La. Communities Earn Flood Discounts

As the 2004 hurricane season concludes next week, residents of four Louisiana communities will reportedly pay less for flood insurance and enjoy greater flood protection, thanks to recent efforts by local officials. Effective Oct. 1, flood insurance policy holders in Ascension Parish, Houma, Lake Charles and Terrebonne Parish are eligible for lower insurance premiums.

Premium reductions of at least five percent for new and existing policyholders are the result of actions taken by officials in these communities under the Community Rating System (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the NFIP.

“The flood insurance program rewards communities for implementing programs and policies that protect their residents from flooding,” said Ron Castleman, FEMA regional director. “Communities implement higher protection standards, public education and outreach activities, buy out programs and open space preservation initiatives, among other activities, to qualify for lower premiums.”

Policyholders in the special flood hazard areas of Ascension Parish, Houma and Terrebonne Parish will enjoy a 10 percent discount on their flood insurance premium. Policyholders outside the special flood hazard area will enjoy a five percent discount. All policyholders in Lake Charles will now enjoy a five percent discount.

In addition to the four communities who recently earned improved CRS ratings, 35 other Louisiana communities participate in the CRS. Nationwide, 1,006 communities have earned discounts through the program. Louisiana communities save policyholders more than $12 million in annual premiums by participating in the CRS.