Delaware Towns Worry About Hike in Flood Insurance

Kent County residents and leaders are getting their first look at new flood maps and worrying about the impact on flood insurance rates.

The News Journal reported that federal officials unveiled new flood maps for Kent County on Tuesday night. It is first in the rollout of maps statewide.

Final approval for the maps that affect the federal flood insurance rates is expected in the spring. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been ordered to make its flood insurance program self-sustaining.

New rates will affect vacation homes that aren’t primary residences first and business in high hazard areas next. FEMA’s David Bollinger says vacation home owners could see rates increase 25 percent annually over four years.

Leipsic Mayor Craig Pugh says he’s worried about affordability, especially for low-income residents.