Sen. Tim Scott looks to adjust program to help people dealing with repeated flooding

FLORENCE S.C. (WPDE) — Sen. Tim Scott is looking to adjust a federal program to keep people in flood-prone areas from dealing with the same problems year after year.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program that allows people to purchase affordable flood insurance.

However, while this program is helpful, Sen. Scott is hoping to break the cycle by trying to reduce flood risk at the same time.

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He reintroduced the Repeatedly Flooded Communities' Preparation Act in June 2021. If passed, it would force the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local governments to actively try to prevent future flooding in high flood areas instead of just rebuilding the same properties.

Scott believes these changes would get rid of the unnecessary strain currently on the NFIP.

It would also accelerate the buyout process which one local insurance agent said could potentially lower rates for people that chose to buy flood insurance.

"It's an administrative approach to solving a problem. But it's a long-term fix. It's not going to provide immediate relief but long term it could provide some relief. It's certainly not going to solve all of FEMA's financial problems, but it is a step in the right direction," said State Farm insurance agent, Richard Skipper.

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Skipper also encouraged people to speak with a local insurance agent to give you a better idea of the types of insurance they should consider.

This bill has just been introduced and is currently referred to a number of committees in Congress.

ABC15 will be sure to keep you updated.