Town could face penalties over FEMA map

North Attleborough recently asked the federal government what would happen if it didn’t accept the new FEMA flood map, and now the town has its answer: adopt the map, or face serious repercussions.

Many residents have expressed concerns with accuracy in the new map that decides which residents have to pay flood insurance.

Flood insurance can be a significant financial burden to anyone placed in the flood plain, and some residents have said the map placed them in the flood plain incorrectly.

“We have been informed that if we do not adopt the map, the town will not will not be able to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program,” Town Administrator Mark Fisher said during Thursday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

If the town isn’t in the program, residents won’t be able to purchase or renew federal flood insurance, and anyone buying a new home will be ineligible for federally-backed mortgages.

The town won’t be able to get federal loans or grants in flood hazard areas, putting the project to fix the Ten Mile River in jeopardy.

The town will also not be able to get federal disaster assistance after a flood.

Selectman John Rhyno – who recently held a flood zone information session with Congressman Joseph Kennedy – said FEMA isn’t motivated by helping residents.

“They’re supposed to be here to protect us,” he said. “And this is just the opposite. This is close to extortion.”

The town is working on disputing areas of the map with the federal government. FEMA used less accurate measurements than the town is capable of, so the DPW compared the federal map with its own map. FEMA will not use the town’s more accurate map, but the town’s measurements could come in handy for homeowners.

If the town's appeal is approved by FEMA, about 50 less properties will be impacted.

FEMA is currently being investigated by the U.S. Senate, due to allegations that the federal agency helped private insurance companies deny coverage to Hurricane Sandy victims using fraudulently altered reports.

“I think FEMA should suspend this entire program until the investigation is complete,” Rhyno said.

http://www.patriotledger.com/article/20150318/NEWS/150316352