For Immediate ReleaseMay 26, 2008Contact: Dr. P. Kelly HatfieldPhone: 908-522-1455   kellyhatfield@hatfield2008.com Dr. P. Kelly Hatfield unveils Flood control &insurance Reform Proposal 

Summit- Dr. P. Kelly Hatfield, Republican Candidate for Congress representing NJ’s Seventh District, today unveiled her comprehensive Flood Control & Insurance Reform Proposal.

The proposal seeks to address various issues to mitigate and respond to flooding as well as to reform the complicated flood insurance process which delivers a second burden on those who have just suffered through a disaster.

  The 7th Congressional District is one of New Jersey’s regions hit hardest by flooding. “A little over a year ago, the people of Union and Somerset Counties were hit with their second major flood in eight years, while Hunterdon County residents have suffered from several major floods since 2000,” said Hatfield.

Dr. P. Kelly Hatfield

The Hatfield Flood Control & Insurance Reform Proposal includes working with local governments to weigh the success of current flood control projects and where needed compliment them with additional measures, as well as convening regional forums with the towns to share issues and discuss regional solutions.  In Washington Dr. Hatfield will fight for the necessary federal funding to bring much needed relief to the region.

“Current flood insurance guidelines lack common sense and continue to unfairly traumatize flood victims” said Hatfield.

 In Congress Dr. Hatfield will:

1. Introduce legislation to extend the flood insurance claims period to six month from the currently inadequate 60 days.

1. Introduce legislation to change current settlement policies and prevent insurance adjusters from applying pressure on flood victims to settle a claim within an overly restrictive time period.

1. Introduce legislation to extend the supplemental flood insurance period to two years following the flood in order to allow for all issues to be addressed.

1. Introduce legislation to mandate that claims be made using pricing from within the region where the actual flooding occurred and NOT from within any region that the adjuster arbitrarily chooses.

1. Introduce legislation to mandate that collateral damage in the home related to the flood, but not immediately caused by the water itself such as mold or vermin infestation, be included in the flood insurance estimates.

Dr. Hatfield said “As a member of Congress I will make flood control and flood insurance reform one of my top priorities. I am the only candidate committed to the fight to obtain funds from the federal government to provide our communities with flood control projects, improvements and relief.”

Dr. Hatfield is an experienced leader in the fight for lower taxes and against wasteful unnecessary government spending. She has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in community and public service including three terms on the Summit Common Council and six years on the Board of Education including terms as President and Vice President.

www.hatfield2008com