The Courier - May 1, 2008

FLOOD MAP FALLOUT

Pallone: It's time for FEMA to give answers
Veteran congressman takes federal agency to task about new maps

By MELISSA L. GAFFNEY
Staff Writer

    The controversy over the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) updated flood maps in the Bayshore, Northern Monmouth County, has created a stir.
Sixth District Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., has proposed legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would, if passed, place a moratorium on the implementation of FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
    Pallone proposed this legislation on April 25, after FEMA failed to respond to official inquiries from his office. "I am asking FEMA to respond administratively. However, if FEMA doesn't, then that is what the legislation is for," Pallone said.
    The veteran congressman said he is seeking FEMA to postpone re-designating flood zones in the Bayshore until questions posed by Pallone, area leaders and residents have been addressed.
    "FEMA hasn't been able to effectively detail why it is making these changes," Pallone said. "That is one of the reasons for the proposed moratorium. It's not right to move forward without answers."

'Disconnect' between agencies

    According to Pallone, the viability of existing berms in Middletown to protect against floodwaters is controversial where it involves the estimations of FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, respectively.
    Pallone said he is well acquainted with ongoing projects by the Army Corps of Engineers. "I have nothing to indicate that the ongoing presence of those projects relates to FEMA," Pallone said. "We do those projects based on what the Army Corps recommends about flooding. I have no reason to believe these projects, in any way, relate to FEMA and the flood insurance."
    Pallone said the Army Corps of Engineers' estimations have been central to the Bayshore's strategy to combat flooding for many years.
    "I have asked FEMA whether or not it would make a difference in the maps if the Army Corps' projects moved forward," Pallone said.
    Pallone said there have been "disconnects" between FEMA and the Army Corps. Specifically, Pallone said, FEMA deemed the Middletown berm as insufficient to stem flooding, contrary to the Army Corps' findings.
    "As far as the Army Corps is concerned, the Middletown berm is sufficient. FEMA has not told us why FEMA considers the berm inadequate," Pallone said.
    Pallone said his priorities legislatively have moved along the lines of recommendations offered by the Army Corps of Engineers, and not FEMA. He noted that FEMA has not been involved with Bayshore flood prevention until this point.

Pallone on Bayshore concerns

    Pallone said that FEMA, as part of its organization-' al mandate, periodically reviews flood maps to ensure accuracy.
    During the course of the past few years, the agency has been switching from a paper to electronic system, which is reportedly more accurate. "There may be situations where the flood maps are not accurate, according to FEMA," Pallone said. "FEMA figures that certain areas should undergo more thorough examinations than have previously been conducted."
    Even though there has not been official public notice of the updated FIRMs, the issue came to light about a month ago.
    One consequence of the FIRMs would be a change in flood insurance rates for thousands of Bayshore residents. In some cases, homes that have not been considered situated in flood zones would be, under the new FIRMs.
    Right now, insurance companies could pressure residents to purchase flood insurance at lower premiums if their residences are in newly designated flood zones. Pallone did not agree with 'grand-fathering' insurance rates. He said, "There needs to be a basis for these maps,"

Public notification controversy

    A confidential source, whose identity is being withheld upon- their request, said, "According to FEMA, the estimated time for the first newspaper announcement on the maps is June 1 or 2. The second announcement with the 60-day appeals periods, should be about June 15."
    This contradicts a statement by FEMA External Affairs Specialist Barbara Lynch, who said the first public notice is anticipated at approximately the beginning of May.
    "The press release will be put in local newspapers," Lynch said. "As for a possible delay, [FEMA] is still taking comments· from local officials in Monmouth County."
    Pallone said that his legislation does have a chance of being approved in the House of Representatives this year. However, the congressman said he is hoping that FEMA will take it upon itself to reconsider its plans in the Bayshore.
    As far as Pallone is concerned, he said the FIRMs are currently the same as they have been. "Residents should operate under the status quo. I am not getting any answers from FEMA about questions yet, but the goal is to clear up the confusion," Pallone concluded.