nussbaums already have flood coverage, their rates should be unaffected.

Earlier this year, in an proactive response to these recent sweeping high waters, Ottawa officials formed a Flood Management Commission comprised of community and business leaders as well as local private stakeholders to better prepare the city for any future river events. This commission now meets on a monthly basis and is now in the process of collecting data about how the community should prepare for sudden high waters. The group is charged with coordinating an educated and organized response to whatever levels any likely flood could reach.

Pam Shanley — one of the few commission members who owns a house in what could be the new flood zone — said she originally joined the commission for personal reasons, but now she can see how important it is for the community to work together to confront the water issue.

Shanley, who lives on Orleans Street, does not have flood insurance and she believes, according to current elevation maps she has studied, her home sits high enough to avoid having the government force her family to purchase mandatory flood coverage.

"My neighbors and others close to the river areas will be stunned when the (FEMA) maps come out," she said.

WHYDOESITMATTER?

Currently, only 37 Ottawa homeowners have flood insurance policies with the average additional cost coming in at $776. Local insurance experts expect If flood coverage is not purchased before the new FEMA maps take effect, the mandated coverage rates might skyrocket.

Ottawa Building Official Mike Sutfin is confident the work the commission is working on will dramatically lower the premiums locals may be required to pay. "That is one of our goals," he said.

"And remember," one Ottawa commission member explained, "you don't have to be next to a river to be in a flood plain in this city."

Scott Cofoid, a specialist from Insurance Services Office in Peru, praised the commission's work and said, "An organized and documented flood plain management program equals less stress on a community when a major flood happens."

Sutfin is confident Ottawa will be ready.

WHAT'SNEXT?

FEMA's new flood plain maps, initially expected in August, have been delayed for release until mid-December, and, according to city officials, estimates are 150 to 200 additional homeowners might be included and required to take out the mandatory coverage even if their property has never been threatened by rising water.

Sutfin, who is a certified flood plain manager, expects a lot of questions from affected property owners and he is ready for them. He said the commission and city have been doing massive amounts of work and research to collect accurate information to help concerned citizens.

He said, once in hand, FEMA maps can be electronically placed over maps of Ottawa and "we'll have exact locations where the new (flood) plains will be." That information will help stakeholders in any appeal they may want to file, Sutfin said.

Sutfin added during the next 11 months the commission will formulate a new water damage prevention plan, which the City Council would adopt as an ordinance to minimize public and private loss from future flooding events.

To minimize future losses, Sutfin said the city has bought out more than 60 properties and expects more will be purchased in the near future. "It (buyouts) is the smart thing to do," he said.

WANT TO DO MORE?

The flood commission meets monthly at Ottawa City Hall. Questions or to find out meeting times, contact City Hall at 815-433-0161.