Sun Herald on Palazzo amendments
The bill does not directly address wind damage, which has roiled the Gulf Coast since Katrina, when residents were left fighting insurers over “wind vs. water” claims. Insurers denied many claims for wind damage, saying that the damage was caused by water and was covered by the federal flood program.
Palazzo authored an amendment approved by the House which would allow claimants access to engineering reports or other data used to determine whether property damage from the FEMA administrator or other flood insurance provider.
“Policy holders who have suffered property loss deserve to expeditiously know the details in the determination of their claim,” said Palazzo. “This amendment brings more transparency and openness to FEMA and the claims process for policy holders.”
The bill would establish a new Technical Mapping Advisory Council to help FEMA update its maps. In another amendment, Palazzo said residents who knew first-hand the impact of flood damage should be represented on the council. “It is my aim through the amendment that South Mississippi has a representative on the Technical Mapping Advisory Council,” he said.
Sun Herald
7/12/11
