Really, Really, Sad

Pallone Calls inability of FEMA to Resolve Sandy Claims “Unacceptable”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2017



Washington, DC - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator W. Craig Fugate to express disappointment with the continued delays for claim reviews from victims of Superstorm Sandy. Although Superstorm Sandy occurred over four years ago, 36% of Sandy claims still remain open.

"These policyholders have been waiting for years to get their claims resolved, and are eager to move on with their lives,” said Pallone. “I have heard from constituents who began the process with a FEMA contact, only to have that person leave their position, causing the victim to spend weeks or months trying to connect with their new contact. FEMA should be focused on resolving claims, not blaming victims for delays.”

In May, Pallone led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

After that letter was sent, Pallone and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) met with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to demand that FEMA take swift action to process claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy. At the meeting, Wright stated that FEMA would have the unprocessed claims finished by the end of the summer.

Last year Congressman Pallone introduced the Flood Insurance Reimbursement Standards Transparency (FIRST) Cap Profits Act and he will introduce in the new Congress. The bill would require increased oversight and transparency of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and cap the profits of private companies providing flood insurance at 10%. Pallone’s bill also includes a provision to require that private flood insurance companies cover the legal fees of plaintiffs if the company is found to have committed fraud.

The text of the letter can be found below:


W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate:

I write to express my disappointment with FEMA’s continued delays for Superstorm Sandy victims, specifically those who had requested third-party claim reviews. It is unacceptable that these victims have to continue to wait because of errors on the part of FEMA. As of December 16, 2016, more than four years after the homes and businesses of victims were destroyed, 36% of Sandy claims remain open. FEMA’s continued slowness in resolving these claims is not acceptable. I respectfully request that you prioritize expediting the Sandy claims review process in your final weeks at FEMA, and that you strongly encourage your successor to work to complete this process as quickly as possible.

Last month, FEMA announced more delays for Sandy Claims policyholders for those opting to request a third-party claim review. According to FEMA, the process is experiencing delays due to policyholders submitting “lengthy and/or unrelated supplemental documentation,” which must then be reviewed by the Adjuster.

The issue of too much documentation could be avoided with clear direction from FEMA as to what documentation is needed to ensure that the claims review process can move forward smoothly. These policyholders have been waiting for years to get their claims resolved, and are eager to move on with their lives. I have heard from constituents who began the process with a FEMA contact, only to have that person leave their position, causing the victim to spend weeks or months trying to get in connect with their new contact. FEMA should be focused on resolving claims, not blaming victims for delays.

When I spoke with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation, in May 2016, he assured me that the agency was making substantive progress and would have fully processed all claims by the end of the summer. As of FEMA’s status report in mid-December, that target still has not been reached. This is frustratingly slow progress, especially since a claim being “processed” means it has only gone through a desk review. FEMA has to pick up the pace.

The halting progress of the Sandy Review process has become a source of exasperation for many Sandy victims, and I remain committed to pushing for my constituents to receive their due benefits without further unnecessary delay. While I recognize that your time at FEMA is coming to a close, victims of Superstorm Sandy cannot move on while their claims hang in limbo. I call on you to work with your successor to ensure a smooth transmission at FEMA that prioritizes the completion of the Sandy claims review process.

Sincerely,



FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress

GAO Report Confirms Need for Pallone’s Bill on Flood Insurance Transparency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2017


Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report on the compensation paid to Write-Your-Own (WYO) companies that administer the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The report confirms the need for Congressman Pallone’s Flood Insurance Reimbursement Standards Transparency (FIRST) Cap Profits Act, which he introduced last year and will introduce in the new Congress. The bill would require increased oversight and transparency of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and cap the profits of private companies providing flood insurance at 10%.

The report states “FEMA continues to lack the information it needs to incorporate actual flood expense data into its compensation methodology as well as determine how much profit WYO companies make and whether its compensation payments are appropriate.” In July 2016, Pallone led a bipartisan letter asking FEMA to fulfill its legal obligation to provide oversight of the WYOs.

