Broome County Legislature Calls for Uniform Standards for Levee Safety and Accreditation
Broome County Legislature Chairman Jerry Marinich (R-Town of Chenango) today announced the passage of a resolution calling on Congress to develop and adopt consistent policies and procedures for levee safety and accreditation.
As a result of major floods around the Country, including those that devastated parts of Broome County back in 2006, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has undertaken the process of redrawing flood maps and de-accrediting all levees and floodwalls in Broome County. That'll result in placing about 6,500 structures into the Special Flood Hazard Area.
In the past, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) has been responsible for inspecting flood walls and levees. FEMA does not accept USACE's assessments or past performance of the flood walls and levees as evidence that they are functioning properly.
This has created confusion for those who own property in the new FEMA proposed flood zone.
"I call on our Federal reprentatives Senator Schumer and Gillibrand as well as Congressmen Hinchey and Hanna to adopt uniform standards for levee accreditation", Chairman Marinich said.
Being placed in the Special Flood Hazard Area will result in homeowners being required to purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars for residents who are already on tight budgets.
"No one wants to be flooded and caught without flood insurance", said Marinich. "But Broome County residents need to have a consistent message coming from the Federal Government about the safety of our flood control structures."
The resolution was passed during the County Legislature’s Regular Session last Thursday and copies were sent to Broome County’s Congressional delegation.
For more information on FEMA’s proposed maps, please visit: http://broomegis.co.broome.ny.us/website/gisweb/fema_updates.htm.
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Posted: 1/26/2011 3:03 pm
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