Forum provides info about areas being removed from special flood hazard areas

HIGHLAND | U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, is sponsoring a forum Wednesday evening where representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide information about removing designated areas of Hammond and Highland from the special flood hazard area.

Visclosky said that thanks to the efforts undertaken by Hammond, Highland, the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission, state and local government, concerned community organizations and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the completed levees within the communities meet flood protection standards.

That will allow municipal officials the opportunity to request FEMA reevaluate areas that were considered part of the flood hazard zone.

Property owners between Northcote Avenue and Cline Avenue could be allowed to drop federal mandatory flood insurance or may see a significant reduction in insurance rates.

FEMA representatives will be on hand to provide further information at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Wicker Park Social Center, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland.