WELLS — On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed an amendment that will financially assist communities that launch a successful appeal to preliminary flood hazard maps put forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The measure, sponsored by independent Maine Sen. Angus King, passed the House of Representatives last week. It has been sent to the White House and is awaiting Pres. Barack Obama’s signature in order to become law.

The amendment, part of flood insurance relief legislation, would allow towns and cities to be reimbursed if they successfully appeal inaccurate flood maps.

“This is a huge victory for Maine’s coastal communities,” King said. “Not only does my amendment incentivize FEMA to work closely with communities to get the science right from the start, but it also reassures communities that they won’t have to bear the costly financial burden of a successful appeal if FEMA gets it wrong. I’m very pleased Congress agreed with me and helped right this wrong for cash-strapped communities around the country.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is responsible for drawing maps that determine the level of risk in flood-prone areas along the coast, and which also ultimately dictate the premiums for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program, according to a King spokeswoman Kathleen Connery Dawe.

Several local town managers said they are pleased that the amendment passed Congress and look forward to the president signing it into law.

“That will be awfully nice to have,” said Wells Town Manger Jonathan Carter.

Wells has yet to decide whether to appeal the preliminary FEMA maps for the town, which adds about 800 properties to the flood zones.

The town has hired a consultant to conduct some technical work to determine whether an appeal is in order. The board of selectmen will discuss the issue next week and will take this legislation into consideration in making their decision, said Carter.

Being reimbursed for funds used to pay for a consultant and possible legal work would be a big help, he said. Just the preliminary work, said Carter, “Is costing us quite a bit of money.”

So far, the town has spent approximately $20,000 and it will spend an undetermined amount more if it goes forward an appeal.

“I’m really pleased (the amendment) was successful,” said Old Orchard Beach Town Manager Larry Mead. “It’s a fair approach.”

Old Orchard Beach has made the decision to appeal the preliminary flood maps presented by FEMA, he said, and the appeal process “puts a lot of burden on municipalities.” It’s up to communities to prove that the preliminary FEMA flood maps are wrong and pay consultants to make their case.

Already, the town has spent $15,000 on a consultant, said Mead, and may end up spending more before the process is completed.

He said it has been “very frustrating” dealing with FEMA, as the agency has been very unresponsive.

Since the summer, the town has tried to set up a meeting with FEMA to get an understanding of what the agency will consider in an appeal ”“ without success.

In addition, said Mead, a letter he sent in January to FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate has gone unanswered.

Under current law, homeowners may be eligible for reimbursements for successfully appealing FEMA maps. But the law isn’t clear as to whether communities can be reimbursed. King’s amendment mandates and makes clear that communities can be reimbursed for successful appeals.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or [email protected].