Rep. Meeks Introduces Legislation for Fast Advance Payment of Flood Insurance Claims After 11th Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05) partnered with Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) to introduce the Emergency Advance Payments Modernization Act to guarantee national flood insurance policyholders receive quick and accurate advance payments in the immediate wake of a flooding event.

This bill would create a pilot program centered on the use of data collected by remote sensing technology to enhance FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) use of advance payments. Specifically, the pilot program would direct FEMA to explore the application of this data to provide more precise pre-inspection payout thresholds for delivering funds to affected NFIP policyholders following a flood event, increase the speed at which payments are delivered to policyholders, and explore the application of the data to enhance the claims process under the NFIP.

“This legislation will help people recover more quickly after enduring a flooding disaster,” said Rep. Meeks. “Whether it is a large-scale natural disaster such as Superstorm Sandy, or flooding after heavy rain fall, residents in my district will be able to quickly receive advance payments in the immediate aftermath of the emergency. Using technology, we will be able to predict and assess flooding damage so we can move rapidly to mitigate the destruction and begin the rebuilding process.”

Superstorm Sandy was a large and destructive hurricane that devastated several East Coast communities. Sandy remains one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. Totaling nearly $19 billion for recovery in New York.  

“Long Islanders are no strangers to flooding,” said Rep. Garbarino. “When dealing with structural damage or property loss, homeowners can't afford to sit around waiting to begin recovering after a storm. I introduced the Emergency Advance Payments Modernization Act to ensure Long Island families can quickly receive advance payments for flood insurance claims in the wake of natural disasters.” 

To see the full text of the bill, click HERE. 

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