Will County Gazette

The National Flood Insurance Program must be revised to protect those in most need of it, U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) said at a hearing in Washington recently, according to a press release.

“Many of my constituents live in floodplain areas along the Fox River or in the lake country in the northern counties of Illinois,” Hultgren said in his statement. “…What’s important is that all of my constituents, whether they live in a high risk area or not, understand the risks to their property, and that they are empowered to make responsible decisions about how to manage this risk.”

Hultgren highlighted information from the Association of State Floodplain Managers suggesting that the average age of floodplain maps currently in use is 35 years. He argued that advances have been made in flood modelling and mapping technologies over the past four decades, and they should be utilized to upgrade the current system.

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-L)

“I remain eager to hear ideas about how to reform our broken flood insurance program: $25 billion of debt, and growing, is not just unsustainable; it is irresponsible government, and it is unfair to taxpayers,” Hultgren said, according to the press release. “We also have to make sure flood insurance remains available to those who need it and choose to use it responsibly.”