National Flood Insurance Program
In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in response to the rising cost of taxpayer funded disaster relief for flood victims and the increasing amount of damage caused by floods. The NFIP makes Federally-backed flood insurance available in communities that agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. (Source: FEMA) All communities in Ottawa County are participating in the NFIP program. Resources for help with the NFIP are shown below.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator works with local units of government to assist them in meeting the NFIP requirements. This is carried out through a program of education, technical assistance, and oversight. In addition, assistance is provided to lenders, realtors, and insurance agents, as well as private citizens, who have questions about flood insurance or floodplain management.
Help Numbers
Les Thomas
NFIP State Coordinator
GLMD/MDEQ
PO Box 38458
Lansing, Mi 48909-7958
(517) 335-3448
Matt Occhipinti
Floodplain Division / NFIP (Grand Rapids)
(616) 356-0207
Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) - Region V
536 S. Clark Street, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 408-5500
For NFIP publications and general information: (800) 480-2520
For copies of Flood Insurance Rate Maps: (800) 358-9616 (FEMA Map Service Center)