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Story Archives: Flood victims briefed on guidelines
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Flood victims briefed on guidelines
By JARED LOVETT
More than 100 residents affected by flooding on the Mississippi River packed the Concordia Parish Police Jury meeting room Tuesday night seeking answers to when they can have their power restored and move back into their homes.
Representatives from the Jury, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Institute of Building Technology and Safety were on hand to answer questions from the residents, mostly from the Minorca, Deer Park and Old River areas.
Many citizens were angered when learning that the parish's inclusion in the National Flood Insurance Program requires each resident whose power is turned off to obtain a $75 dollar permit for reconnection.
Larry Walters of Louisiana IBTS serves as flood plain manager for the Jury. He explained the process which, for all affected residents, starts by obtaining a building permit application from the Jury.
If water did not enter a residence, power can be restored immediately, he said. However, the resident must purchase the meter reconnection permit and pay inspection fees. Once the inspection is passes, electricity will be restored.
If water entered the structure, the owner much get an estimate of the damage from a licensed contractor and the appraised property value from a certified appraiser. IBTS also provides property inspection using FEMA software for $300, said Walters.
Walters pointed out residents can use the appraisal of their home's value performed by the tax assessor, but the value is usually lower and could change the percentage of damage.
If property damage is less than 50 percent of the appraised value of the house, residents can immediately obtain a building permit for renovations, set a temporary power pole and begin construction.
Homeowners whose homes are damaged more than 50 percent of appraised value must obtain a building permit and elevate their home to at or above base flood elevation. The owner can then obtain a reconnect permit.For the full story, subscribe to the The Concordia Sentinel's NEW E-Edition! |
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