The Town of Mattapoisett, along with Marion and Wareham, received word last week that the implementation of the new FEMA flood maps and loss of flood insurance subsidies will not be delayed as previously thought.

The Biggert-Waters Reform Act of 2012, which will hike insurance rates and place more homes in federally designated flood plains, continues to be an issue for homeowners. It has the potential to bring a flood insurance bill that dwarfs other insurance property taxes combined. Additionally, residents not subject to the flood insurance costs may find that is no longer true under the act.

The Grimm-Waters–Richmond Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act backed by Massachusetts Congressmen, however, would delay Biggert-Waters while an study could be conducted.

At the Selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday, Town Administrator Mike Gagne urged residents to review the acts and voice their support of the Affordability Act.

“If they have relatives or family members that are in other parts of the country, I strongly encourage them to ask the Congressmen in their districts to support the legislation,” Gagne said.

He also said the town will have new topographic data by the spring that will add useful information for maps.

In the meantime, a group of three residents appointed by Selectmen are reviewing FEMA maps and the acts.

See links to the acts and other related information on the Mattapoisett website here.