Hammond Responds Re: Tree Cut

Jim Hammond (pictured), city administrator for Coeur d’Alene, responded to a letter sent to Mayor Steve Widmyer by Fort Ground Homeowners Association rep Terry Godbout:

“In the discussion regarding the tree removal on the  levy protecting NIC and the Fort Grounds homes, the most important issue regarding the levy seems to have fallen to the wayside. The levy exists to protect the college and adjacent homes from spring high water flooding.  After the failure of some levies around the country, the Army Corp of Engineers undertook an effort to ensure the safety/strength of all levies.  Should  the levy  not receive certification, ( certification verifies that the condition of the levy is appropriate for flood protection), you as a homeowner would most likely have to buy flood insurance to protect your home as the Fort Grounds would be considered an unprotected flood zone and no federal assistance would be available to rebuild a failed levy. It’s important to remember that the original recommendation from the Army Corp was to remove all vegetation due to its negative effects on the holding strength of the levy.” More here.