If premiums cover costs, why can't one get _private_ flood insurance?

You can, but the private companies don't give discounts for meeting
Federal construction standards.

There are no private insurance companies that issued flood insurance in N.O.

At least, that's what my biz insurance guy told me.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"