“It is shameful that private insurance companies have profited from Sandy while failing to meet their basic obligations under the NFIP. This reports confirms yet again that FEMA has failed to provide proper oversight of those entities - especially when Congress has already empowered and required the agency to do so,” said Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to ensure that policy holders are treated fairly and charged a fair market price for the service they purchase, and it better get to work.”

In May, Pallone led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

After that letter was sent, Pallone and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) met with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to demand that FEMA take swift action to process claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Pallone Introduces Legislation to Cap Flood Insurance Profits & Hold FEMA Accountable

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2016



Long Branch, NJ – Today Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) introduced the Flood Insurance Reimbursement Standards Transparency (FIRST) Cap Profits Act, which would require increased oversight and transparency of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and cap the profits of private companies providing flood insurance at 10%. Congressmen Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) and Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) joined as original cosponsors of the legislation.

Congressman Pallone began drafting the legislation after hearing from New Jersey residents that were treated unfairly by FEMA, private insurance companies or both in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. After discussing the proposed legislation with constituents at an event in Highlands in October, the Congressman added a provision to require that private flood insurance companies cover the legal fees of plaintiffs if the company is found to have committed fraud.

A 2009 GAO report found that profits for flood insurers averaged 16.5%, while a more recent study found profits closer to 30%. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other recent disasters, FEMA and NFIP have faced accusations of incompetence and fraud, which has led to thousands of New Jersey families being overcharged or without the payments they rightly deserve.

“It is shameful that private insurance companies have profited from Sandy while failing to meet their basic obligations under the NFIP. It is inexcusable that FEMA has failed to provide proper oversight of those entities - especially when Congress has already empowered and required the agency to do so,” said Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to ensure that policyholders are treated fairly and charged a fair market price for the service they purchase, and my bill will take an important step in that direction. I will also be using the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program next year as an opportunity to push for more accountability from FEMA and insurance companies.”

Earlier this year, the Frontline documentary “The Business of Disaster,” examined issues with flood insurance after Superstorm Sandy. During the documentary, Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation, was asked if he knew how much profit private insurance companies servicing NFIP were making. He responded, “I’ve never looked at the book of business to understand their profits.”

Frontline did its own analysis and concluded that private insurers made more than $400 million in profits from FEMA in the year that Hurricane Sandy devastated the Atlantic coast – its highest profit in the 4-year period from 2011 to 2014. Between 2011 and 2014, industry-wide profits averaged $325 million a year –nearly 30% of the revenues the companies receive from FEMA. At the same time, many of those insurers were underpaying or outright denying legitimate flood insurance claims.

The FIRST Cap Profits Act would rectify this problem by forcing FEMA to review the finances of these companies, something it was required to do by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act of 2012. Additionally, by capping profits at 10%, the legislation would ensure that taxpayer dollars are going towards policyholders, while leaving room for these companies to make a profit for administering the program.

Congressman Pallone has been a leader in demanding transparency and swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from inefficiencies and documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

In May, Pallone led another bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation requesting that FEMA take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from fraud and for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process insurance claims from Sandy. Later that month, Pallone met with FEMA officials and stressed that the slow pace of the claims review process was unacceptable, and that FEMA needs to act to ensure that New Jersey policy holders are treated fairly and receive just compensation. In July, Pallone led a bipartisan letter asking that FEMA fulfill its legal obligation to provide oversight of the private insurance companies that participate in the NFIP.

Pallone, Waters and 21 Colleagues Demand FEMA Provide Oversight of National Flood Insurance Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2016



WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), and 21 of their colleagues sent a bipartisan letter asking that FEMA fulfill its legal obligation to provide oversight of the private insurance companies that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other recent disasters, FEMA and NFIP have faced accusations of incompetence and fraud. A recent PBS Frontline documentary entitled, “The Business of Disaster” examined failures with flood insurance in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Investigators concluded that private insurers made more than $400 million in profits from FEMA in the year that Hurricane Sandy devastated the Atlantic coast – its highest profit in the 4-year period from 2011 to 2014. At the same time, many of those insurers were underpaying or outright denying legitimate flood insurance claims. FEMA did not know how much these companies were making in profits. The journalists had to do their own research to find out.

In 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act, which, among other things, directed FEMA to monitor the expenses and profits of insurance companies participating in the NFIP. Four years later, FEMA has not promulgated the necessary rules to enforce this provision.

