Benton City adopts updated floodplain ordinance; council outlines repairs and seeks funding after flood damage

The Benton City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 10‑78, updating the city's floodplain damage-prevention code to align with a new FEMA draft map, and spent much of the meeting discussing flood damage, recovery steps and funding options.

Building official Zach Crindle told the council the ordinance adopts a newer FEMA draft map "for future protection and keeping us out of more limiting problems in the floodway," and said the appeal window is open; he urged residents that the adoption is intended to reduce future flood risks and to help maintain compliance with lending and insurance standards. "The bill period ends in March, and it is gonna be in full effect soon after that," Crindle said, and he described the appeal process (LOMAR/CLOMAR) for property owners who contest new designations.

The ordinance drew pushback from members who questioned adopting a local law tied to a FEMA draft that some said has not yet been finalized. "This ordinance is being based on a map that has not been finalized by FEMA," one council member said, noting FEMA's public comment period. City planner Steve (speaking in his city-planner role) replied that the draft map reflects "the best available science" and that the ordinance includes an appeal process and potential future amendments tied to FEMA updates.

Council and staff discussed several practical effects of the map: properties newly placed in a floodplain could face higher flood-insurance costs and lending limitations unless owners pursue a successful map amendment; conversely, enforcing updated floodplain standards can protect property values and reduce future claims. Crindle explained that a successful appeal (a LOMAR or CLOMAR) can remove a parcel from the flow zone and restore previous status.

Beyond the ordinance vote, the council reviewed immediate recovery needs from the recent flood. The mayor reported the 2nd Street boat launch was washed out and that rebuilding the launch (gravel delivery, site prep and cleanup) will cost on the order of $49,000. Councilmembers said they will pursue external funding, noting a meeting with aides to U.S. senators and that state-level emergency funds are being explored.

Staff also reported an estimated 50,000 gallons of river water entered the city's sewer system during the flood. Officials said they are investigating uncapped private clean-outs and suspect a small number of properties (including the local RV park area) may have been sources; staff described the challenge of accessing private property and the steps they are taking to narrow the origin and to reduce future inflow.

The council reviewed grants and mitigation planning: staff said the city has an Ecology grant for preliminary mitigation and is moving toward bidding for mitigation studies and work. Council discussed using time‑stamped aerial photos and live gauge data to document impacts and support funding requests.

The ordinance motion passed and council concluded other business by discussing debris removal, hazards found in the floodway (batteries, propane tanks) and action items to strengthen evacuation messaging and emergency planning. Council signaled it will continue documentation of damages and obtain contractor bids to support FEMA and state funding applications.

The council closed the meeting with routine administrative items and an agreed plan to pursue both immediate repairs and longer-term mitigation tied to the adopted ordinance.