Dexter Township Approves FEMA Floodplain Ordinance

Homeowners and businesses within Dexter Township's floodplain area will have an easier time protecting their property from floods following a decision by the Dexter Township Board of Trustees to move forward and join the National Flood Insurance Program.

The council voted 7-0 to adopt a floodplain protection ordinance following a second reading at its meeting Tuesday. The ordinance is required by municipalities in order to join the federal program, which allows residents to purchase flood insurance for a home or business located in the floodplain.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently completed its mapping of the Huron River floodplain area in the township. According to Supervisor Pat Kelly, there are roughly 70 houses located in the floodplain.

Prior to approving the ordinance, Trustee Carl Lesser expressed frustration with the process.

"Is it really necessary that we adopt this ordinance and tell people they have to buy flood insurance?" Lesser asked. "I just don't like the whole situation and it's incumbent upon us not to be a part of it."

Patrick Sloan, director of Planning and Zoning, said if the board did not pass the ordinance, current and future property owners in the township would not be able to purchase flood insurance.

"The only ones who are required to purchase flood insurance are those property owners that still have a federally-insured mortgage," he explained.

Though he voted in favor of the ordinance, Lesser said he does not support the floodplain maps.

"That's where the government puts the stick on you," he said. "(FEMA) has no right to say that you can't buy flood insurance if the township does not join the national program."

Sloan said property owners in the floodplain can appeal to FEMA after reviewing the maps, which are available at the township hall.

"If someone thinks they are not supposed to be in the floodplain, we can help them figure out how to appeal their case to the federal goverment," he said.

For questions, or for more information, visit the township's website, www.twp-dexter.org.