According to an Associated Press review of federal records and data, conflicting federal policies may force thousands of residents in flood-prone areas to pay more for flood insurance or remain unaware of dangers posed by upstream dams.
FEMA's points-based rating system makes it challenging for some communities to chart homes and businesses endangered by potential dam failures due to restricted information from federal agencies citing security risks.
Federal officials have been warned for years about the implications of restricting dam information sharing; an official noted that these policies cost communities points, homeowners' money, and potentially lives.
While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made strides by publicly posting flood risk maps, other agencies' restrictions on dam information continue to limit communities' ability to prepare for potential dangers.
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