The National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire on December 8th. The U.S. House of Representatives voted in November to reauthorize the NFIP until 2022. Now, the Senate must decide whether and how to move forward with the program. Congressman David Rouzer, a Republican from North Carolina’s seventh district, voted in support of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act. Fellow Republican Walter Jones, from the neighboring 3rd district, voted against it – along with a majority of Democrats.
Despite the divide, reforming the NFIP is a priority for both parties. The program is debt-ridden after a series of major storms – going back as far as Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Some say privatizing flood insurance is the way to go. Others suggest it’s more important to accurately assess flood risk.
Guests:
Spencer Rogers is a Coastal Engineer and Geologist with NC Sea Grant – which is headquartered at NC State. Spencer Rogers is housed at UNCW and has an an adjunct position within NC State’s Civil Engineering Department.
Greg Rudolph, Shore Protection Manager, Carteret County
