Flood insurance now available in county

Alleghany County's residents and landowners may now purchase flood insurance, according to County Planner Jack Conaway. Conaway said in an interview on Tuesday that he has received word from the state that the county's application to join the National Flood Insurance Program has been approved.

"I have received verbal acknowledgement from the state of North Carolina Emergency Management Office that, as of Dec. 23 of 2002, we became part of the National Flood Insurance Program," Conaway commented. "I have not received anything in writing and we were waiting on that before making an official announcement."

In order to take part in the program, the county was required to pass a flood plain management ordinance, which was approved in November of 2002. The county's flood plain management ordinance, which officially took effect on Jan. 1, regulates construction and other work in flood-prone areas near waterways.

Conaway said no problems have been reported so far and that he has had no complaints since it took effect. "There have been none whatsoever," said Conaway.

At least two people have called the planning office to inquire about flood insurance, one who lived on the New River and another concerned about flooding in times of heavy rain.

The latter of the two does not live on a body of water, but is concerned about water coming down a hill near his home and entering his home.

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