D.C. Mayor Opposes Plan to Reimburse Flood Victims

District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray and water utility officials are opposing a plan by the D.C. Council to reimburse flood victims in Washington because it could set a precedent that would make taxpayers liable for millions in future damage claims.

The Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods suffered flooding during heavy rains last summer. But some residential damage isn’t covered by insurance.

The D.C. Council has tentatively approved a bill to create a $1 million fund to pay for damage claims. It’s expected to win final approval this week. The fund would be paid for through an assessment on city residents’ water bills.

Gray tells The Washington Post he has reservations about the city becoming an insurance company.

Lawmakers argue the city has been slow to replace aging sewer lines.