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A public hearing was held in Kalona Thursday night to discuss flood plain maps. City Clerk Karen Christner says over 200 people showed up to ask questions to representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and Federal Emergency Management Agency. These representatives explained what the insurance rates might be and what the coverage would entail if city officials decided to participate in the flood insurance protection program.

Should the city decide to participate, those living in the flood plain can get federally backed insurance for properties at a federally backed rate through an insurance provider of the individual’s own choosing. This insurance would cover structure and content above the basement level. City officials have until September of this year to make a final decision to join the program.