Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 Sultan flood zones could change Sultan residents could face higher insurance rates if their property is designated as flood plain. By Debra Smith Herald Writer SULTAN -- Emergency planners are scheduled to talk to city officials tonight about redrawing the flood zones in Sultan. While city officials aren't sure about all the implications, the changes could raise insurance rates for dozens of area households. People living in Sultan could find their homes included in areas now newly designated as flood plain. Those already living in flood plains could also be affected, because the new flood models forecast higher water coming into their homes and that would mean higher insurance rates, said Deborah Knight, city administrator. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency plan to present an overview of a study that examined the flood zone around the Sultan and Skykomish rivers at a joint meeting of the City Council and the planning board at 6 tonight, City Hall, 319 Main St. The study is part of an initiative by FEMA to redraw flood plains nationwide, said Mark Carey, a regional director for FEMA. The agency is working with Snohomish County to come up with new floodwater models, and by next year the agency expects to have a more accurate map of flood zones in the area. The electronic maps will be easier for city officials and citizens to access and read, he said. The city doesn't plan to take any action at the meeting, but it's clear the information will have serious implications for many residents, Knight said. "This is information for the council and for the community so we can understand it, although there's probably nothing we can do," she said. "The jurisdictions in charge are much larger than the city of Sultan." Reporter Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

1. Snohomish County man dies of swine flu 2. Lynnwood bank reprimanded by government 3. Police ID make of vehicle in fatal hit-and-run 4. Armed man shot by deputies in Arlington 5. IRS joins puppy mill investigation 6. Jetty Island ready for sand castles 7. Boeing's 6-month tally: 1 net order 8. Warriors & Patriots: Many American Indians served before getting full citizenship rights 9. Movin' out 10. Marshals seize swindler's home 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Warriors looking for balance • Three Scots vying for QB slot • Jackson looks for another title • Decorated veteran continues to serve as active volunteer • City Council reviewing sign regulations • Wildcats get a peek at newcomers • Lynnwood still in rebuilding mode • Shoreline feels a kindergarten growth spurt • Leave the patriotic pyrotechnics to professionals, cities urge • Trading dollars for kilowatts New PUD energy conservation programs save ... • By John Wolcott SCBJ Editor • Record crowd at Paine Field’s General Aviation Day as FHC Celebrate ... • Celebration of aviation's history and future presented in multiple venue ... • The time is ripe for small businesses to take no prisoners • EPA proposal to regulate global-warming gases would be costly for small ... • Innovation helps the town of Forks to offset tough economy • Powering the people