(PASCAGOULA, Miss.) - Pascagoula officials are asking lawmakers to amend a state law and allow local governments to enforce federal floodplain codes at hunting and fishing camps so they can qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program.
City attorney Eddie Williams tells the Mississippi Press that the change is required because the state's exemption on such properties from meeting flood code conflicts with federal law that requires all properties in floodplains to build to code.
FEMA recently turned down a request from the state for a waiver for such property.
FEMA officials have said that if the state wants to its participation in NFIP, then the Legislature must change the law.
If nothing is done, FEMA said Mississippi communities would be suspended from the NFIP effective on May 5, 2012.
Information from: The Mississippi Press, http://www.gulflive.com
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
