NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Homeowners in the unincorporated county could receive a discount on flood insurance premiums, following the county’s recent release of its 2022 annual progress plan detailing mitigation efforts.
Since 1991, New Hanover has voluntarily participated in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System to allow residents to receive lower insurance in FEMA-designated special flood hazard areas. The report, released Wednesday, outlines the county’s approach to floodplain management in the Southeastern N.C. Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan as part of its recertification process.
Its rating of a Class 7 — ranging from 9 to 1 — will be submitted to the Insurance Services Office, allowing for a 15% discount on plans.
“Through a team effort between county officials and other partners in our region, we work diligently to make sure to go above the minimum requirements of the NFIP,” county manager Chris Coudriet said in a release. “This means that our residents save money on their premium flood insurances rates while the community as a whole benefits from a comprehensive floodplain management plan that helps prevent damage from flooding and other disasters.”
According to FEMA, the flood insurance premium rates are discounted in the community rating system “to reward community actions that meet the three goals of the CRS: reduce flood damage to insurable property; strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP; and encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.”
The Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan — a collaboration with New Hanover County, the City of Wilmington, Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville beach towns, and Brunswick, Pender, and Onslow counties — was adopted in March 2021 and undergoes review every five years.
According to the release, nearly half of the 41 strategies outlined in the plan directly relate to floodplain management. Some include regular meetings with other local community rating system programs to leverage resources and learning opportunities, enforcement of the NC Building Code, stormwater ordinance updates, implementation of land use and zoning ordinances in flood zones, education of landowners, and capital projects addressing drainage and water egress.
Additional recommended projects outlined in the county’s plan to further mitigate flooding issues include elevating portions of I-40 and I-95; capital improvement drainage projects; increasing the overall stock of affordable housing outside of the flood zone; conducting additional studies of flood-prone areas; and seeking future grants to implement its strategies.
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