“It is shameful that private insurance companies have profited from Sandy while failing to meet their basic obligations under the NFIP. It is inexcusable that FEMA has failed to provide proper oversight of those entities - especially when Congress has already empowered and required the agency to do so,” said Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to ensure that policy holders are treated fairly and charged a fair market price for the service they purchase, and it better get to work.”

“As homeowners struggle to rebuild their lives in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other catastrophic storms, it’s imperative that the National Flood Insurance Program conduct proper oversight of private insurance companies that participate in the program,” said Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee. “We are calling on FEMA to act swiftly and ensure it is not inappropriately compensating companies at the expense of policyholders.”

In May, Pallone led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

After that letter was sent, Pallone and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) met with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to demand that FEMA take swift action to process claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy. At the meeting, Wright stated that FEMA would have the unprocessed claims finished by the end of the summer.


Text of the letter can be found...  HERE

Pallone Demands FEMA take Swift Action to Address Unacceptable Delays for Sandy Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2016


WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) demanded that FEMA take swift action to process claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy in a meeting with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in Pallone’s Washington, DC office. At the meeting Wright stated that FEMA would have the unprocessed claims finished by the end of the summer.

The members stressed that the slow pace of the claims review process is unacceptable, and that FEMA needs to act to ensure that New Jersey policy holders are treated fairly and receive just compensation. They also discussed their concerns over alleged widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies servicing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

“My constituents and I continue to be outraged by the unacceptable delays in processing claims for Sandy victims.” said Pallone. “It’s been nearly four years since Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey and there needs to be a sense of urgency about processing the claims of these victims, who have already suffered enough. FEMA has a responsibility to implement processes to ensure that disaster victims get the resources they are rightfully owed and it is imperative that it take action immediately. Next week starts Hurricane season and we need to make sure that victims of Sandy are in their homes and prepared.”

“I met with Roy Wright of FEMA to discuss improving and expediting the Hurricane Sandy Claims review process for the thousands of New Jerseyans still waiting to receive the support they are owed,” said Pascrell. “While it is upsetting to know that FEMA has only fully processed roughly half of the claims that have been associated with fraud, they are doing it as swiftly and diligently as possible. I commend FEMAs willingness to work with members of Congress and the people of New Jersey in order to address any and all issues that have arisen from flood insurance payment issues. That is why I encourage anyone in my district to let me know if they have an issue so that I can keep FEMA to their word.”

Earlier this month, Pallone led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

Last May, The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) announced that it would begin a process requested by Pallone and other New Jerseys members of Congress to review flood insurance claims filed by policyholders affected by Hurricane Sandy. FEMA did this after Pallone and other Members sent a letter to FEMA requesting that it establish a process allowing homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report.

Pallone Calls for Swift Action for Sandy Fraud Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2016


WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

Representatives Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-9), Albio Sires (NJ-8), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Donald Norcross (NJ-1) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) also signed the letter.

“Sandy victims have already suffered enough. To undercut or deny payments to these homeowners as they try to rebuild is absolutely unacceptable,” said Congressman Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to inform the public about this fraud that we are learning is widespread and to implement processes to ensure that disaster victims get the resources they are rightfully owed.”

Last May, The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) announced that it would begin a process requested by Pallone and other New Jerseys members of Congress to review flood insurance claims filed by policyholders affected by Hurricane Sandy. FEMA did this after Pallone and other Members sent a letter to FEMA requesting that it establish a process allowing homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report.

The full text of the letter is attached and below:


W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate:

We write requesting swift action on behalf of our constituents who suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies servicing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. We are deeply troubled by the fact that – almost four years after their homes and businesses were destroyed – many of these victims have yet to have their claims resolved by FEMA. FEMA’s slowness in resolving these claims is not acceptable.

In March 2015, when FEMA acknowledged responsibility for its failures and began contacting tens of thousands of New Jersey homeowners whom they suspected of being victims of insurance fraud, the agency committed to processing the claims of fraud victims fairly and efficiently. This has not been done. FEMA’s deadline for homeowners to submit claims was October 15, 2015. According to a NFIP Transformation Task Force Update, dated April 22, 2016, FEMA has only fully processed roughly half of these claims. Our constituents deserve much better. FEMA needs to step up the pace.

