Pallone Announces FEMA to Study N. Middletown Levee System’s Impact on Flood Insurance Rates

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today 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.”

Pallone is also a cosponsor of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which has been introduced to address the increased flood insurance premiums that have resulted from the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act.  The Senate voted 86-13 on Monday to move forward with the Senate version of the legislation, which has been sponsored by Senator Bob Menendez.  This bill will protect millions of homeowners from facing huge flood insurance premium rate hikes and require FEMA to complete an affordability study, propose real solutions to address affordability issues, and certify that their mapping process is accurate before any flood insurance premiums can be raised in the future.