Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Natomas Residents to Be Able to Take Advantage of Lower Flood Insurance Rates Beginning Next Year

Natomas Residents to Be Able to Take Advantage of Lower Flood Insurance Rates Beginning Next Year
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that Natomas residents will be eligible in 2011 and 2012 to purchase a preferred risk flood insurance policy. Natomas residents are required this year to purchase Standard Risk Policies, but next year will be able to save from $450 to $1000 annually on their flood insurance policy.
“This is a great decision that will help Natomas families and businesses,” said Councilmember Ray Tretheway. “I applaud Congresswoman Matsui for her diligent effort in successfully advocating for Natomas.”
In April Councilmember Tretheway, who chairs the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), traveled to Washington DC to meet with FEMA officials, including FEMA director Craig Fugate, and lobby for flood insurance relief for Natomas residents. 
This decision comes on the heels of SAFCA’s vote last month to allocate $152.4 million to the Natomas Levee Improvement Program.
These funds will include design, environmental permitting, real estate acquisition, and construction of flood control improvements along 5.3 miles of the Natomas Cross Canal south levee and 12.4 miles of the Sacramento River east levee from the cross canal to Powerline Road.
Levee work is well underway throughout the Natomas Basin, and construction will continue now throughout the next year.
“We have made improving our levees a top priority, and I appreciate FEMA recognizing our community’s commitment,” Tretheway concluded.
For more information, please contact Councilmember Tretheway’s Office at (916) 808-7001.

Ray Tretheway
Councilmember, District One
City of Sacramento
(916) 808-7001