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Problems within the federal flood insurance agency have kept victims of Tropical Storm Isabel from getting adequate settlements for storm damage, according to a report by a flood insurance activist. The report, released by Baltimore County, cites communication problems and conflicts of interest in the federal agency as problems that have hindered settlements. The report was compiled by flood insurance activist Steve Kanstoroom. It paints a bleak picture of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s efforts on behalf of victims of last September’s storm. “FEMA’s response has deteriorated to the point of stonewalling the victims and attempting to mislead our representatives into thinking the victims have received the compensation they are entitled to,” the activist wrote. Despite months of protest from victims and demands from Congress, many problems have not been corrected, and many who lost their homes still have not received fair compensation, the report says. In the spring, officials agreed to reform the program and re-evaluate claims from dissatisfied Isabel victims. The agency paid millions in supplemental claims as a result. Baltimore County Executive James Smith Jr., who requested Kanstoroom’s report, said 65 families are still living in trailers because they have been unable to rebuild their homes.

Topics Maryland