New Plan Helps Flood Victims

YARDLEY, Pa. -- It had been five months since the uninvited arrived anyway and devastated a portion of lower Bucks County, Pa., by killing seven and destroying public and private property in an unutterably horrific flash flood.

But on a recent Monday – a chilly but dry day -- the invited was at Yardley Inn to recall the atrocious time and deliver positive news.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and a party of state and local officials came to town to ceremonially sign House Bill 735 to establish the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force to recommend policies to make flood insurance more affordable for Pennsylvanians.

During the procedure, Shapiro recited the names of the victims of the July disaster – Enzo Depiero, Linda Depiero, Yuko Love, Susan Barnhart, Conrad Sheils, Matilda Sheils and Katie Seley.

“We remember them, this community remembers them… they are part of the reason why we are back here today,” said Shapiro. “We’re here today to act on their behalf, may their memories continue to be a blessing to all.”

Joining the governor in Yardley were state Insurance Department Commissioner Michael Humphreys, Reps. Perry Warren and Joe Hogan, Senators Steve Santarsiero and Frank Farry, and a number of local officials.

Following deadly flooding last July in Bucks, as well as in Northampton and Berks counties, Shapiro on Nov. 1 signed HB 735 into law as Act 22. It had passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.

“After a devastating storm in Bucks County this summer dropped a month’s worth of rain in a span of just two hours and flash flooding swept cars off of roads, and flooded homes, schools and businesses, my Administration was on the ground immediately providing assistance,” said Shapiro.

He said Humphreys will lead the new task force to “closely review the needs of our communities” at increased risk of flooding. He said it will identify the kinds of programs that would make certain flood insurance is accessible and affordable for Pennsylvanians who need it.

Humphreys said about 1 percent of Pennsylvania houses, or roughly 51,000, currently are insured for flooding damage. The figure is low, he said, because people erroneously believe their homeowners insurance does cover flooding damages.

Added Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield: “Making flood insurance more affordable will help make our communities more resilient and better able to recover after a flood.”

The governor said that, through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the commonwealth was able to secure the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration after the floods.

“No Pennsylvanian should be forced to fight their insurance company while sorting through the wreckage of their family home or their small business,” said Shapiro. “These storms cause real damage to Pennsylvanians’ lives and livelihood.”

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Damage caused by a flash flood.Photo byNOAAonUnsplash