Floodplain Work Nets Lower Insurance Rates

By Desiree Parker Friday, August 20, 2010

James City County has worked hard enough on managing local floodplains over the past year that homeowners can now get a larger discount on standard flood insurance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tracks floodplains across the country. Their voluntary incentive program, the Community Rating System (CRS) that’s run by the National Flood Insurance Program, rates communities and encourages better floodplain management by offering insurance discounts for localities that earn higher points in their system.

James City County has been on the CRS list since 1992. This year, they got high enough points so homeowners on floodplains can now get a 10 percent discount on their flood insurance. Those who have flood insurance who are outside floodplains can get a five percent discount.

Sandra K. Knight, Deputy Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administrator for FEMA, wrote in the announcement letter, “I commend you on your community actions and your determination to lead your community to be more disaster resistant. This commitment enhances public safety, property protection, protects the natural functions of floodplains, and reduces flood insurance premiums.”

The county initiated a combination of activities including public education programs, regulation enforcement and good data maintenance that helped them earn more points this year. County Engineer Darryl Cook says the county focused on outreach in communities with properties located in floodplains to encourage them to get insurance, and they made sure to have proper information on all new homes built in floodplains.

Also, he says the county requires new homes built in these flood-prone areas to raise foundations an additional foot to help mitigate any flooding damage.
Cook says last year, there were 894 flood insurance policies in the county. Of those, 411 were homes on floodplains and 483 were not.

Homeowners don’t need to contact their insurance companies, he says; when a home policy renews, the discount will automatically be included.

York county is also registered for with CRS since 2005, and they are currently at a slightly lower level than James City County. York County residents get a five percent discount across the board. Williamsburg is not listed with CRS.