Rep. Doris Matsui Announces Amended FEMA Insurance Guidelines for Natomas Residents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, December 3, 2009

CONTACT: MARA LEE

(202) 225-7163

Rep. Doris Matsui Announces Amended FEMA Insurance Guidelines for Natomas Residents
Successfully Fought to Extend PRP Enrollment Period for Her Constituents

CA - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has amended its flood insurance guidelines to allow homeowners in the Natomas Basin to take advantage of Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) plans through January 6, 2010.

Last year, FEMA remapped the Natomas Basin into an AE flood zone, which unfortunately created a wave of confusion for Natomas residents. As a result, FEMA extended the eligibility of PRP renewals, allowing an additional year of PRP rates for those renewing their flood insurance policies prior to December 8, 2009. However, in recent weeks, some homeowners who bought PRP policies in the weeks prior to December 8, 2008 faced problems when they attempted to renew at the PRP rate. Because new policies did not go into effect for 30 days, often after December 8, 2008, they were unable to renew their flood insurance policy at the PRP rate as they had been told they would be able to do.

Congresswoman Matsui contacted FEMA in October to request that the Agency correct the oversight immediately. Matsui has since been informed that her request to allow a 30 day extension in the renewal deadline had been approved, and has notified her constituents that the deadline for renewal will now be January 6, 2010. This much-needed extension will allow Natomas residents who bought flood insurance policies prior to December 8, 2008, but whose policies did not go into affect for 30 days, to renew at the PRP rate they deserve.

"As FEMA works to protect our nation's communities from disasters, it is imperative that we work to help people find affordable flood insurance solutions that will protect them from the worst-case scenario," said Representative Matsui. "We cannot know when disasters will strike, but protection and insurance plans are vital to rebuilding our lives and communities in the wake of catastrophes. I would like to thank FEMA for addressing this issue on behalf of my constituents."

The official document from FEMA that homeowners should present to their insurance agent in order to renew at the PRP rate is available here:prp_extension Constituents may also contact Rep. Matsui's Sacramento office with any questions at (916) 498-5600.

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