WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today sent a letter calling on Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Director Craig Fugate to fix Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the Town of Ocean City, Maryland and follow the federal government line established by the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). FEMA’s incorrect map has caused property owners to face exorbitantly high flood insurance costs.
“We urge you to give the strongest consideration to the concerns raised by Mayor Meehan with respect to the area between 93rd Street and 123rd Street. This section was mapped incorrectly, and does not follow the line established by the Corps. As a result, these properties’ owners now unfairly face exorbitant high flood insurance costs,” the Senators wrote. “We understand that FEMA staff has already directed Ocean City to pursue a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR). Fixing this mistake should not be the town’s burden. We urge FEMA to fix this mistake and immediately apply the already-established boundaries being used by the Corps in determining the VE zone boundary.”
As Maryland and the nation grapple with severe weather events, including Super Storm Sandy, beach replenishment programs protect jobs along with billions of dollars in public and private infrastructure. From 1991 to 2016, the Army Corps of Engineer’s project in Ocean City has prevented over $900 million in damages to businesses and homes.
The Senators’ letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate follows:
May 10, 2016
The Honorable Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Fugate:
We urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately correct the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. You must follow the federal government line established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps).
We have enclosed a letter from the Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan. We urge you to give the strongest consideration to the concerns raised by Mayor Meehan with respect to the area between 93rd Street and 123rd Street. This section was mapped incorrectly, and does not follow the line established by the Corps. As a result, these properties’ owners now unfairly face exorbitant high flood insurance costs.
We understand that FEMA staff has already directed Ocean City to pursue a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR). Fixing this mistake should not be the town’s burden. We urge FEMA to fix this mistake and immediately apply the already-established boundaries being used by the Corps in determining the VE zone boundary.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
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