Six New Jersey Democrats Demand Action on Long-term Flood Insurance Solution

For Immediate Release:
July 24, 2018

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation contrasts with short-term, band-aid bill pushed by Republicans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Albio Sires (D-NJ-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) urged the House to take action on H.R. 3285, the Sustainable, Affordable, Fair, and Efficient National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (SAFE NFIP) of 2017. The bill protects policyholders from skyrocketing premiums and reauthorizes the NFIP for six years, while also enacting reforms that would make the program more affordable and create greater transparency. This approach is preferable to the short term, four-month extension being considered by the House of Representatives today.

“While we are relieved that the National Flood Insurance Program will not expire on July 31, we are deeply disappointed that the Congress has not passed a long-term solution. Our constituents need a lasting solution that will improve the program before the next disaster hits our shores,” the members said.

“It’s also upsetting that members of Congress, including in the New Jersey delegation, are championing short-sighted approaches that will create further uncertainty for policy holders. Instead of working towards real reform for the flood insurance program, Republicans have spent this Congress attacking New Jersey families by removing crucial tax deductions in the GOP Tax Scam, slashing Gateway tunnel funding, holding federal funding for law enforcement hostage, and demanding drilling off New Jersey’s coast. Through the SAFE NFIP Reauthorization Act we have offered a serious path forward to provide certainty, accountability, and efficiency in the program.”

The SAFE NFIP legislation would take concrete steps to improve quality and accountability in the National Flood Insurance Program by implementing the following policies:

• Long-term certainty by reauthorizing the NFIP for six years.
• Protecting policyholders from excessive rate hikes, capping annual premium increases to 10 percent.
• Reinvesting in proactive mitigation efforts that have a 4:1 return on investment, with some projects enjoying a 54:1 return on investment.
• Funding new Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for more accurate mapping of flood risks across the country.
• Providing FEMA with greater authority to terminate contractors that have a track record of abuse.
• Reforming the claims process using lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy.

Pallone and Pascrell Introduce Bipartisan Flood Insurance Reform Bill in the House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2017


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Frank Pallone (NJ-06) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) introduced the bipartisan Sustainable, Affordable, Fair and Efficient National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (SAFE NFIP) of 2017. The bill protects policyholders from skyrocketing premiums and reauthorizes the NFIP for six years, while also reforming current practices. Those reforms include: improved flood mapping, greater affordability, and increased oversight of the program.

Last month Pascrell and Pallone announced their support for the Senate version of the SAFE NFIP Act, which was spearheaded by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), and their intention to work with House colleagues to introduce companion legislation.

The Congressmen have been leaders in demanding transparency and swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from inefficiencies and widespread fraud in the National Flood Insurance Program, and have championed the need for reforms of the program.

The legislation would take concrete steps to improve quality and accountability in the National Flood Insurance Program by implementing the following policies:

- Provide long-term certainty, reauthorizing the NFIP for six years.

- Protect policyholders from excessive rate hikes, capping annual premium increases to 10 percent.

- Reinvest in proactive mitigation efforts that have a 4:1 return on investment, with some projects enjoying a 54:1 return on investment.

- Fund new Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for more accurate mapping of flood risks across the country.

- Provide FEMA with greater authority to terminate contractors that have a track record of abuse.

“Superstorm Sandy devastated many communities in my district. In the wake of the storm, too many of my constituents found that, after responsibly paying for their flood insurance, their policy failed to provide the coverage they needed and deserved when they needed it the most. Many were prevented from repairing their homes and resuming their lives by a claims review process that moved too slowly and was riddled with fraud. As this was happening and people were suffering, the flood insurance companies made record profits.” said Rep. Pallone. “The SAFE NFIP Act takes concrete steps to make the program more affordable, increase oversight and transparency of the flood insurance companies, invest in mitigation efforts, and reform the claims process using lessons learned from Sandy. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight for this bill and our constituents.”

“Too many New Jerseyans were left holding the bag in the wake of Superstorm Sandy,” said Congressman Pascrell. “In many cases, it took years for them to work through the claims review process to repair the damage done to their homes, businesses, and lives. As my constituents suffered, we learned this slow process was rife with fraud, abuse, and waste. Now, with Congress set to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, New Jerseyans deserve to know their representatives are fighting for their interests in Washington. Unlike thepartisan legislation coming from some corners in the House, the bipartisan SAFE NFIP Act makes needed reforms based on the lessons learned from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. The SAFE NFIP Act creates investments in pre-disaster flood control and mitigation efforts, increases oversight and transparency of the flood insurance companies, and reforms the claims process in order to help protect New Jersey families in the future.”

