HomeMy WebLinkAboutus senateDIANNE FEINSTEIN E~'iF
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WASHINGTON, DC 20510-0504
http:/lfeinstein.senate.gov
March 7, 2012
The Honorable Steve Lambert
Chair, Butte County Board of Supervisors
2S County Center Drive, Suite 200
Oroville, California 959b5
llear Supervisor Lambert:
SELEGT COMMITTEE ON INTI=LLIGENCE - CHA1RMAh
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION
~AIlD OF SUPERVI9~
MAR Zl 2012
OROVILIF, CAlilp
Thank you for writing to me in regards to the Senate National Flood Insurance Program
Reauthorization bill {S. 1940). I appreciate knowing how this legislation will impact your
community and your specific recommendation on how the bill can be improved. You will be
happy to know that 1 share your concern.
As you point out in your letter, one of the most controversial parts of the bill is Section
107, which requires flood insurance in residual risk zones. Va?hile homeowners must be notified
of the risk and the proper steps to ensure that the risk is mitigated, T am concerned that the
mandatory purchase requirement for residual risk zones may not be the right way to bring the
program back to achiarial soundness.
You should know that 1 have directed my staff to meet with FEMA staff to determine
how they will interpret this section and what, if any, building restrictions will apply to
communities in residual risk zones. Upon request, I would be happy to share FEMA's response
to my questions. _ , .
Thank you again for writing.on this' issue. Flood insurance.and risk mitigation are
critically important issues in our state, anti l.appreciate,hearing your perspective on the Senate
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee's proposal. Should you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact me or have your staff contact Devin Rhinerson at (202} 224-
2004.