County Justices in Arkansas Vote Against FEMA-Mandated Program

Mississippi County, Ark., justices have rejected a measure that would create a flood-damage prevention program that the Federal Emergency Management Agency says the county needs.

The justices voted 8-2, with one abstention, against the proposal during a special meeting held after the county received its flood insurance map from FEMA. The map designates the county as an area in which those wanting to finance the purchase of a home or other property must buy flood insurance.

The designation also means the county must be able to withstand a 100-year flood.

Rob Rash, the CEO of the St. Francis Levee District, called the new map ill-conceived.

Michael Borengasser, the state floodplain administrator for the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, says the ordinance is part of a 30-year plan to improve the safety of levees.

Information from: The Jonesboro Sun