Plan may lead to building restrictions near waterways, mandated coverage

Help may be on the way for those who are seeking flood insurance, but others may be required to build to more stringent guidelines or be mandated to purchase coverage, the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners learned Monday.

At the board's request, County Planner Jack Conaway is taking the first steps toward enrolling the county into the National Flood Insurance Program. The county has not approved a move into the program as of yet, but is looking into the possibility.

According to Conaway, full enrollment could take some time to acquire, but the county could have some coverage before the end of this year if certain conditions are met. The board did not officially vote on the measure, but did learn that John Gerber, a flood insurance specialist, will come to the commissioners' meeting on Aug. 19 at 3:30 to answer any questions about the program and coverage. The public will be welcome to attend that meeting.

As a drawback for some residents, Conaway said that those living in current flood plain areas may be required to purchase insurance — whether or not they want it.

"If a homeowner has a mortgage on their property, the lending institution may mandate that they have coverage," Conaway said. The Town of Sparta has been in the program since 1988, Conaway said.

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