Cramer Asks FEMA Administrator to Allow Fargo Basement Exception

BISMARCK, N.D. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer and North Dakota’s Senators asked Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate to favorably review the City of Fargo’s application for the basement exception in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In a letter to Fugate, Cramer and the state’s Senators expressed their strong support for the application.

“The City of Fargo has successfully implemented the basement exception in the NFIP for close to 40 years.  Fargo has continually updated what elevations should be required for flood proof basements in order to minimize the risk of damage to the homes,” they wrote. “As the Federal Emergency Management Agency reviews Fargo’s application for the basement exception, we urge the agency to keep in mind how important the basement exception is to the people of Fargo and strongly support its continuation.”

After the letter was sent, Cramer spoke with FEMA about his support for the City of Fargo’s application. They discussed the exception, basement construction, and economic concerns, including the already-significant increases in construction costs in North Dakota. 

Congressman Cramer was instrumental in making sure the basement exception policy stayed intact during formulation of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which was signed by the President on March 21, 2014.

The text of the letter is below:

Mr. Craig Fugate
Administrator
United States Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency-FEMA
500 C St SW
Washington, DC 20472-3198

Dear Administrator Fugate,

          We are writing to express our support of the City of Fargo’s application for the basement exception in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  This exception, which has been granted to Fargo since 1975, has been crucial in Fargo’s implementation of the National Flood Insurance Program.

          Basements are an important part of the homes of Fargo residents. They serve as shelters during severe weather, and they have been effectively flood-proofed to reduce damage to the home. The construction methods of basements have allowed Fargo’s residents to have access to reliable shelter that is both affordable to construct and insure. The residents of Fargo have made long-term investments in their homes by making sure that their basements are protected from significant flood damage. These flood proof basements have been an effective part of reducing risk of damage to the property due to flooding.

          The City of Fargo has successfully implemented the basement exception in the NFIP for close to 40 years.  Fargo has continually updated what elevations should be required for flood proof basements in order to minimize the risk of damage to the homes. The City of Fargo has proactively addressed the potential flooding issues in the past, and renewing Fargo’s basement exception will help to continue this practice in to the future.

          As the Federal Emergency Management Agency reviews Fargo’s application for the basement exception, we urge the agency to keep in mind how important the basement exception is to the people of Fargo and strongly support its continuation.  Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.