Council considers first reading to let mayor share FEMA data from February flooding for floodplain management

The Huntington City Council heard the first reading of Ordinance 2025-509, which would authorize the mayor to enter into an information-sharing agreement with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A staff member told council the data would come from FEMA records of the February 2025 flooding along Pole Creek and would inform floodplain management, help identify heavily damaged homes, and support applications for mitigation awards.

"The information exchange will be data gathered from FEMA during the February 2025 flooding events along 4 Pole Creek," a staff member said, adding the data would be used to "identify significantly damaged homes, and apply for future mitigation awards." The staff member said the information is critical for applications to the state emergency management division (EMD) and FEMA for demolitions and acquisitions, and that the associated projects and programs are voluntary.

The item was presented as a first reading; the transcript records the presentation and staff remarks but does not record a council vote or final action on the ordinance.