FEMA Declares Lowertown Saint Paul in Flood Zone
As the flood water’s recede in Saint Paul neighborhoods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared parts of Saint Paul’s Lowertown and Downtown in the flood area. This is even after an almost record flood season failed to get much more than the grass wet in certain parts of the area. No structures will damaged when the Mississippi river rose to near record levels at the end of March. In fact, this year was the 8th worst flood in Saint Paul history.
FEMA has been updating their maps nationwide that designate areas which have varying levels of flood risk. They update these maps every 10 years or so. Often after large losses from flooding (this time the Cedar Rapids flooding triggered the map updates). Some of these areas, including the Union Depot, and the Great Northern building, are inside the 100 year flood zone risk area. Being inside these flood zones can require a property owner to purchase flood insurance. This can be especially concerning as all condo owners in the Union Depot would be required to buy insurance regardless of what floor they are on. Even the 5th floor condos could be required!
The City of Saint Paul has been working to change FEMA’s mind about the boundary lines-generally between Kellogg Boulevard and Shepard Road but in one instance as far inland as Prince Street. They are looking at possibly regrading streets, installing levees, or even raising curbs to have areas removed from the flood zones. Unfortunately, it is unlikely the City will be able to to change FEMA’s mind prior to the new flood maps coming out on June 4.
Statements from FEMA confirm that they believe they are doing accurate and necessary work in Saint Paul despite objections. Because of flood insurance claims in recent years, we can imagine that FEMA is being more aggressive in marking areas in the flood zone. With data from this spring’s flood still being examined it is very early in the process to see if the City will invest any capital into making changes or maybe private sectors will step in depending upon the return. In the end, we need to protect our neighborhoods.
The lower lying West Side is also considered in the flood zone. Fortunately they will not be required to buy flood insurance because they are in the process of having their levee system certified by the federal government. This process has been formally applied for, but stalled in red tape for a couple years.
I am a licensed Realtor in the State of Minnesota. This website is not a multiple listing service, but each Minnesota & Minneapolis real estate agent is a member of the Regional MLS of MN, inc., a provider of the Minnesota MLS.
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