At a county commission meeting earlier this month, representatives of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security Emergency Management office were on hand to recognize county officials for those efforts.
“In the early 1990s, FEMA decided to recognize communities for exceptional efforts by reducing flood insurance premiums through the Community Rating System, or CRS,” Homeland Security Emergency Management’s Kevin Sneed said in a press release. “We developed a list of activities related to floodplain management and established a credit-based point system. Communities receive a 5% discount for each class they advance from a Class 10 (no discount) to Class 1 (45% discount).
“These discounts provide an incentive for flood protection, preparedness and mitigation activities that can help save lives and protect property in the event of a flood. Policyholders in unincorporated Fayette County first began receiving discounts on Oct. 1, 2018.
“Today, there are 161 flood insurance policies in force in unincorporated Fayette County. That represents more than $19,127,100 in flood insurance coverage. Policyholders in the Special Flood Hazard Area (Zones A, AE and VE) can now receive a 5% discount on their policy premium, which is an average savings of $31.50 per policy. In total, policyholders realize an annual savings of $5,070 because Fayette County participates in the Community Rating System,” he said.
In its CRS program, the county is implementing and receiving credit for activities related to obtaining and maintaining Elevation Certificates for structures; providing map information services; conducting education and outreach; providing flood hazard disclosure; providing flood protection information and resources in local libraries; providing flood protection technical assistance to property owners; open space preservation; implementation of higher regulatory standards; maintaining flood data; stormwater management; floodplain management planning; drainage system maintenance; implementing a flood warning system; and the county is receiving dam safety credits.
“Today, I am here representing WVDHSEM and FEMA to congratulate Fayette County on its continued efforts toward outstanding floodplain management. In particular, I want to recognize Allen Ballard and those who play key roles in floodplain management for their contributions and dedication to this program,” Sneed said before presenting a plaque to the county for its efforts in obtaining a Class 9 in the Community Rating System.
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