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A public hearing is happening tonight in Kalona to go over flood plain maps.  City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh says this map was created to show the established flood plain and can be used to show areas of special flooding or commonly known as the 100-year flood plain.  Schlabaugh says during this meeting, they will have representatives from both the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to explain what the insurance rates might be and what the coverage would entail if city officials decided to participate in the flood insurance protection program.

He says if the city decides to participate, they can get federally backed insurance for properties at a federally backed rate through an insurance provider of the individual’s own choosing.  Schlabaugh says this insurance would cover structure and content above the basement level.  He says city officials have until September of this year to make a final decision to join the program.  This public hearing takes place in the Kalona Community Building from 2:00 to 9:00 tonight.