Washington, D.C. – November 15, 2019 – SmarterSafer released the following statement in support of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signing Executive Order 45, creating the Virginia Flood Risk Management Standard (VFRMS) for state owned buildings.
The VFRMS contains the strongest flood protections and elevation standards in America, setting a minimum first floor elevation, above the projected base-flood height. The VFRMS is the first state-standard in the nation to consider future sea level rise projections. It will ensure that new construction projects are more selectively located and better equipped to endure major flooding and will reduce financial and physical damages caused by flooding and hurricanes.
“Flooding has had a devastating impact on states across America, and Virginia is no exception. SmarterSafer commends Governor Northam and other members of Virginia’s leadership for taking action to protect Virginians from the harmful effects of floods. While state policies are beneficial, federal measures are necessary to protect all Americans. The Administration should reinstate the federal flood standards to ensure federal funds are only used when building to withstand floodwaters and Congress must pass meaningful reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program to protect those at risk, the environment and taxpayers.”
SmarterSafer is a national coalition of taxpayer advocates, environmental groups, insurance interests, housing organizations, and mitigation advocates.
SmarterSafer works to push policymakers at the state and federal level to make reforms to disaster policy that protects Americans and their property. To learn more, click here to visit the SmarterSafer website.
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