Flood Insurance Policy Could Change After WATERS Summit
Business owners should watch for potential federal insurance updates following the annual summit in Greenville.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Utilities
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U.S. Representatives Greg Murphy and David Rouzer hosted the fifth annual WATERS Summit in Greenville to discuss strategies for mitigating statewide flooding damage. The meeting focused on the impact of intense storms on local farms, business operations, and healthcare infrastructure.
Why it matters
Frequent storm-related flooding continues to disrupt logistics and damage property across North Carolina, creating ongoing operational risks for regional business owners. The summit seeks to coordinate policy solutions to address these recurring infrastructure threats.
The fifth annual WATERS Summit drew over 190 attendees to discuss long-term flood resilience. The event addresses storm impacts on infrastructure that have persisted over a six-year period of analysis.
The players
Greg Murphy
U.S. Representative who is sponsoring the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025.
David Rouzer
U.S. Representative who co-hosted the summit to address flooding solutions.
Bob Woodard
Chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners who reported infrastructure damage.
The details
The summit provided a collaborative forum for local officials and flooding experts to evaluate the economic toll of storm damage on essential assets. Specifically, attendees reviewed impacts to critical transportation links like Highway 12 and discussed the proposed Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025. This legislation aims to broaden National Flood Insurance Program coverage to include costs associated with structure demolition following major flooding events.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The fifth annual WATERS Summit occurred in Greenville.
Market Landscape
Proposed legislative efforts aim to update the National Flood Insurance Program to cover structure demolition costs. This signals a potential shift in how federal policy addresses properties damaged by repeated storm events.
Business owners in flood-prone zones should monitor the status of the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025 for potential changes to insurance coverage. Consult with your insurance provider or a qualified advisor to assess how potential policy shifts might alter your risk management strategy.
The takeaway
The summit highlights the ongoing need for businesses to factor severe weather trends into their operational planning and infrastructure investments. Monitor the progress of the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025 as it moves through the legislative process.
Further reading
For more on infrastructure resilience and service impacts, visit Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Witn.
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Should local governments prioritize funding for storm-related flood resilience projects in your area?
