WASHINGTON – Chuck Grassley, and a bipartisan group of Senators, questioned the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the process and the challenges that the approach they have taken in updating the Flood Insurance Rate Maps has created for communities and individuals.
“Flood Insurance Rate Maps have a tremendous impact on economic development, particularly in small towns and rural areas, like we have throughout Iowa. Homeowners also get a shock when they suddenly find their home in a flood plain without explanation,” Grassley said. “I’m concerned that the federal agencies have not adequately thought through and addressed these concerns with the local communities.”
Grassley said that people are worried about the coordination and communication with local stakeholders. He said that Iowans are especially concerned that there is not enough time to complete projects currently being undertaken following the historic floods of 2008.
A copy of the text of the letter to FEMA and the Corps of Engineers can be found by clicking here.