We request that you promptly provide us with an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims, especially in New Jersey, and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

We are committed to ensuring that our constituents have a fair and speedy process to receive the resources of which they have been unfairly deprived. Time is of the essence for our constituents who have needlessly suffered while this process has dragged out. You can be assured that we will continue to be engaged on this critical issue.

Sincerely,


____________________________                                      ____________________________
FRANK PALLONE, JR.                                                             FRANK LOBIONDO
Member of Congress                                                                   Member of Congress



____________________________                                       ____________________________
BILL PASCRELL, JR.                                                                  ALBIO SIRES
Member of Congress                                                                     Member of Congress



____________________________                                      ____________________________
DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.                                                          DONALD NORCROSS
Member of Congress                                                                    Member of Congress



____________________________
BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN
Member of Congress

Pallone Announces Federal Funding for Waterways Impacted by Sandy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced a $28,000,000 federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the removal of sand and debris impacting navigable waterways as a result of Sandy. This FEMA grant covers 90% of the entire project.

“Getting New Jersey’s waterways back to pre-Sandy conditions remains a top priority,” said Congressman Pallone. “The state faced so many unanticipated costs after Sandy, and I am pleased that FEMA is continuing to help with our ongoing repair efforts.”

Pallone Commends HUD Decision Not to Force NJ Residents to Pay Back Disaster Recovery Benefits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2015

FEMA Heeds Call for Flood Insurance Claims Review Extension

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) commended the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) decision not to require the State of New Jersey to recoup duplication of disaster recovery benefits up to $20,000 from residents. For those who receive more than $20,000, HUD will require the State of New Jersey to prove that the additional Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds are duplicative of other federal funds and, if so, the state must then decide if they wish to pursue repayment. The decision comes after an announcement from the FEMA that it will grant a 30-day extension, until October 15, for homeowners affected by Superstorm Sandy to file a flood insurance claims review. Pallone, who pushed FEMA to set up the insurance review process, sent a letter in August to FEMA urging the extension.

“Too many in New Jersey are still rebounding from Sandy and continued help from FEMA and HUD is necessary,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am glad that FEMA listened to our call for an extension and that New Jersey residents can now be assured that they will not be forced to pay back disaster recovery funds they have already received from HUD.”

Following Sandy, thousands of policyholders of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program received insufficient flood insurance payments due to alleged fraud on the part of FEMA contractors. Following a request from Pallone, FEMA established a process allowing homeowners to file an appeal if they believe they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report. This has resulted in additional flood insurance payments to residents of New Jersey. Before today’s HUD decision not to force residents to repay duplicative benefits, there was concern that additional, duplicative FEMA flood insurance payments may have to be returned to HUD.

FEMA Begins Flood Insurance Review Process Stemming From Fraud Reports

Notification Process Follows Pallone Letter Calling for Notification to Flood Insurance Policyholders

WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) today announced that it has begun a process requested by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) to review flood insurance claims filed by policyholders affected by Hurricane Sandy. In March, Pallone sent a letter to FEMA requesting that it establish a process allowing homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report.

Allegations surfaced earlier this year that private insurance companies denied the flood insurance claims of thousands of homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy because of fraudulently altered engineering reports. In addition to the letter, Pallone recently met with Brad Kieserman, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance at FEMA, to discuss the allegations. In the meeting, Pallone stressed the importance of FEMA establishing a notification process in a timely fashion and the need for adequate staff to address corrective action.

“I am pleased that FEMA has moved forward to inform Sandy victims about the widespread fraud related to engineering reports connected to flood insurance claims and to ensure the victims get the resources they are rightfully owed,” said Congressman Pallone. “Sandy victims have already suffered enough, and I thank FEMA for responding to my letter with swift action.”

FEMA will send a letter to all NFIP policyholders who filed flood insurance claims pursuant to Hurricane Sandy. Policyholders who incurred losses from Hurricane Sandy from Oct. 27, 2012, through Nov. 6, 2012, and want their claim reviewed may contact FEMA. Letters will be sent on a rolling basis in the coming weeks.

