Federal Flood Insurance

The Town is reapplying to participate in the Federal Flood Insurance Program.   The Town already did this in 2008.   At that time, we adopted Charleston County's flood prevention and protection ordinance and signed an intergovernmental agreement for County Building Services to manage flood regulation in the Town.   In 2012, the Town again adopted the County flood prevention and protection ordinance and an intergovernmental agreement for County Building Services to manage flood regulation in the Town.

FEMA has created new flood maps, and there will be public hearings next spring.   FEMA mailed me a letter with draft maps.   The letter stated that according to their records, the Town does not participate in the Federal Flood Insurance Program.  On the advice of Charleston County Building Services, we are submitting a new application.    As required by the application, I have requested that Council approve a resolution of intent to participate in the program.

My opinion is that the Town has never stopped participating in the program.   While I will make that argument, the last thing I want to see happen is for the Federal government to block renewals of existing flood insurance policies and prevent new ones from being written in the Town.   The Town benefits from having Charleston County Building Services manage our program, and I believe we need to follow their advice on this matter.