NJOP Statement on delay of new FEMA Flood Insurance Rates or Risk Rating 2.0

“We don’t have any real information on how these new rates will impact storm survivors or working class communities at risk of flooding. Stopping and delaying the roll out of new flood insurance rates that communities and legislators have had no say in is exactly the right thing to do.

In the midst of an economic crisis for many caused by COVID, after we fought tooth and nail to get home from Sandy, the very last thing we need to see is our flood insurance rates changing in ways that don’t make any sense.

We should be working to fund mitigation and adaptation efforts for our homes and communities to prepare for future storms. Somebody explain to me how higher flood insurance rates would help with that?

It won’t mean there won’t be development around here, it just means the working families will get pushed out,” said Jody Stewart, Little Egg Harbor resident and Organizer with the New Jersey Organizing Project.