As of May 15, 2015, 74,052 NFIP claims had been filed in New Jersey stemming from Sandy damage. Many Sandy victims are suing their insurance companies for perceived underpayments or denials, but the vast majority of those who have filed NFIP claims are likely unaware of the recently uncovered fraud in which engineering reports have been intentionally doctored.

The letter Pallone wrote to FEMA in March can be read HERE.

Pallone Announces Nearly $2.5 Million for Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority Repairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today announced an additional $2,473,024.95 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to the Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority (BRSA) to repair Superstorm Sandy damage to Blower Building Two.

“Sandy severely damaged critical components of infrastructure at BRSA, and this grant will help make necessary repairs still affecting the Bayshore’s sewerage system,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am pleased to see grant money continuing to come in to help BRSA with a full recovery from the storm, and I will continue to work to see that they receive the funds they need.”

BRSA serves Hazlet, Union Beach, Holmdel, Aberdeen, Keansburg, Keyport, Matawan and parts of Marlboro. BRSA suffered extensive flooding as a result of Sandy causing damages of about $20 million. This grant to BRSA is awarded in addition to three FEMA grants, totaling nearly $20 million, announced in 2013, to repair damage done to sewerage incinerators at the facility, the raw sewage main pump station and three surrounding facilities.

Congressman Pallone has visited BRSA to discuss the damage sustained during Sandy and the critical repair work necessary to repair this important infrastructure. Hurricane Sandy flooded the 24-acre facility with up to 3 feet of water, and the Authority lost electric power for seven days, phone service for two weeks and internet for three weeks.

Pallone Meets With FEMA to Discuss Insurance Fraud Allegations

Highlights need for outreach from FEMA to policyholders who may have been defrauded

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and other members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation met with Brad Kieserman, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to discuss the recent allegations that private insurance companies denied the flood insurance claims of thousands of Superstorm Sandy victims because of fraudulently altered engineering reports.

Pallone sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate on March 3rd requesting that the agency provide notification of the fraud allegations to flood insurance claimants and establish a process that allows homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe that they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report. FEMA has since agreed to notify all flood insurance claimants about the allegations of fraud.

In the meeting, Pallone stressed the importance of FEMA establishing a notification process in a timely fashion and the need for adequate staff to address corrective action. Deputy Associate Administrator Kieserman committed to setting up this process within 45 days, saying that he would place the initial focus on the 15,964 Sandy-related flood insurance claims that included engineering reports.

“FEMA has a responsibility to inform the public about this fraud and to implement a process to ensure that Sandy victims get the money they are rightfully owed,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am pleased that FEMA is taking these allegations of fraud seriously but I ensured Mr. Kieserman in today’s meeting that I will be staying engaged in this process to make certain Sandy victims are given the opportunity to have their flood claims reviewed.”

Deputy Associate Administrator Kieserman reiterated his commitment to get Sandy victims the money they are entitled to under their flood insurance policy. 74,052 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims have been filed in New Jersey stemming from Sandy damage, but the vast majority of those who have filed claims are likely unaware of the recently uncovered fraud in which engineering reports have been intentionally doctored.

Pallone Announces Over $5.75 Million for Sandy Repairs in Monmouth County

Funding to Replace Bray Avenue Bridge, Repair Romer Shoal Lighthouse

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6) announced that Monmouth County, New Jersey will be receiving more than $5.75 million in federal funding to address serious damages to the Bray Avenue Bridge and the Romer Shoal Lighthouse as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The Bray Avenue Bridge, which was originally denied significant funding, will be replaced, and repairs will be made to Romer Shoal Lighthouse. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) via the Sandy aid package that Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.

“I am pleased that Monmouth County is finally receiving adequate funds to make these necessary repairs our local infrastructure,” said Congressman Pallone. “The closure of Bray Avenue Bridge for over two years now has greatly inconvenienced Middletown residents and commuters. I am glad that FEMA has finally recognized the need to make these investments so that our community can continue to rebuild and get back to normal. Making these investments now will also help to ensure that our infrastructure is stronger than before and can withstand future storms so that we don’t witness the historic destruction of Sandy ever again.”

