Preparations for spring flooding already underway in Utah
Following significant floods this past year, officials in Utah are already making plans to deal with the issue in 2012 with flood potential remaining high.
Roughly 20 officials met at the Utah Capitol recently to discuss how communities could be more prepared to deal with flooding next year, according to The Associated Press. The situation could be more severe in 2012, as the source reports reservoirs in the state are already roughly 85 percent full, and could be severely pushed once the winter snows melt.
Many officials at the meeting called for increased dredging of river channels. However, issues with permits have been prevalent.
"We have a lot of these channels that are not functioning," said Weber County Commissioner Kerry Gibson, the AP reports. "We have to have a regional and concerted effort to make sure these systems function … local government can lead the charge, but they can't do it alone."
Flood coverage can be purchased as a supplement to homeowners insurance policies, as it's not included in standard coverage.
Last June, Utah Governor Gary Herbert declared a state of emergency and called for federal aid after severe flooding due to melting snow caused damage in many communities.
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