BY CHLOE YOUNG
Eligible Austinites to get flood insurance aid A new pilot program launching this year will give lower-income Austinites impacted by flooding access to new financial assistance for flood insurance. What’s happening City Council members have sought to address rising insurance costs and local risks in the area known as “Flash Flood Alley.” After Austin’s flood mitigation efforts earned its residents an extra 5% discount on insurance poli- cies last year under a federal program, city officials funded the new local initiative now rolling out. The project Council voted March 6 to advance the $130,000 program through a contract with the Del Valle Community Coalition. The project kicked off in March and the DVCC is
New sidewalk coming to New Hope Cedar Park will build a new shared use path along East New Hope Drive by 2026. The gist At a March 27 meeting, Cedar Park City Council approved design and construction services with MWM Design Group, Inc. for the project totaling up to $96,924. The project will close a 2,200-foot gap along East New Hope Drive near US 183A and a 350-foot-long gap along Cottonwood Creek Trail.
“By providing this pilot program around flood insurance, we really will be making
a big difference in our community.” VANESSA FUENTES, DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER
expected to begin reaching out to residents about available support soon. Details about qualifying are to be determined. There are currently about 7,500 active flood insurance policies in Austin, according to the department. Watershed Protection Department spokesperson Joan Esquivel said it’s too early for the city to tell if last year’s update improved local coverage available to both homeowners and renters.
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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
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