Montana congressman questions FEMA remapping plan
A Montana congressman is fighting a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policy that does not acknowledge uncertified flood control structures, as the law may increase homeowners insurance rates for many state residents, reported the State Column.
According to the website, many levee certifications that were previously done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been left to local communities, many of which have not been able to afford private certifications due to the economic recession. U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg is asking FEMA to use more precise methods of evaluating uncertified flood control structures during the remapping of new Flood Insurance Rate Maps so that struggling Montana homeowners are not forced to purchase additional flood insurance if their home is protected by an uncertified levee.
Rehberg told the source it is unfair for FEMA to ignore functioning levee structures when the agency redraws the flood maps.
"At a time when few can afford to have their insurance payments go up, FEMA should do all it can to avoid unnecessary expense to the homeowners and business owners who will be affected by this change," he said.
Flood insurance is necessary to cover expensive damage that can result from water build-up. The National Flood Insurance Program reports the average flood claim is over $33,000, significantly less than a yearly insurance premium that can be as low as $100.
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