Hundreds in Wyoming face hikes in flood insurance

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Hundreds of property owners in Wyoming receiving subsidized government flood insurance will see their premiums rise at a brisk rate despite a congressional relief bill that cushioned the worst of the increases.

An analysis of recent federal data by The Associated Press showed more than 900 flood insurance policies receiving discounts in Wyoming. All those policies face annual increases of between 18 to 25 percent under a new federal law.

Nationwide, records from the Federal Emergency Management Agency show that up to 1.1 million people face increases.

The cities of Cheyenne and Rock Springs have the greatest number of subsidized policies in Wyoming with more than 100 each.

Officials in both cities say they've reduced the number of properties that require flood insurance in recent years through flood control projects.