Press Release

May 12, 2016
Mikulski, Cardin ask FEMA to ‘fix’ Ocean City flood plain maps

Maryland Sens. Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin called Wednesday for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to adjust its flood plain maps for Ocean City, arguing that residents there are unnecessarily facing high insurance costs.

The two Democrats said in a letter to the agency on Wednesday that FEMA incorrectly deviated from flood maps established by the Army Corps of Engineers late last year. Being on the wrong side of a flood line can significantly increase the cost of insurance.

Mikulski and Cardin said the affected area runs from 93rd Street to 123rd Street, east of Coastal Highway. Mikulski said that city leaders raised the issue in a recent meeting.

“This section was mapped incorrectly, and does not follow the line established by the Corps. As a result, these properties’ owners now unfairly face exorbitant high flood insurance costs,” the senators wrote. “Fixing this mistake should not be the town’s burden. We urge FEMA to fix this mistake.”

The agency received the letter and will respond, a spokesperson said. 

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