Ponderay gets flood insurance

PONDERAY — The city’s homeowners are in line to get federal flood insurance if they want it.

Because the city adopted measures to prevent flood damage to homes, including an ordinance requiring new homes to be built above the base flood elevation, the federal government has included the city in its insurance program.

Homes that are remodeled at a cost of 50 percent of their value must also meet flood standards, said Erik Brubaker, Ponderay’s planning director.

“Everybody can get flood insurance who couldn’t before,” Brubaker said.

Because of the high cost of flood insurance from private carriers, the federal government sells the insurance at a lower rate based on eligibility.

The city joined more than 20,500 communities nationwide that are allowed to purchase federally-backed flood insurance, according to a press release.

There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect.

The coverage limit for single-family dwellings is $250,000 and contents can be covered for up to $100,000.

The limit for commercial property is $500,000 each for contents and properties.

Renters can also be covered.

The flood insurance program is administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“We’re in a good position to enter this program,” Brubaker said.