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Draft floodplain maps propose major additions across Reno County; Hutchinson staff detail review plan
Summary
State mapping team released draft floodplain maps affecting neighborhoods in Hutchinson. City engineers say maps are public, will be reviewed with consultants, and staff will pursue prioritized mitigation projects while engaging state and federal resources.
City engineers told the Hutchinson City Council on Aug. 19 that draft floodplain maps from the state mapping team propose sizeable additions to the mapped floodplain in Reno County, including many areas inside Hutchinson. The city said it will evaluate the mapping models, seek technical adjustments where warranted and pursue prioritized mitigation projects.
Evan Patterson, city engineer, said the state mapping team delivered draft maps that are now public and that “anything colored bluish is in the floodplain” on the map. He said the draft shows new areas proposed for inclusion: “Anything in green is being proposed to be removed. And then the red color is proposed to be added to the flood plain.” Patterson showed neighborhood examples where more than half of some blocks would be newly mapped into the floodplain, and he warned of large file sizes and modeling complexity that are delaying quantitative impact estimates.
Patterson said the mapping work was done for Reno County and that consultant modeling by WSP produced maps that the state decided to publish only after additional verification. He said the city will review the state models as soon as it obtains the model files and will prioritize “boots on the ground” mitigation; staff plans an initial self‑performed project near the Boys and Girls Club adjacent to Cow Creek and will continue to pursue the stormwater master plan projects and outside funding.
Matt Williams, director of community development, clarified likely near‑term impacts for property owners: lenders typically will require flood insurance for mortgages on properties newly mapped into a floodplain; new construction within a floodplain will require a floodplain development permit and commonly must be built a foot above the base flood elevation, potentially increasing project cost.
Nut graf: Draft floodplain maps could materially affect homeowners, developers and future projects in Hutchinson; city staff said they will (1) review the state’s hydraulic/hydrologic models, (2) pursue mitigation projects that can be done quickly, and (3) seek technical assistance and funding while advising residents of possible insurance and permitting consequences.
Council and staff noted the city cannot unilaterally change the state maps; Patterson said a county‑level meeting with the state mapping team is scheduled and that the mapping team intends to publish web versions of the maps in September or October. He said the city will request model files and work with consultants to validate inputs, hoping to identify model adjustments where warranted.
Ending: Staff will host public information and technical reviews; a flood‑risk review meeting with the state mapping team is scheduled the week after the council meeting and staff will compile a priority list of mitigation projects and seek funding sources, including federal grants. The city manager said he planned to contact the office of U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran to explore federal assistance.