In 2012, Superstorm Sandy devastated New Jersey and other states along the Eastern Seaboard, causing tens of billions of dollars in economic losses, and destroying or damaging hundreds of thousands of homes. The recovery of many New Jerseyans has been hindered by FEMA’s handling of the Sandy Claims Review Process. According to the FEMA, 16% of claims in the review process remain open. So far, policyholders have received $217,320,492 in additional payments from FEMA.

Congressmen Pallone and Pascrell will continue to work with their colleagues on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Capitol to make meaningful improvements to the flood insurance program. The House bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Albio Sires (NJ-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10).Congress must reauthorize the NFIP, which expires on Sept. 30, 2017.

Pallone & Pascrell Announce Support for Comprehensive Flood Insurance Reform Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2017


Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) announced their support for the Sustainable, Affordable, Fair and Efficient National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (SAFE NFIP) of 2017, and their intention to work with House colleagues to introduce companion legislation. The Congressmen have been leaders in demanding transparency and swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from inefficiencies and widespread fraud in the National Flood Insurance Program, and have championed the need for reforms of the program. The bipartisan legislation was announced today by Senator Bob Menendez and will take important steps to contain premium increases, provide premium affordability assistance and reform the process by which claims are reviewed.

“In the aftermath of Sandy many of my constituents found that, after responsibly paying for their flood insurance, their policy failed to provide the coverage they needed and deserved in their time of need. Many were prevented from repairing their homes and resuming their lives by a claims review process that moved too slowly and was riddled with fraud,” said Rep. Pallone. “Reforming the NFIP will allow us to increase the affordability of flood insurance and make it more effective when disaster strikes. That is why we look forward to working with our colleagues and championing companion legislation when it is introduced in the House of Representatives.”

“After seeing the devastation of Superstorm Sandy and all the challenges New Jerseyans faced in its aftermath, I know that getting the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program right is a crucial aspect of preparing for a future storm” said Rep. Pascrell. “Reauthorization provides us with an opportunity to level the playing field for policy-holders, address waste, fraud, and abuse in the program, and bolster investments in mitigation to create real savings for policy-holders and long term stability for the program. That is why I look forward to working with my colleagues to introduce and pass companion legislation in the House of Representatives.”

The legislation includes:

The Sustainable, Affordable, Fair, and Efficient (SAFE)

NFIP Reauthorization Act of 2017

Long-Term Certainty. Reauthorizes the NFIP for six years, providing certainty for communities.

No Exorbitant Rate Hikes. Ends runaway premium hikes by capping annual increases to 10 percent. Currently, premiums increase by up to 25 percent every year, depressing property values, creating affordability challenges, and discouraging participation in the program.

Cuts Wasteful Expenses to Pay for Investments. Freezes interest payments and establishes new controls for private insurance company compensation in order to reinvest in proactive mitigation efforts and affordability measures, including low-interest loans for homeowners’ mitigation projects and affordability vouchers.

Strong Investments in Mitigation. Provides robust funding levels for large-scale, communitywide mitigation efforts, and mitigation assistance programs, which have a 4:1 return on investment and are the most effective way to reduce flood risk.

Expanded Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage. Increases the maximum limit for ICC coverage to better reflect the costs of mitigation projects and expands eligibility in order to encourage more proactive mitigation before natural disasters strike.

LiDAR Mapping. Authorizes funding for Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for more accurate mapping of flood risk across the country, reducing confusion and generating better data.

Oversight of Write Your Own (WYO) Companies. Caps compensation for WYO companies to 22.4 percent of written premiums, creates new oversight measures for insurance companies and vendors, and provides FEMA with greater authority to terminate contractors that have a track record of abuse.

Claims and Appeals Process Reforms Based on Lessons from Sandy. Fundamentally reforms the claims process based on lessons learned after Superstorm Sandy and other disasters, leveling the playing field for policyholders during appeals and litigation by holding FEMA to strict deadlines for payments to homeowners, banning aggressive legal tactics that prevent homeowners from filing legitimate claims and ending FEMA’s reliance on outside legal counsel from expensive for-profit entities.

