Lehe works to help homeowners rebuild

In response to massive flooding in parts of Indiana, Rep. Don Lehe has joined with Senator Hershman to help devastated homeowners.

Monticello Herald-Journal:

Legislation intended to allow homeowners to rebuild after flood damage and prevent further substantial damage to homes was signed by the governor recently.

Senate Bill 104 was introduced Jan. 8 in response to the disastrous flooding surrounding that date, after state Senator Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) was notified by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of discrepancies between Indiana and federal laws concerning flood plain construction.

Hershman authored the legislation, and was later joined by co-sponsor Don Lehe (R-Brookston) on Jan. 29.

"I think it gives people who are affected by the previous law the measure of certainty they need to move forward if they wish to rebuild," said Hershman.

The bill modifies Indiana Code 14-28-1, which deals with permitting for flood plain construction. SB 104 removes language that does not allow home reconstruction when substantial damage (damage equal to or more than 50 percent of the home's value) occurs by flooding. The existing language states that a homeowner cannot begin reconstruction of a residence that is located in a floodway and is substantially damaged by a means other than floodwater, unless the person has obtained a permit.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations already require the homeowners to comply with the changes made by SB 104, and the legislation eliminates the differences to create less hassle during the permitting process for homeowners.

"It gives (homeowners) a peace of mind of knowing that they're not going to have to wade through conflicting regulation between the state and federal levels," Hershman explained.