Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Gagne on January 30 introduced a new survey for Mattapoisett residents to take online to gather public input as the Town works with a citizen’s group to suggest revisions of the National Flood Insurance Law to Congress.
Mainly, said Gagne, the biggest concern residents have over the National Flood Insurance Program is the high cost of the premiums.
The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act of 2012 passed by Congress extended the NFIP another five years until 2017 before higher premiums would come into effect, while calling for reform.
In addition to the high rates of flood insurance, said Gagne, citizens are also concerned about the methodology used in determining subjectability to FEMA-determined flood plains – specifically, height, fetch, and velocity.
“Input is sought on what residents’ thoughts are regarding [what] current federal subsidy of flood insurance should look like,” said Gagne in an email. How should the insurance address historical high frequency of damage claims, and how does the flood insurance address long-term enrollees in the plan with no real loss experience? Gagne wants to know what Mattapoisett residents think about these issues.
Gagne also poses the question, should flood insurance operate in a similar fashion as current home insurance in a free market environment? Gagne said this online survey is residents’ chance to note their concerns, make comments, and offer suggestions as the Town works with the Massachusetts Coastal Coalition to make revisions to the law.
You can fill out the online survey by visiting the town website at www.mattapoisett.net, and scrolling down to “Town News” and clicking on the link to the survey.
By Jean Perry
