WASHINGTON - The House has passed legislation extending the National Flood Insurance Program, that was due to expire in two months, until March 31, 2010.

The measure was combined with legislation introduced recently by Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., aimed at making it easier for states and local communities to restore or improve their flood protection systems.

The bill (H.R. 3139) now goes to the Senate for approval. In seeking an extension, Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said more time is needed to work with the Senate on a comprehensive overhaul of the flood insurance program, which insures properties worth approximately $1 trillion in flood-prone areas.

The extension until March 31 is a compromise. Rep. Frank had sought a year’s extension, to Sept. 30, 2010, but Republicans balked, agreeing only to the six-month extension, according to several insurance industry lobbyists.

The current extension expires Sept. 30, the end of the current federal fiscal year, and Rep. Frank said that is not enough time to work with the Senate on a reformed and modernized program because of the press of other business.

A spokesman for Rep. Frank said it is unlikely the Senate will act on the legislation before it leaves for a month-long recess Aug. 7, but he said he is certain the Senate will act before the current authorization expires.

The legislation by Rep. Matsui makes technical changes to the NFIP to take local, state and federal funding into account when determining flood zone designations.

“My legislation will ensure public safety remains our first and foremost goal, while assisting communities that are modernizing their existing flood protection systems by giving them definable milestones to meet,” Ms. Matsui said in a statement introducing the bill.

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