The first allocation provides $2,006,208.90 in federal funding to Monmouth County Public Works to replace the Bray Avenue Bridge in Middletown, NJ. The Bray Avenue Bridge has been closed since Superstorm Sandy hit and post-Sandy investigations revealed that, due to damage from the storm, the bridge was no longer safe for vehicular traffic. Monmouth County applied to FEMA for funding assistance to repair the bridge, but were denied any significant funding.

Congressman Pallone wrote a letter to FEMA Regional Administrator Jerome Hatfield in April of last year urging the agency to revisit the funding request so that the bridge could be reopened.

The second allocation provides $3,750,415.20 in federal funding to make repairs to the Romer Shoal Lighthouse. Romer Shoal Lighthouse sits three nautical miles north of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. The light, which sustained serious damage during Superstorm Sandy, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Pallone Urges FEMA to Notify Sandy Victims of Insurance Fraud

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to Administrator Fugate requesting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notify homeowners who have filed claims with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the wake of Superstorm Sandy detailing the manipulation of engineering reports in order to underpay Sandy victims. Pallone requested that FEMA establish processes that allow homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe that they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report.

“Sandy victims have already suffered enough. To undercut or deny payments to these homeowners as they try to rebuild is absolutely unacceptable,” said Congressman Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to inform the public about this fraud that we are learning is widespread and to implement processes to ensure that disaster victims get the resources they are rightfully owed.”

As of the end of February 2015, 74,052 NFIP claims have been filed in New Jersey stemming from Sandy damage. Over 1,100 Sandy victims are suing their insurance companies for perceived underpayments or denials, but the vast majority of those who have filed NFIP claims are likely unaware of the recently uncovered fraud in which engineering reports have been intentionally doctored.

Read the full text of the letter ... Here

Public Session on Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan To Be Held October 27

From Middletown Alerts:

The Bayshore Emergency Management Association (BEMA) will hold a public meeting on Monday, October 27th at 7:00pm to review the draft Monmouth County Multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The plan is a documented evaluation of the hazards to which a community is susceptible and the extent to which these events may occur. It includes a hazard mitigation strategy which is designed to reduce and eliminate risks to people and property from natural hazard events.

The meeting will be held at the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Building, 100 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716. The public is invited to review the plan and make pertinent comments. This public session is hosted by the Bayshore Emergency Management Association, a consortium of Emergency Managers from Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Matawan, Middletown, Sea Bright and Union Beach.

The draft plan is posted to www.monmouthsheriff.org and can be found under the OEM tab, for a 28-day review and public comment period. Public comments can be sent to oemmitigation@mcsonj.org until November 18th.

Once applicable comments are compiled into the plan and the draft is approved by the county and FEMA, each municipality will be required to formally adopt the plan. They will then continue to be eligible for pre and post disaster mitigation grant funding.

Pallone Announces $36,100 in Federal Funding for First Responders in Asbury Park & Keyport

WASHINGTON, DC —Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Asbury Park Fire Department has been awarded $24,700 and the Keyport Fire Department has been awarded $11,400 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The AFG program is part of a coordinated, ongoing effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration to improve the nation’s ability to respond to emergency situations.

"It is critical that our brave first responders have all the tools necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and themselves in the case of an emergency,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am very pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has selected Asbury Park and Keyport to receive these federal grants. These funds will enhance the response capabilities of our emergency personnel, making our community an even safer place to live.”

Grants under the AFG program are awarded directly to fire departments and non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations for emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. In Fiscal Year 2013, the AFG program will provide approximately $320 million in competitive grants to first-responder organizations.

Pallone Announces $1.47 Million for Repairs to Keansburg Police Station

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that Keansburg, New Jersey will be receiving more than $1.47 million in federal funding to repair or replace the city’s police station that was damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the Sandy aid package Pallone fought for in Congress.

“These grants help to lessen the financial hit that our local governments still face as communities across the state continue to recover from Sandy,” said Congressman Pallone. “These funds will help Keansburg rebuild their police station and provide a safe work environment for the officers who protect and serve our community. I am grateful that FEMA recognizes the importance of these ongoing recovery efforts in New Jersey.”

