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As Isabel Threatens State, Etheridge Urges Funding of Inland Flooding Legislation

WASHINGTON - As North Carolina and the entire east coast face the threat of Hurricane Isabel, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) again urged Congress to provide funding of his inland flooding initiative, which establishes a system warning communities of the threat of inland flooding associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Although the legislation was signed into law last October, funding has not yet been appropriated. The legislation, which was developed in the aftermath of the tremendous loss of life and property in inland communities that North Carolina suffered as a result of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, authorizes $1.15 million per year for five years to improve the capability to accurately forecast inland flooding and develop, test, and deploy a simple and distinct inland flood warning index or system for use by the public and emergency management officials.

"As another dangerous storm bears down on North Carolina, we are reminded of the importance of providing inland residents with the warning they need to get out of harm's way," Etheridge said. "This law will save lives, but Congress must provide the funds. This is literally a matter of life and death."

Etheridge wrote a letter urging full funding of the legislation to Chairman of the Commerce, Justice and State Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee Frank Wolf. Although the legislation was not funded during consideration of the fiscal year 2004 Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations Bill, the funds could be appropriated as the bill is negotiated in conference between the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Following Floyd's flooding and destruction, Etheridge convened hurricane experts, local emergency management officials, scientists at N.C. State University and North Carolina meteorologists for a summit on hurricane forecasting. This group identified the need for a practical warning system to alert inland residents and communities about the potential threat of inland flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms. Of the 56 lives lost during Hurricane Floyd, 50 were due to inland flooding. Freshwater floods accounted for 59 percent of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths over the past 30 years, causing 63% of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths during that period to occur in inland counties.