By BJ Austin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-902635.mp3
Dallas – The city of Dallas wants to change its "floodplain" ordinance before FEMA re-draws the map next year. KERA's BJ Austin says the new floodplain boundaries are being drawn after the Trinity River levees failed to meet federal standards.
Dallas officials believe they can make necessary levee improvements to beat the FEMA deadline of August 2011. But, there will be more than a thousand homes and businesses near aging pump stations that will gain floodplain designation. That means expensive flood insurance, and very strict rules on construction until "interior drainage" is upgraded. That will take several years. In the meantime, Dallas wants to make it easier to get "fill permits" for building in those areas by reducing red-tape and cost. The Council will vote on the changes next week.