Clarkdale recently designated flood hazard areas, signed an agreement with Yavapai County Flood Control District worth $100,000 and moved ahead with new ordinances governing flood control.
The move preserves the ability of property owners to buy flood insurance, especially those who live in stick-built and manufactured homes situated in lowlands along the Verde River east of town, Community Development Director Sherry Bailey said.
The new ordinance imposes new flood plan restrictions while the intergovernmental agreement makes money available for flood control infrastructure.
The Federal Emergency Management Administration imposes many of the requirements to qualify local governments for federal emergency aid, Bailey said.
The federal government underwrites flood insurance. That means government rules apply to people who want to buy it.
In order to qualify for flood insurance, property owners must live in designated areas governed by a proper flood control plan, according to FloodSmart.gov, a website where the National Flood Insurance Plan is explained.
Town Council’s unanimous action Aug. 31 meets this requirement, preserving the right of dozens of Clarkdale property owners to buy flood insurance, Bailey said.
New maps, normally updated every five years, are now available from the Community Development Department.
The maps show the historic location and penetration of Verde River floodwaters in the vicinity of Rincon Drive and Mesquite Trail and many other flood hazard areas.
Every neighborhood historically touched by flood is demarcated. A north river view of the map shows the potential for more than 25 lots to be touched by floods, even inundated in several locations.
Inundation can result in property damage, personal injury and loss of life, according to the government website.
The last time floods caused substantial damage in Clarkdale was 1993, Bailey said.
“Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim has amounted to over $33,000.
Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself from devastating financial loss,” according to the website.
Congress created the National Flood Insurance Plan in 1968 to provide affordable flood insurance coverage for at-risk property owners.
The insurance can cover homeowners, renters, or business owners if their community adopts and enforces ordinances that protect against flooding as FEMA requires, according to the government website.
FEMA offers different levels of coverage based on the type and ownership of the property up to $250,000.