Better Training. Provides for increased training and certification of agents and adjusters to reduce mistakes and improve the customer experience.

Pallone Blasts Trump Administration Proposal to Use Flood Insurance Fees to Pay for Wall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2017

Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement on the Trump administration proposal to use a surcharge on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders to build his border wall.

“Throughout his campaign and presidency President Trump has repeatedly tried to deceive the American people by claiming that Mexico will pay for an impractical and unnecessary border wall. Now with his lie becoming apparent, President Trump is turning to working families, many of whom suffered during Sandy, to pay for his beloved wall. I will fight any proposal to place the burden of President Trump’s extreme immigration policy on flood insurance policy holders and New Jersey’s working families.”

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 Statement on Fourth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy

 

For Immediate Relsease:
Oct 28, 2016

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. released the following statement today on the upcoming fourth anniversary of Hurricane Sandy making landfall on the New Jersey coastline.

“As we look back on the four years since Superstorm Sandy changed the lives of so many in New Jersey, I am inspired by the resiliency of my neighbors and also focused on the work left to do to achieve a full recovery. From my first moments on the ground witnessing the damage Sandy wrought in New Jersey, I have remained committed to helping our communities rebuild and better prepare for future storms like Sandy. But I know that so many New Jerseyans are still struggling to rebuild their homes, and towns continue to work to rebuild critical facilities and infrastructure. There is much work still to be done.

“I will continue to do everything within my power to both help New Jersey rebuild and to prepare for future storms, and will continue to fight for critically needed reforms to the National Flood Insurance program, and many other recovery programs.”

“Just last week, I was proud to announce the second phase of construction for the Army Corps project at Port Monmouth, an important continuation of the Sandy recovery effort that will provide much needed protection from future storms.”

Congressman Pallone was a leader in the effort to authorize $60 billion in Superstorm Sandy relief funding, which was signed into law in January 2013. The funding package included federal aid to help homeowners, businesses, and communities recover, and resources to rebuild coastal, transportation, and water infrastructure.

Earlier this month, Pallone unveiled legislation, 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 to cap the profits of private companies providing flood insurance.

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 To Hold Flood Insurance Rate Maps Open House February 20, 4-8pm

From Middletown Alerts:

A Flood Risk Open House will be hosted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Feb. 20, 2015, from 4pm to 8pm at Henry Hudson Regional High School located at 1 Grand Tour.

Representatives FEMA Region II, the state Department of Environmental Protection and Monmouth County Emergency Management will be available to discuss updates to the flood hazard maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). They will also answer questions about flood risk and insurance questions. No appointments are necessary.

Residents are encouraged to bring their elevation certificates and/or flood insurance policies to the event to find out how they may be affected by the new flood maps. Information on disaster-related recovery efforts and outstanding insurance claims will not be discussed at the event. Read more

November 18, 2013 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

I've really been lax the past few months when it has come to posting the videos from the monthly Township Committee meetings. I promise I'll do better in the future.

Here are the highlights from the most recent video of our Township Committee in action that took place on November 18th:

The meeting opened by giving recognition to Breast Intentions for their effort during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A new CFO was named and will begin work in December.

Residents from North Middletown came to continue in the effort of eliminating the need to purchase flood insurance because they live within a flood protected area.

An inquiry was also made to see if the Township was receptive in vacating Beacon Hill Rd.

As always, you can download a copy of the meeting agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Have Sandy Questions? Visit the Mobile DOBI May 8

From the Middletown Alerts system:

The state Division of Banking and Insurance representatives will hold a Mobile DOBI in Middletown at the Tonya Keller Community Center on Wednesday, May 8th from 12:00- 7:00 p.m. to help assist residents and discuss recovery and rebuilding efforts. The center is located at 50 Bray Avenue in North Middletown.

“This is an invaluable opportunity to get some face time with agencies that can help residents navigate through the recovery and rebuilding process,” said Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger. “I hope every resident recovering from Sandy will stop with questions.”

Staff will provide consumers with literature on such topics as property insurance, flood insurance and general information about filing insurance claims, as well as answer general questions and assistance. In order to expedite matters, residents should bring their insurance policy and any claim information to the mobile office. FEMA representatives have been invited to attend.

Consumers unable to attend a mobile office can call the Department with questions about banking and insurance matters at (609) 292-7272 or visit online at www.dobi.nj.gov.

