DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Officials say just 18 cities and counties in Iowa have enrolled in a national flood insurance program since the floods of 2008.
Those that participate must agree to adopt and enforce flood plain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. Some local officials say the requirement would amount to too much red tape or they don't want to force insurance costs of homeowners and businesses.
People can't buy federal flood insurance unless their communities participate in the program. This year, 113 cities and counties in flood-hazard areas are not participating. In 2008, it was around 131.
Congress voted to reauthorize the insurance program last week, and President Barack Obama signed it on Friday. That keeps the program going until Sept. 30.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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