Matsui Applauds Feinstein Introduction of Companion Bill to Modernize Flood Zone Designations

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) released the following statement in response to Senator Dianne Feinstein's (D-CA) introduction of the Flood Insurance Fairness Act, companion legislation to Matsui's own H.R. 902, which will help modernize and clarify the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) flood zone designations:

"I applaud Senator Feinstein for bringing the issues surrounding flood zone designations to the Senate's attention with her bill. It is essential that FEMA recognize what taxpayers, local governments and states have contributed -- and will continue to contribute -- to flood protection efforts when they review the progress made on levee improvements.

"Current regulations are vague on what a completed system actually is, and this has caused confusion among communities who are in the midst of modernizing their flood protection systems. The bills that Senator Feinstein and I have introduced will help clarify public safety standards, create concrete criteria for local agencies to meet, and go a long way in addressing the concerns of those who live and work in areas designated by FEMA as flood zones. I look forward to continuing to work with the Senator to see our legislation passed and made law."

Under current law, only federally funded levee improvements -- not state or locally funded improvements -- are used when determining an A99 flood zone designation. These bills would allow the investment of state and local partners to be recognized by FEMA when they review the progress made on our nation's levees. Congresswoman Matsui's H.R. 902 was included in the National Flood Insurance legislation the passed the House Financial Services Committee on May 12.

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