Flood Insurance

    I received a letter from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) with copies of the proposed new flood maps for James Island.   In the letter, they said that the Town does not participate in the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program.)   They encouraged us to join so our residents could benefit from low cost federal flood insurance.
 
     Of course, many in the Town, including me, have flood insurance with NFIP.   The Town was accepted in 2008.   At that time, the Town adopted Charleston County's flood management ordinance and did so again in 2012.   There has been no lapse in the regulation since 2008.  Further, through our intergovernmental agreement, those regulations have been continuously enforced by Charleston County Building Services.   Still further, the Town participates in the various educational programs on flood prevention managed by Charleston County.

      I explained the situation to FEMA, but their position was that when the Town was closed down in 2011, the Town's participation lapsed.  In order to make sure that Town residents could continue to renew their flood insurance policies, we applied again for membership last December.

     The Town was reinstated into NFIP this July.   The good news is that residents of the Town can continue to renew their policies.   Those without flood insurance are eligible to obtain policies.

      Unfortunately, FEMA is treating the Town as a new member of NFIP.   This is a problem because a new member must wait one year before applying for a CRS (Community Rating System) discount.  After we apply, it will be some time before our application is reviewed and we can receive a discount.   That means that for the time being, as flood insurance policies are renewed, the previous 30% discount will be removed.

      I have contacted Representative Sanford, Senator Graham and Senator Scott asking for their help.   In my view, it is very unfair for our residents to treat the Town as a new member.

       Since it is impossible to obtain Federal Flood Insurance if your community does not participate in NFIP, when a community first joins, the rates start off high.   As a community begins to implement various regulations and educational programs, its residents get a reduction in rates.

       The Town is not in that situation.  Many of us have had flood insurance policies for years.  It is unfair to remove the discounts when all of the flood control regulations and programs remain unchanged.

        Senator Graham's staff discussed the issue with FEMA.   The FEMA staff agreed that the Town's situation was unique, but they said that existing legislation leaves their hands tied.   There is no provision for any waiver.

       Senator Scott has been working on the reauthorizing bill for NFIP.   I met with members of his staff and they are looking for a legislative fix to help the residents of the Town.

       I have also spoken with Congressman Sanford and he has agreed to help us in the House.  

       I think it will be helpful for residents of the Town to thank Senator Scott, Senator Graham and Representative Sanford for their help and to share with them the importance of fairly priced flood insurance.