By Staci DaSilva
sdasilva@kcautv.com
Areas protected by the Floyd River levee haven't been flooded in decades, even through the summer of 2011 flood.
But a new FEMA study could lead to business and homeowners between 6th and 43rd streets in the area being added to the FEMA flood map.
Don's Auto Center has been located in Leeds in Sioux City since 1949, surviving the devastating Floyd River flood of 1953.
Don's Auto Center owner Ron Wermes said, "I heard stories about how they put stuff up on the hoist and he had to crawl out the side window in order to get home."
But since then the shop's been dry.
So when owner Ron Wermes got a letter in the mail saying the area could be added to the flood insurance map pending a FEMA study, he was shocked.
"I just can't afford to keep writing off more and more insurances. I have 8 policies on different things as it is right now, to add 1 more is just financially irresponsible," said Wermes.
The good news for him, flood insurance is only required if you're under a federally-managed mortgage.
After major disasters, like the levee nightmare of Hurricane Katrina, FEMA has begun certifying levees across the country, and with that, its updating its assessments of flood areas, thus, the Floyd River study.
Sioux City Public Works Director Jade Dundas is representing the City in its discussions with FEMA.
Jade Dundas said, "This initiates us to look at the system, evaluate projects and try to identify ways that we can help to mitigate areas and try to get those areas that are impacted now, try to shrink those down as much as possible."
The areas are vague at this time, but seem to include the areas east of Floyd Blvd, west of Highway 75 between 6th and 43rd streets. A map can be found here.
The area includes Robin Schonrock's business, Leed's Beauty Salon.
The previous owner had flood insurance, but Schonrock's insurance agent advised her to drop it.
"To me, I'm looking at the expense part of it, right now, with the economy the way it is, everything's pretty slow. I just don't need another expense here because the property taxes alone are so high," said Schonrock.
FEMA's study will be finalized in 18 months.
If you're interested in learning more about the FEMA study, there are two informational meetings behind held on Wednesday: one at 2pm at Sioux City City Hall and at 7pm at Leeds Elementary.
