Date
Dear ________________:
I write today to ask you to support legislation that will amend the federal Biggert-Waters Flood
Insurance Affordability Act of 2012 to address the significant increases in flood insurance
premiums throughout Pennsylvania and the nation.
Since passage of the Biggert-Waters Act, it has become clear that the flood plain mapping
requirements and loss of federal insurance subsidies are having a critical impact. Counties across
the commonwealth are increasingly hearing from constituents about the impacts of the BiggertWaters Act on their individual flood insurance premiums. But, the issue goes much further than
the rate increases which are in many cases simply unaffordable, as counties are now analyzing
the concurrent impacts on local housing markets and property tax bases.
(Include county examples as appropriate)
I ask that you support amendments to the Biggert-Waters Act that keep flood insurance rates
affordable while balancing the fiscal solvency of the program. Any changes must lead to a
sustainable, fiscally responsible National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that protects
businesses and homeowners who built according to code and have followed all applicable laws.
In addition, I urge Congress to reinstate the grandfathering of properties (not policies) that were
built to code, have maintained insurance and have not repeatedly flooded, and to implement
economically reasonable rate structures.
I ask you to support principles outlined in legislation approved by the U.S. Senate, including a
delay in implementing some of the rate increases and additional funding so that FEMA could
complete its affordability study; allocation of funding to reimburse homeowners for successful
appeals of mapping determinations; and establishment of a Flood Insurance Advocate within
FEMA to answer current and prospective policyholder questions about mapping and rates.
Counties stand ready to assist in understanding and addressing the impacts of the Biggert-Waters
Act, and to developing long-term solutions to address the risks of flooding in this
commonwealth. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,