Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced yesterday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will study the levee system in North Middletown, New Jersey and its impact on flood hazard maps in response to his request.
Pallone has been working with local elected officials and community members in order to address increased flood insurance premiums in the area.
Residents of North Middletown are facing significantly increased National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums due to a combination of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and a current depiction of risk that doesn’t recognize the existence and effectiveness of a significant flood protection system in the area. The two features of this system are a levee segment along Pews Creek and an interior drainage device, or pumping station.
North Middletown avoided flooding during Superstorm Sandy and other extreme weather events, which indicates that the existing flood control system is effective. FEMA has indicated that the study should be completed in 2015 and the results of the study should factor into new Flood Insurance Rate Maps that are currently being revised in Monmouth County.
“I’m pleased FEMA is moving forward with this critical study of the true flood risks in North Middletown, ” Pallone said. “ Residents in this area are facing significant increases in their flood insurance premiums but the flood control infrastructure that protects them is not being properly factored into these rates.”
[mappress]
Press Release, January 30, 2014