Superstorm-Related Flood Insurance Filing Deadline Extended

Superstorm Sandy victims racing against time to file flood insurance claims get some extra breathing room fromthe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The cutoff date's been extended to April 28, 2014, said Congressman Jon Runyan (R-3) today. Runyan is one of 16 upper- and lower-house members from New York and New Jersey who sought an extension from FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate on September 27.

"I am pleased that FEMA has listened to our concerns and taken action to extend the deadline to file NFIP claims," said  Runyan in a prepared statement.

"Many of my constituents have informed me that they only discovered significant damages after rebuilding had begun, and the deadline to apply for claims had passed.  This decision will allow them to submit claims and help them get back on their feet."

At the same time, Runyan added, he's "deeply concerned that October 1 has come and gone without addressing skyrocketing NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) rates. I will continue to fight for a delay in the rate increases."

The text of the letter to Fugate can be seen here. Letter to Administrator Fugate