State Mobile Office Gives Sandy Info & Takes Consumers Complaints Mon, Feb 25th from 9 am to 5pm

To assist consumers who have suffered property loss as a result of Hurricane Sandy, the Department of Banking and Insurance will have staff members available Boro Hall in Atlantic Highlands on Monday February 25 from 9am-5pm to handle consumers’ questions, take complaints, and assist them in filing insurance claims related to damages caused by the storm. Staff will provide consumers with literature on such topics as property insurance, flood insurance and general information about filing insurance claims, as well as answer general questions and assistance. There will also be a representative from the Governor’s Office. In order to expedite matters, residents should bring their insurance policy and any claim information to the mobile office.

Location: Boro Hall, 100 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ

APP Editorial: Make storm aid fully transparent

In today's Asbury Park Press there is an excellent editorial regarding governmental transparency in regard to Hurricane Sandy relief aid.

As the editorial states regarding Governor Christie, you can't rip into others (the National Flood Insurance Program) unless you yourself are willing to be held to the same standards instead of  "a weak-willed bureaucrat."

As the editorial also states Christie isn't the only one that has issues with transparency, in a paragraph that all too well describes Middletown the APP states, "More transparency should be viewed as a necessity, not an option. Governing bodies in New Jersey, on all levels, cannot be trusted to spend money appropriately without substantial public oversight. They’ve proven that time after time after time, and far too often the degree of abuse is only discovered after the fact, when the money is gone and there’s little to be done beyond pointing a few fingers." It is nearly impossible to get a straight answer from anyone associated with the Middletown governing body when the issue deals with any type of finances.

New Jersey's elected and appointed officials need to do a much better job at being transparent. Holding back information lead to corruption and the dishonestly of our officials and the distrust of the citizenry.

Here's what the APP editorial has to say:

Politicians can make some very strange distinctions when it suits them.

Consider Gov. Chris Christie, who has generated so much good will — and scored quite a few political points for himself — with his fist-pounding, bipartisan determination in demanding aid for Sandy recovery and vowing the resurrection of the Jersey Shore.

He wants money, he wants relief for residents, he wants to get moving with reconstruction efforts, and he wants all of it fast. On Tuesday, he ripped into the National Flood Insurance Program for a lack of urgency in resolving claims, no doubt earning more than a few “Go, Governor” responses from victims struggling in the storm’s aftermath.

Yet when it comes to additional government transparency to assure that the funds pouring into the state for recovery purposes are being spent properly and efficiently, Christie’s tone changes dramatically. The can-do, make-it-happen governor is instead transformed into a weak-willed bureaucrat.

Democrats are pushing a bill that would require online document postings detailing the distribution of storm recovery money and the issuance of state contracts. Christie has been hesitant to agree to the plan, conceding the potential value of such transparency, but not if it “takes away from having bodies on the ground.”

So our state government doesn’t have enough manpower to be transparent? That’s nonsense — and Christie knows it. What does “on the ground” really mean in practical terms anyway? Are we to believe that someone’s going to stop hammering nails to repair a roof or fail to hand-deliver an aid payment for someone’s next meal so they can instead post a few documents online?

Christie wants everyone else to come through for New Jersey; he pulled no punches insisting that federal officials do whatever it takes to speed the processing of the flood insurance claims. He should demand the same efficiency from his own state government. And we find it difficult to believe the state can’t manage to provide more spending information online without somehow compromising the overall response to the storm.

More transparency should be viewed as a necessity, not an option. Governing bodies in New Jersey, on all levels, cannot be trusted to spend money appropriately without substantial public oversight. They’ve proven that time after time after time, and far too often the degree of abuse is only discovered after the fact, when the money is gone and there’s little to be done beyond pointing a few fingers. That distrust has been earned by both parties and by countless means, and it does not change with a new leader, or an overhauled administration. It is a permanent stain.

That doesn’t mean every politician is dishonest. Far from it. But it does mean policies must be dictated by an assumption that corruption could be anywhere, and that the best antidote is as open a government as possible.

It is a certainty that less public scrutiny of Sandy recovery spending will lead to more of that money being wasted. Lawmakers need to help avert that before the funds evaporate. So let us all see exactly what’s going on.

Pallone to FEMA: Don’t Obstruct Flood Insurance Claims for Sandy Victims

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today voicing his concerns that the process for New Jersey residents placing claims to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for damages sustained from Superstorm Sandy is wrought with delays and unnecessarily complicated.

