Damage from the April 2014 flooding on Old Corry Field Road. Photo credit: Escambia County Public Information.

The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that Escambia County will retain its current rating as a CRS Class 6 community in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System.

The NFIP's CRS is a voluntary incentive program that encourages floodplain management that exceeds the minimum Flood Insurance Program requirements. Flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:

— Reduce flood damage to insurable property.
— Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP.
— Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

Escambia County flood insurance policy holders qualify for a 20 percent discount in the premium costs for policies issued or renewed in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

The announcement noted that Preferred Risk Policies are not eligible for the discount. Also, standard rated flood insurance policies in certain zones are limited to a discount of 10 percent. The rates for those zones already reflect significant premium reductions

The Community Rating System rating is renewed automatically yearly as long as compliance with floodplain management regulations continues.

A listing of CRS Communities and Their Classes for April 2015 can be found here.