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Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Federal Flood Insurance Now Available to Milton Property Owners and Renters


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Lisa Maggart O 678.242.2492 C 770-883-0319

FEMA approves City’s application to participate in National Flood Insurance Program

MILTON, Ga., August 30, 2007 –

The City of Milton has joined more than 20,000 communities nationwide that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), enabling its residents to purchase federally backed flood insurance. Flood insurance is now available to local property owners or tenants, and may be purchased from any insurance agent or broker licensed to do business in the state where the insurable property is located.

“Being approved for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program is an important step that will greatly benefit our citizens, especially those at greatest risk of property loss without this important insurance coverage,” said Chris Lagerbloom, acting city manager for the City of Milton. “We are pleased that the hard work put forth by our community development department has led to such valuable protection for our citizens.”

The ability to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program is based on the City’s adoption and enforcement of ordinances to reduce flood losses, and the subsequent approval of the City’s application by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Milton became an approved participant in the program effective August 10, 2007, after careful and thorough review of the City’s ordinance and enforcement practices regulating building and construction in floodplains.

“We are excited to have received such an important approval from FEMA,” said Tom Wilson, community development director for Milton. “While only three percent of Milton is located on or near a 100-year floodplain, it’s crucial that development projects meet necessary land disturbance guidelines. Improper or illegal development can obstruct the floodplain and create an unsafe situation for residents,” said Wilson. “We will continue to monitor the floodplains that have not yet been studied, along with any development within the City, to ensure that our citizens remain safe from increased personal and property risk.”

Residents of Milton can now purchase flood insurance up to the limits under the Regular Phase of the NFIP, although there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage goes into effect. For single-family dwellings, the building coverage limit is $250,000, and the contents coverage limit is $100,000. Renters can also purchase content coverage. For commercial properties, coverage limits for building and contents are $500,000.

Lenders must require borrowers whose properties are located in a designated flood hazard area to purchase flood insurance as a condition of receiving a federally backed mortgage loan in accordance with the Federal Disaster Protection Act of 1973.

The NFIP is implemented through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There are over 4 million flood insurance policies in more than 20,000 participating communities nationwide. Specific details regarding Milton’s acceptance in and participation with the NFIP can be found at http://www.cityofmiltonga.us/. For additional information regarding land disturbance regulations, including City-required forms, visit http://www.cityofmiltonga.us/zoning/forms.html.

Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city’s rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment.

For more information, visit http://www.cityofmiltonga.us/, or call 678-242-2500.

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