Pallone, who represents some of the hardest hit areas along the Jersey Shore, sent the letter to Fugate in response to constituents with NFIP flood insurance plans who have faced significant roadblocks in getting their claims processed. In the letter, Pallone called the complications “unacceptable” and called on Fugate to take immediate steps to ease the process of making flood insurance claims

The following is the body of the letter:


February 5, 2013

W. Craig Fugate

Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472


Dear Administrator Fugate,

I write today regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to bring attention to issues residents of New Jersey are having with the prolonged timeframe by which these claims are being processed. As you know, Superstorm Sandy devastated my district and a large portion of New Jersey. Many homeowners and businesses in the damaged areas have flood insurance policies through NFIP and are relying on these claim payments as they prepare to rebuild and repair their homes and businesses.

That is why I am troubled to learn that residents of New Jersey are facing myriad problems that are delaying processing of their NFIP claims. Since NFIP has no time frame by which claims adjusters must complete the proof of loss required to process payments and these adjusters are facing a workload of up to 150 cases each, New Jersey homeowners and businesses have been left waiting for a resolution for an unacceptable period of time.

I have also been told that homeowners are being required to fill out lengthy forms to provide receipts, serial numbers and photographic evidence of losses, which is difficult for many homeowners who lost everything they own. NFIP-required audits are also slowing down this process and making it difficult for adjusters to process claims quickly. While I certainly support ensuring that overpayment and fraud is avoided, we must make certain the residents of New Jersey receive the payments they deserve without unnecessary bureaucratic delay.

According to Governor Chris Christie, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is receiving more than 3 NFIP complaints for every homeowner insurance complaint. They have also notified me that over 85 percent of homeowner insurance claims have been processed compared to only 30 percent of flood claims.

It is simply unacceptable for residents of New Jersey, who have faithfully paid flood insurance premiums for years, to be left in the lurch when they need this assistance the most. It has now been 101 days since the storm and recent reports in the press state that thousands of people in the area are still in hotels. It must be assumed that many of them are there because they are unable to repair their homes to date without this critical assistance. I respectfully request that you take necessary steps within your power to cut the red tape and expedite the NFIP claims process so that New Jersey homeowners and businesses can begin the path to recovery.
Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR.

Member of Congress

Rebuilding to a Higher Standard

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

Do you know how high your house should be elevated to minimize your risk of flooding?

The federal government tries to help homeowners answer that question by issuing base flood elevation maps – but recent storms have revealed in catastrophic fashion that, in many areas of New Jersey, past recommendations were simply too low.

In December, FEMA updated its base flood elevation maps with new advisory recommendations for many towns in Central New Jersey.

Building higher means higher costs, but federal resources may be available to help with the additional expense. National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in high-risk areas, also known as special flood hazard areas, may be eligible for up to $30,000 to help pay the costs of meeting the requirements of their community's floodplain ordinance.

The money can be used to raise your home to the flood elevation level adopted by your local government or to move your home out of harm’s way. The Increased Cost of Compliance coverage can also be used to tear down and remove flood-damaged buildings.

For more information on ICC coverage, call your insurance company or agent, or call the NFIP toll-free at 800-427-4661. Information may also be found online.

A Good Day Too Long in Coming

Hurricane Sandy wasn’t the only devastating storm to strike our area in recent years. In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused deadly floods that damaged many homes and public facilities throughout Central New Jersey, including the Milltown Post Office. The post office was forced to close, and the postal service was forced to move its most basic services into a trailer in the parking lot.

The trailer was better than nothing; it provided a place to pick up and drop off mail. Yet as Milltown residents have learned all too well in the past year or so, a post office is much more than just that. A full-functioning post office also sells stamps and packaging and money orders. But far beyond these quotidian services, it provides a focal point of a town – a place where everyone intersects; a place where people say hi, catch up, and build a sense of community.

We worked for more than a year, through many bureaucratic delays and false starts, with USPS and Milltown officials to ensure that full postal service be restored to the community. I was honored to join many of those same officials on Monday for a ribbon-cutting for the repaired and reopened postal facility. It was a very good day that had been far too long in coming.

A Mark of a Civilized Society

The humane treatment of animals is a mark of a civilized society. Pets, wildlife, livestock, and endangered species enhance our lives and deserve humane treatment.

