DECORAH - The city is officially pursuing national flood insurance.

"We'll get the application completed as soon as we can and forward it right away," City Administrator Jerry Freund said.

The City Council approved establishing flood plain management requirements consistent with the eligibility requirements for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program after waiving the third reading of the ordinance. Councilman Steve Matter suggested dispensing the final reading to get the city's application for participation on the "fast track.

Residents are unable to purchase flood insurance in communities that don't participate in the program.

Following June flooding, 10 to 12 Decorah families were deemed ineligible for federal assistance because Decorah doesn't participate in the NFIP. City officials have been informed if the city participates in NFIP within six months after the city was declared a federal disaster, those families should be able to obtain assistance.

Matter noted since the first reading of the ordinance to participate in the NFIP was held two weeks ago, there have been no additional comments and no one attended Monday's meeting to speak on the issue. About 20 people attended a committee meeting on flood insurance and although several questions were asked, no one took a direct stance against the city's participation.

The council also discussed assisting owners of property outside the 100-year flood event boundaries, but within Zone A, a special flood hazard area based on flood maps.

Properties within Zone A with current mortgages or outstanding loans will likely be required by their lending institutions to obtain flood insurance.

The city is considering assisting property owners with an appeal to remove their properties from Zone A, including property in the south part of town and commercial areas on Montgomery Street.

Affected property owners will be notified of the situation by mail.

Contact Sarah Strandberg

at newsroom@wcfcourier.com.