Congress: Break the costly cycle of repeated flooding and rebuilding!
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Petition By: The Pew Charitable Trusts
Among the millions of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders are thousands whose properties have flooded multiple times. There is no limit on the number of damage claims these policyholders can file, so they may flood and rebuild over and over.
Although these properties are small in number — historically representing just 1 percent of NFIP policies — the claims have an outsize financial impact, accounting for 25 to 30 percent of NFIP losses. Some of these repeatedly flooded properties have received payments worth more than their value. Over the years, NFIP losses for these repeatedly flooded properties has climbed to over $12 billion — nearly half of the program’s total debt.
And the problem has been growing, with the number of repeatedly flooded properties increasing by an estimated 5,000 per year. This vicious cycle of flooding and rebuilding puts communities at risk and will cost taxpayers billions more unless action is taken.
A solution to this problem is overdue.
The Repeatedly Flooded Communities Preparation Act (H.R. 1558), bipartisan legislation recently introduced by Representatives Ed Royce (R-CA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), would require communities with significant numbers of repeatedly flooded properties to proactively reduce flood risk rather than simply rebuilding time and time again. Ask Congress to support this important legislation to stop the costly cycle of flooding and rebuilding. Take action today.
To Congress:
We are writing to ask you to support the Repeatedly Flooded Communities Preparation Act (H.R. 1558), a bill recently introduced by Representatives Ed Royce (CA) and Earl Blumenauer (OR), which would take an important step to address a long-standing serious issue involving properties that are continuously rebuilt after flooding.
If enacted, H.R. 1558 would limit repeat losses and lessen the cost and impact of flooding nationwide on taxpayers, communities, and the federal government.
As your constituents, we urge you to support this important bill and make sure it is included in this year’s National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]