Mower County has been honored for exemplary work to qualify for the Community Rating System offered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ waters division.

Friday, April 14, 2000

Mower County has been honored for exemplary work to qualify for the Community Rating System offered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ waters division.

An award was presented at Tuesday’s meeting of the Mower County Board of Commissioners.

The county was credited with aggressively pursuing measures that resulted in the lowering of flood insurance premiums. Previously, the county had qualified for a 5 percent reduction in the flood insurance premiums. Now, it qualifies for a 10 percent reduction.

"This is quite an accomplishment for your county," Tom Lutjen, flood plain program hydrologist for the DNR, said.

Bob Bezek, area hydrologist, joined Lutjen in making the presentation Tuesday.

Mower County’s efforts to acquire property and relocate residents as well as to rehabilitate residences damaged by flooding were part of the reasons it qualified for the honor from the DNR. Also, the flood plain ordinances for development were another part.

According to Lutjen, only three other government units in the state are at the same level as Mower County.

The levels offer insurance protection for homeowners in the event of a 100-year flood.

The city of Austin qualifies for an even lower rating, which offers a 15 percent reduction in 100-year flooding insurance protection.

In other action Tuesday, the county commissioners:

n Examined the county’s Long Range Strategic Planning Committee’s recommendations.

Ann Walter, Mower County Extension Service educator, facilitated the discussion with help from County Coordinator Craig Oscarson. Early favorites for "top-priority" attention, according to Tuesday’s discussion, are the Global Information System, family facilitator, bridge replacement and youth commission. The county board members will continue their examination of the recommendations, including funding sources, before a final list to implement is presented for the entire five-member board’s review and enactment.

n Approved paying an amount between $10,000 and $15,000 for road and bridge approach repairs in Pleasant Valley Township. Under the terms of the agreement negotiated by the township’s Bill Sweetser and the county board with input from County Engineer Michael Hanson, the township will be allowed to repay the county over a period of five years with 5 percent interest.