Statement from NAHB Chairman Carl Harris on HUD’s New Federal Flood Risk Management Standards Rule

Carl Harris, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan., issued the following statement on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) final rule that revises HUD’s regulations governing floodplain management and the protection of wetlands to implement the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS):

“With respect to flood management strategies, NAHB encourages policies and programs that are practical, predictable, adaptable to local conditions and protective of lives and properties. NAHB members build new homes following the policies and procedures adopted by those who know their local risks best – their local governments. NAHB is disappointed that HUD has usurped this authority and that the process that HUD adopted in the final rule for determining the new FFRMS is confusing and burdensome.

“In addition, by establishing a higher flood risk standard, this rule generates inconsistencies with the National Flood Insurance Program, and contrary to HUD’s claims, may not have the intended benefit of reduced insurance costs.”