Flood maps recently adopted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will remove 120 homes in Kalona from the floodplain. According to City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh, the revised map is going through the publication and public comment phase. The new map is expected to be official on or before April 10th. The city requested the map revision eight months ago.

The change means the affected homeowners can receive refunds for flood insurance they were required to purchase. Schlabaugh says those that choose to cancel their flood insurance could be reimbursed for up to six months of premiums.

Around 400 homes and businesses in Kalona have been removed from the floodplain since the map was released in 2009.