Flood protection is costing Minot a lot. From the properties it is taking to the outright dollars we’re dedicating a lot. And the further we get from 2011, the easier it becomes to ask if it’s worth it. Among the big reasons why we’re making the investment is the forecasted-to-change federal flood insurance program.
To that point, this story from Grist out of Florida is worth noting. It suggests a shift in the way FEMA is managing disaster-impacted communities is changing, and they’re not playing as nice as they have in the past. Communities either get on board with their standards, or the people pay. Or the people don’t get insurance. It’s a sign that the tough decisions made in Minot have probably put us on the right path — at least as far as federal flood insurance goes.