Letter to the Editor

In 1968, Congress passed the National Flood Insurance Act based on findings that a program of flood insurance can promote the public interest by providing appropriate protection against the perils of flood losses and encouraging sound land use by minimizing exposure of property to flood losses; and the objectives of a flood insurance program should be integrally related to a unified national program for floodplain management.

On February 11, 1974, Panola County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring the intention of Panola County to qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program.

In 1977 Panola County became a member of the NFIP.

As a member of the NFIP, Panola County citizens are able to purchase flood insurance policies through the NFIP. Panola County, as a NFIP community, has agreed to take certain actions, including: adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance that meets or exceeds the minimum standards of the NFIP, have a floodplain development permit process, collect elevation certificates, conduct field inspections, and to check for non permitted development.

Panola County has approximately 70,000 acres located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). A majority of this acreage is located in the western side of Panola County including the Curtis area, and Locke Station area.

For information on the NFIP, to view the current flood maps, to view current Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, or to find out if your property is located in the SFHA, contact Michael Purdy at 662-563-6313 or 245 Eureka St in Batesville Monday through Friday, 8-5.

Michael Purdy
Panola County Flood Plain Manager