FEMA Announces Provision In Flood Insurance Regulations Allowing Chapman, KS, Residents To Rebuild With Storm Protection
Release Date: August 5, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-154
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that a provision in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations will allow residents of Chapman, Kan., to rebuild tornado-damaged homes with basements in floodplains. Under the provision, tornado-damaged homes may be rebuilt with basements if those basements are floodproofed. National Flood Insurance Administrator David Maurstad said that the provision applies in Chapman's case.
NFIP regulations generally prohibit basements in newly constructed or reconstructed homes in floodplains. The provision allowing Chapman residents to rebuild basements applies to homes in high-risk flood zones, known as Special Flood Hazard Areas on flood insurance rate maps, where projected flood heights in a one-percent annual chance flood equal three feet or less and if the basement is floodproofed. FEMA concluded the basement exception provision does apply in Chapman after consultation with local, state and federal officials.
"FEMA recognizes the extraordinary circumstances that families devastated by the Chapman tornado face when rebuilding. Ensuring that they can rebuild safely from all-hazards -- flood and tornadoes -- is of paramount concern to us," said David Maurstad, FEMA's Assistant Administrator for Mitigation and Federal Insurance Administrator. "At the same time, FEMA and the NFIP are committed to ensuring that new development is done in a way that is both sustainable and flood-resistant. Doing so makes people safer and ensures that federal flood insurance remains available and affordable nationwide."
Both FEMA and the Kansas NFIP State Coordinator will have personnel in Chapman this week to assist the community in the application process for a basement exception. FEMA will also be on hand to explain the regulatory requirements for allowing basements in flood hazard areas.
"FEMA will work closely with the City of Chapman so that owners of substantially damaged structures can build back with basements in a manner that upholds our shared goals of tornado and flood hazard reduction, while ensuring affordable flood insurance premiums for building owners," Maurstad said.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Aug-2008 14:23:45