Senator Casey Seeks Legislation To Stem Tide Of Rising Flood Insurance Premiums
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey says Bucks County would be one of the hardest hit counties in the state if Congress fails to pass legislation that would delay increases in rates for federally subsidized flood insurance.
Senator Casey is pushing for legislation that would roll back some changes that were mandated in flood insurance reform that was enacted by Congress last year.
"A lot of Pennsylvanians are going to see their flood insurance rates rise by as much as 25-percent annually," Casey said. "We know that a little more than 30,000 Pennsylvanians are at risk of similar rate hikes as a result of flood provisions that went into effect this year and will continue to be implemented."
Among those facing flood insurance rate hikes are homes and businesses that were built to code but later remapped into a higher risk area.
The legislation would also establish a flood insurance advocate within the Federal Emergency Management Agency and would provide reimbursement to property owners who successfully appeal a map determination.