The Humane Society of the United States of America has released its annual Humane Scorecard of 2012, and it recognizes my attention to these issues with a 100+ percent vote rating on animal rights issues. I was the only member of the New Jersey House delegation to be recognized with their highest possible rating this year.

The full scorecard is available online.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

ADVISORY FLOOD ELEVATION MAPS ON THE WEB

TRENTON, N.J. - For Hurricane Sandy survivors who want to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter, knowing their risk of flooding is paramount. Property owners can find the data they need online in new advisory base flood elevation maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Advisory maps containing recommended building elevations are available for these counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union. To learn more, visit the following web sites:

· www.region2coastal.com/sandy/abfe to read more about the advisory map program.

· www.region2coastal.com/sandy/table to view recommendations for a specific address in the counties    with advisory maps.

· www.region2coastal.com/site-news to subscribe to FEMA news about flood map updates.

· www.region2coastal.com/faqs for frequently asked questions about advisory maps.

Advisory maps show, based on the best available information, how high structures should be elevated to minimize damage from future flood events. The maps show that portions of communities are in new flood zones, which may impact insurance rates and building practices.

· For information on federal flood insurance visit www.floodsmart.gov.You can also call 888-379-9531 or contact your insurance agent.

· FEMA provides flood insurance resources including publications and frequently asked questions online at www.fema.gov/nfip.

Communities are encouraged to adopt advisory base flood elevation maps to reduce future flood risk and to decrease the cost of flood insurance. Property owners should work with local building officials to fully understand all requirements - including advisory maps - to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter.

Contact your local officials if you have questions about advisory base flood elevation maps and how they affect you and your community.

Rep. Pallone Urges FEMA to Expand Grace Period for Flood Insurance Policy Holders

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate today urging him to expand the grace period which flood insurance policy holders have to make their premium payment from 30 days to 45 days in an effort to assist those whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Pallone requests that the expansion be effective retroactively to assist those recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

Currently, under the National Flood Insurance Program administered through FEMA, all flood insurance policies expire at 12:01 a.m. on the last day of the effective term of the insurance policy. After the expiration of a policy there is a 30 day grace period in which a policy holder remains covered. An expanded grace period would enable those affected by Sandy additional time to ensure their payment has been made and any damages or losses from Sandy will be covered.

“As I have traveled to towns along the New Jersey shore, I have witnessed heart-breaking destruction. Families have entirely lost or been displaced from their homes,” said Pallone. “It makes sense to expand the grace period to give homeowners the peace of mind that they have the insurance coverage they need, so they may be compensated for their losses and rebuild from this disaster.”

Expanding the 30 day grace period to 45 days presents no significant negative impact on the fundamentals on which the flood insurance program operates. Policy holders will not be able to choose whether to have or get coverage just before flooding occurs. Rather, policyholders will have extra time to ensure that their payment has been processed ensure they maintain insurance coverage while they manage their post-Sandy finances.

“As we begin to recover from Hurricane Sandy, expanding the grace period for flood insurance payments will make an important difference for many struggling families in the region,” added Pallone.

Mtown Newsflash 7-13-12

Flood Insurance Discount Available for Homeowners

Middletown Joins Community Rating System

Middletown homeowners interested in purchasing or renewing flood insurance policies are eligible for a 10 percent discount on their policies because Middletown participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System.

“This rating equates to a 10 percent premium discount for renewals and new flood insurance policies applied for after May 1, 2012,” Mayor Anthony P. Fiore said. “I encourage homeowners to remind their insurance agents about the discount when it comes time to renew their policies.”

FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) provides discounts for flood insurance premiums within and outside the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA,) commonly known as the 100-year floodplain. The Township has earned Class 8 rating for taking actions that exceed the standards of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These actions include participation in community outreach and flood warning programs, preserving 36 percent of the SFHA as open space, enhancing building standards and providing map information services, Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante said.

“The fact that we can offer insurance savings to homeowners by taking simple steps to enhance public safety and protect property is welcome news,” the mayor said. “I commend our township staff for their work in getting Middletown to qualify for the program.”

Participation in the Community Rating System is the latest step taken by the Township Committee to generate cost savings and further enhance core essential government services. Other steps include expanded garbage and recycling services, restructuring the Public Works and Recreation Departments, embarking on a solar initiative in partnership with Monmouth County, greater use of document digitization, cost-saving changes made to the employee health insurance programs, purchasing gas and electric as part of collective, a nearly 9% town-wide reduction in full-time staff, and entering into shared-service agreements with other municipalities and the Board of Education.

