Extension Will Help Avoid Costly Fine On Residents that Could Come As Soon As December 1st
With Deadline Rapidly Approaching, West Pittston Residents Could Be Hit with $50 Per Person Flood Insurance Increase Just Before Holidays
Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to recognize the progress West Pittston has made on its flood plan and abandon a threat to fine residents as soon as December 1st.
In a personal call to the agency’s Administrator, Craig Fugate, Casey made the case that hitting residents of West Pittston with a $50 flood insurance rate increase just before the holidays is an unnecessary step since the Borough has made significant progress on updating its flood plan. Senator Casey has also written a letter to Mr. Fugate and had a personal call with FEMA’s Associate Administrator, Dave Miller.
“Flooding is a significant problem in West Pittston and the last thing these residents need is an increase in their flood insurance rates, especially around the holidays,” said Senator Casey. “West Pittston continues to make progress on its flood plan, and it is critical that FEMA recognize that progress and continues to work with the Borough as opposed to issuing a fine.”
The Borough of West Pittston received notice earlier this year that it was at risk of being placed on probationary status with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Over the past few months, the Borough has taken significant steps to improve its compliance with federal floodplain management requirements
The Borough is committed to improving its floodplain management system and has informed Senator Casey’s office has been informed that West Pittston has made significant progress in this regard. However, is unlikely that the Borough will achieve full compliance by December 1. If West Pittston is placed on probationary status, residents will have to pay higher flood insurance premiums and risk losing flood insurance altogether. For a community still reeling from last year’s flooding, this is a significant burden and may jeopardize ongoing recovery efforts.
Senator Casey’s previous letter to Mr. Fugate can be found here.
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