March 23, 2006

Jim Long, Commissioner
North Carolina Department of Insurance
1201 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1201

Dear Mr. Long:

I hope that my letter will persuade you to look at the serious issue of mountain slope development and the increased need for insurance protection. Thousands of people are buying homes in vulnerable mountain locations and they are not being advised of the importance of the importance of buying landslide and flood insurance.

In September 2004 there were 130 landslides in Western North Carolina. These catastrophic events caused five deaths and destroyed 27 homes. The General Assembly recognized the landslide risk when they passed the Hurricane Recovery Act of 2005. Part of the Act provided funding for a four year landslide hazard map for nineteen counties.

Local municipalities are not waiting for the hazard assessment and are granting permits to developers. There are dozens of mountain communities underway in Western North Carolina. Many of these resorts are constructed on steep slopes with high density. The North Carolina Geological Group has stated that the increased development on mountain slopes exposes more people to landslides.

I ask that the North Carolina Department of Insurance assume the responsibility for advising and educating the public of the risks of living slope side.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,


Lynne Vogel