HOOD RIVER — As previously reported in Columbia Gorge News, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps are being revised throughout Oregon, including Hood River County. FEMA representatives were scheduled to present to the city councils of Hood River and Cascade Locks Feb. 24, and to host a public open house Feb. 25 in Hood River, but canceled five days before the event with no explanation.
In a follow-up email, Hood River County Community Development Director Eric Walker said the county had spent “substantial resources in staff time and material costs” preparing for the open house, including sending letters to approximately 640 landowners describing the project and inviting them to the open house. (That number does not include letters sent by the cities of Hood River and Cascade Locks.)
Walker said on Feb. 5, FEMA staff told the county and cities of Cascade Locks and Hood River that “non-mission critical travel was canceled,” but they would be able to hold a virtual open house.
Then, on Feb. 20, five days before the county’s open house was set to take place, “local staff received a brief email from FEMA saying that all upcoming meetings, including presentations to the city councils of Cascade Locks and Hood River, were canceled,” he said.
In addition to an online story map with material in English and Spanish, the open house was supposed to provide resources and experts so county residents could ask questions and learn about mapping processes, risk assessment, flood planning, and flood insurance. With these maps updated, Hood River County will continue to be eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program.
FEMA has yet to reschedule the meetings, but when they do, citizens will again receive invitations through the mail at the expense of the local agencies.
“Unfortunately, the county and the two cities will have to expend similar resources again once the open house is rescheduled,” Walker said.
Commented