Camden flood insurance rate lowered

April 06--WOODBINE -- Camden County's flood insurance rating has been lowered from a Class 7 to a Class 6.

The new rating will save residents living in the unincorporated area of the county 20 percent on their flood insurance premiums beginning May 1.

If there are no non-compliance actions, the rating will be renewed automatically each year.

"This commitment enhances public safety, property protection, and protects the natural functions of floodplains, and reduces flood insurance premiums," a flood insurance official wrote in a letter to the county to announce the new rating.

The discounted rates reward communities that help the Community Rating System by reducing flood damage to insurable property, supporting the National Flood Insurance Program and encouraging a comprehensive approach to flood plain management. Most of the county's flood-prone areas are east of U.S. Highway 17 and along the Satilla and St. Marys rivers.

A total of 39 credit points were awarded to the county that led to the new rating. Some of the county activities include maintaining elevation certificates for new and substantially improved buildings, flood map information, outreach projects, hazard disclosure, flood protection assistance, higher regulatory standards, storm water management and drainage system maintenance.

County officials work with property owners to help lower their rates. Some residents are eligible for grants to help pay to elevate structures.

Camden County Administrator Steve Howard praised his staff for the work they performed to help lower the rate.

"Staff were instrumental in leading the way for this new Class 6 ranking," he said. "I commend county staff for their continued commitment to saving taxpayer's money and making Camden more disaster resistant."

Howard said he believes the county could lower the rating to Class 5 next year.

"I think we can keep going a little further.," he said. "There's a lot of steps to reach that."

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