This allocation provides $ 1,471,486.50 in federal funding to Keansburg to demolish and replace portions of the city’s police station that were damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The list of damages include 5,505 square feet of paneling, 3,258 square feet of insulation, 3,993 square feet of sheet rock, 2,800 square feet of ceiling tiles, 2,239 square feet of hardwood flooring, 234.65 square yards of carpet, 5 restroom stalls and facilities, a water heater, 8 baseboard heaters, an air conditioner, an oil furnace and boiler. The work to be completed also includes cleaning and treating 2,772 square feet of bathroom floors and walls, removing 320 square feet of asbestos floor tile and mold, pressure washing 1,746 square feet of concrete block walls, painting 6,299 square feet of walls, and removing and replacing all damaged electrical feeders, switches, and lights.

Pallone Announces $1.5 Million for Repairs to Long Branch Parks

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that Long Branch, NJ will be receiving more than $1.5 million in federal funding to repair two of the city’s recreational parks, Manahassett Park and Jackson Woods Park, both of which were damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) via the Sandy aid package Pallone fought for in Congress.

“These grants help to lessen the financial hit that our local governments still face as communities across the state continue to recover from Sandy,” said Congressman Pallone. “And as we continue to rebuild, we have a unique opportunity to improve our public infrastructure so it is stronger and can withstand future storms. I am grateful that FEMA recognizes the importance of these ongoing efforts in New Jersey.”

This allocation provides $1,592,903.71 in federal funding to Long Branch for contractors to make repairs to two of the city’s parks that were damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding announced today will cover the costs for repairs to the Manahassett Park, including replacing fences, removing and replacing 36,347 square yards of synthetic Field Turf at the soccer and baseball fields, replacing 1,500 square feet of artificial turf at the putting green, and replacing 245 square yards of wood mulch at the playground.

Additionally, the funding will also cover repairs to Jackson Park, including placing 58 cubic yards of crushed stone in the parking lot and replacing fences and gates.

Pallone & Menendez to Discuss Benefits of Flood Insurance Reforms with Homeowners

MIDDLETOWN, NJ – On Friday, March 28th, 2014, at 1:30pm, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) will meet with Middletown homeowners to discuss the benefits of the newly-enacted Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. The bipartisan bill, which Pallone co-sponsored in the House and Menendez led in the Senate, was signed into law by President Obama last week. Pallone and Menendez will arrive at the Tonya Keller Community Center at 1:30pm and then proceed to tour the neighborhood and speak with constituents.

The law, which passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, will protect millions of homeowners, many of whom are still recovering from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, from facing huge National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premium rate hikes. This law will ensure relief for homeowners living in flood prone regions thanks to key provisions, such as repealing certain rate increase “triggers,” lowering FEMA’s ability to increase rates, refunding excess premium charges to those who have paid significant rate increases and providing FEMA the funding necessary to complete an affordability study.


WHO:
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06)
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

WHAT:
Discuss benefits of newly-enacted Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act with New Jersey homeowners

WHERE:
Tonya Keller Community Center
50 Bray Avenue
Middletown, NJ 07748

WHEN:
Friday, March 28, 2014
1:30pm-2:00pm

Pallone Announces Temporary Housing Assistance Extension for Sandy Victims

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will extend the state of New Jersey’s request for temporary housing assistance for residents impacted by Superstorm Sandy for an additional three months. Temporary housing assistance from FEMA automatically expires eighteen months from the original date of a major disaster declaration. Congressman Pallone had originally asked that FEMA extend assistance for an additional six months.

“More than a year after the storm, countless New Jersey residents are still struggling to repair and elevate their homes,” said Congressman Pallone. “Although this extension is not ideal, it will help many residents who are still working to rebuild. If people lose their temporary housing assistance, many will be unable to afford to pay rent for temporary housing in addition to their mortgage while their home is being repaired. I am grateful that FEMA recognizes the importance of these ongoing efforts in New Jersey, but we must continue fighting to help those still dealing with the disastrous impacts of Superstorm Sandy.”

Last month, Congressman Pallone wrote to President Obama asking the he grant a sixth-month extension of the program. According to Section 408 of the Stafford Act, the President may extend the period of temporary housing assistance if he "determines that due to extraordinary circumstances an extension would be in the public interest."