By KATY GANZ, By KATY GANZ
Daily Record

MILLERSBURG, Ohio — Holmes County will receive a new floodplain management plan with the help of regulations from the state allowing county residents to keep their flood insurance.

Holmes County Planning Commission Director Arnold Oliver met with the county commissioners Monday to discuss approval of a new floodplain management program.

"We are required by FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) to operate a floodplain management program for people in the floodplain to be able to get flood insurance," Oliver said.

The county's current plan was last reviewed in 2001. The county recently received a revised plan from Columbus, Oliver said.

"They haven't changed anything significant to it," he said. "They are really very similar to what we have now."

The plan clarifies the standard of two feet above flood level as the required start point for construction for both the floodway and the flood fringe.

The plan will have to go through two public hearings, two publications and commissioners' approval before being adopted.

Oliver, who also administers floodplains for Killbuck, said village leaders will have to revise their plans, too.

Oliver also clarified the Local Government Services Collaboration grant application he submitted for approval at the commissioners' last business meeting.

Oliver's proposal asks for $89,000 to study ecological-based tourism opportunities in the county, including canoeing within Killbuck Creek, a visitor center focusing on ecology within the Killbuck Marsh, bird observation stations, using floating docks to showcase the Killbuck Marsh, Native American artifacts and history and enhancement of the Black Creek Park fishing, hunting and camping.

"I'm not real optimistic that we'll get that this year," Oliver said. "I'm more interested in getting some feedback."

This is the first year for the grant, Oliver said. He is not sure what criteria will be part of the selection process and what specific project the grant was designed to fund.

In other business, the commissioners approved the appointment of Norma Berg to the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action board.

"Norma Berg has been a great asset to Kno-Ho-Co," said Commissioner Ray Feikert. "She comes with a great deal of knowledge and experience."

The commissioners also approved the Department of Job & Family Services table of organization as well as the department's purchase of two $22,800 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4s from Village Motors. The county will not be paying for the cost of the vehicles.

"Those are state dollars, not general fund," said Commissioner Dave Hall.

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