Senator John Bonacic joined Senator James Seward in a roundtable discussion regarding the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in New York State and to explore ways to ensure adequate flood insurance coverage for homeowners. 

Senator Bonacic noted, “Often, people cannot obtain flood insurance coverage, or do not understand what it covers.  We need policies which are shorter and in plain language.  We need a single point of contact and FEMA flood certified adjustors and agents who can help flood victims walk a very complex process.” 

Seamus Leary, Deputy Commissioner of the Orange County Emergency Management Office applauded any effort to ensure plain language in future flood insurance policies.  He noted Orange County had more residents apply for claims under FEMA Flood Insurance than any other county in the State. 

Senator Bonacic has visited flood ravaged homes throughout the Hudson Valley and Catskills.  “People are walking away from their homes.  The National Flood Insurance Program is not working here.  We need to work collectively to make things better at both the State and Federal level. We will continue to urge the NFIP to be more user friendly and will ask them to come back and tell us what they have done to improve flood coverage and accessibility,” said Senator Bonacic. 

###