(KLZA)--The Richardson County Commissioners met with EMA Director, Brian Kirkendall and County Attorney, Samantha Scheitel to review the floodplain/flood way ordinance and possible changes that could be made to alleviate some of the current restrictions when they met August 6^th

A letter in the form of a template was presented to the Board for their approval, to be sent to property owners by the County when the County becomes aware of any improvements or construction that would be in violation of the current ordinance. The Board agreed that this letter should be forwarded to any property owner when the County has been made aware that possible improvements are being made.

Elijah Kaufman from Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and Jared Reimers representing Congressman Adrian Smith- Office were also in attendance to answer questions and explain the requirements and differences between FEMA- description of flood way and floodplain and the importance for Richardson County to maintain and enforce the State of NE regulations of floodway and floodplains. Mr. Kaufman explained to the Board that a process titled “Letter of Map Revision” could be obtained through a licensed engineer which would be reviewed by FEMA and if approved would allow the change of a floodway area back to a floodplain, moving the floodway to a different area, etc. This process can be costly for the County and Mr. Reimers explained that there could possibly be some federal grant funding available. Mr. Kaufman also suggested that the Natural Resource District could have grant funds available for this as well.

The County will be considering revisions to the current ordinance to be less restrictive and still remain in accordance with the regulations of the State of Nebraska.