FEMA Notifies Shady Cove of Impending NFIP Probation
Release Date: August 31, 2007
Release Number: R10-07-051
SALEM, Ore. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has notified the City of Shady Cove of impending probation from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), effective November 1, 2007. According to FEMA officials, the probationary action is the result of deficiencies in the city's floodplain management program.
The NIFP is a federal program that makes federally-backed flood insurance available to residents of communities that adopt and enforce regulations to reduce future flood damage. Over 20,000 communities participate in the NFIP nation-wide, with 5.8 million policies in effect.
A June 22, 2007 letter dispatched from FEMA's regional office in Bothell, Washington notified the city that it will be placed on probationary status with the NFIP. The critical deficiencies include livable areas below 100-year base flood elevation and lack of hydrostatic venting in the residential foundations. These deficiencies are considered life and safety issues.
FEMA officials said that the probation action is a notice to city officials that their floodplain management program does not meet the minimum NFIP criteria, and that the deficiencies are serious enough to lead to eventual suspension from the program. They emphasized that in suspended communities where flood insurance is no longer available, federal agencies are prohibited from making grants, loans or guaranties of properties in the flood hazard area. Furthermore, if a flood disaster is declared, certain types of federal disaster assistance will not be available.
FEMA officials said that the probation will become effective in Shady Cove unless city officials take the necessary steps to correct the program deficiencies, remedy the violations to the maximum extent possible, and demonstrate effective implementation of the local ordinance in support of the NFIP requirements.
The probation will not affect the availability of flood insurance to Shady Cove residents. However, a $50 surcharge will be added to the premium for each new or renewed flood insurance policy sold in the community for at least one year, beginning November 1, 2007. This surcharge will remain in effect if the probation period is extended.
The City of Shady Cove currently has 89 flood insurance policies in force, with approximately $21.8 million in coverage, which would be affected by the probation. FEMA Region X officials have offered to provide technical assistance to help the city remedy all possible violations and achieve compliance with minimum NFIP criteria.
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: Friday, 31-Aug-2007 12:41:09