For more information about CRS and floodplain management, residents can contact the Middletown Building Department at 732-615-2104 during business hours.

Update 10 : Odd/Even Lawn Watering with Sprinklers Allowed

The following information has been provided by New Jersey American Water

With operating conditions at New Jersey American Water’s Swimming River Water Treatment Plant stabilized and close to normal, the company announced that Monmouth County customers can begin to water their lawns using sprinklers while remaining on a schedule of odd/even watering and only during the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Temporary repairs at our Swimming River Water Treatment Plant were completed last weekend and over the last few days, our ability to provide water to our customers in Monmouth County has been restored,” said Stephen P. Schmitt, vice president of operations for New Jersey American Water. “We thank our customers for their cooperation and patience as we worked to recover from this event. The odd/even watering will continue for the foreseeable future as we move forward with plans toward a permanent fix at our water treatment plant.”

Watering restrictions were necessary when a bridge holding three pipes at the company’s Swimming River Water Treatment Plant collapsed. New Jersey American Water strongly advises its Monmouth County customers to abide by the odd/even water use schedule and to conserve water wherever possible. Should water demands rise to levels that place water quality or fire protection at risk, more stringent water use restrictions would become necessary.

The odd/even watering schedule entails:

•Outdoor water use between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on odd-numbered days of the month if your street address is an odd number (i.e., 23 Oak St., 7 Maple Ave.)
•Outdoor water use between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on even-numbered days of the month if your street address is an even number (i.e., 6 Oak St., 354 Maple Ave.)
Exceptions are:

•Watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required (note: it is recommended that any planting of new sod or seed that has not already taken place be delayed until the fall)
•Use of private wells for irrigation
•Commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, athletic fields, and car washes
www.newjerseyamwater.com

Meet the Mayor at the Library Mon, July 16

Middletown Mayor Anthony P. Fiore will host Meet the Mayor nights at the Middletown Library, 55 New Monmouth Road, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on July 16.

Residents are invited to stop by to discuss issues related to Township government. Meet the Mayor nights replace regularly scheduled office hours at Town Hall on these dates. The Mayor generally holds office hours at Town Hall on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, excluding federal holidays. Residents can also reach the Mayor by calling his office at 732-615-2024 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Child Seat Safety Checkpoint Fri, July 20, 2:00–7:00 p.m.

Police officers trained as child passenger safety technicians will assist motorists with proper child safety seat installation as well as proper positioning and harnessing of a child. Checkpoints are at Police Headquarters, 1 Kings Highway. No appointment is necessary. In the event of severe weather, rain dates will be announced. Checkpoints are free and open to the public. The program is funded through a grant from the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Please remember state law requires that all children below the age of 8 years or less than 80 lbs. in weight must be seated in a child restraint system. Contact the Traffic Safety Bureau at 732-615-2045 for details.

Vote for the MAC

Monmouth Health & Life Magazine is hosting its Annual Best of Monmouth County 2012 Awards. Please vote for the Middletown Arts Center in the categories of "Dance Lessons" and "Theater." Voting ends August 1st.

•http://www.monmouthhealthandlife.com/Monmouth-Health-Life/Best-of-Monmouth


Save the Date!


•Fri, Jul 20 & Sat Jul 21, 7:00 pm – Talent Showcase - MAC
•Thurs, Jul 26, 7:00 p.m., Summer Concert: The Del Angels, MAC
•Sat, Jul 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Child Safety Seat Checkpoint, Town Hall
•Sat Jul 28, 8:45 p.m. – Summer Movie – Normandy Park
•Fri, Aug 3, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Child Safety Seat Checkpoint, Town Hall
•Thurs, Aug 9, 7p.m. – Summer Concert: Funktion 11, Croydon Hall
•Sun, Aug 19, 3:00 p.m. – Community Fossil Hunt, Poricy Park
•Thurs, Aug 23, 7p.m. – Summer Concert: RB Express, Croydon Hall
•Fri, Aug 24, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Child Safety Seat Checkpoint, Town Hall
•Fri, Aug 31, 8:00 pm – Summer Movie, TKCC
•Sun, Sept 23, 4:00-7:00 p.m. – Colonial Tavern Party, Poricy Park
•Sat, Sept 29, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m – Middletown Day 2012, Croydon Hall


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