Residents in New Bern receive early Christmas present in the form of lower premiums [Sun Journal, New Bern, N.C.]

Dec. 4—Most Eastern North Carolina residents living in a federally designated Special Flood Hazard Area will save some money next year when their flood insurance policies renew.

Due to the city's flood mitigation efforts over the last year, residents in Kinston will save 15% on their flood insurance premiums. Residents in Havelock, Craven County, New Bern, River Bend and Lenoirand Pamlico counties will receive a 10% discount.

The discounts will only apply to those living in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Residents who do not live in an SFHA will receive a 5% discount on renewed policiesbeginning April 1, 2022.

In a letter to New Bern City Manager Foster Hughes, FEMA congratulated the city on acceptance into the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System.

The system assigns a class rating to cities, towns, and counties that apply based on their level of floodplain management activity.

"I commend your community's actions and your determination to lead your community toward disaster resilience," wrote John Lyons, branch chief of FEMA's Flood Plain Management Division. "This commitment enhances public safety and property protection, helps preserve the natural functions of floodplains, and reduces flood insurance premiums."

Almost three years after Hurricane Florence inflicted more than $200 million in structural damage across Craven County — nearly half of that in New Bern alone — the city continues to use both state and local money in its effort to guard against impacts from future storms.

Earlier this year, the city obtained slightly more than $2.8 million from several organizations that have helped the community rebuild after Hurricane Florence and are helping shore up New Bern's infrastructure.

The city also will receive $134,000 to build stormwater infrastructure in the Greater Duffyfield community, an area of the city that has long been prone to flooding. Funding was awarded through the state's Environmental Enhancement Grant program.

"I am thankful to our staff for their hard work in pursuing and achieving this designation on behalf of the City," City Manager Hughes said in a news release. "This is a significant step toward improving New Bern's resilience to hazards and storm events. It is proof that when many hands and minds come together, we can improve our community today and continue those benefits into tomorrow."

The city scored well in 9 of the 19 community credit calculations, including elevation certificates, Map Information Services, Outreach Projects, and Flood Protection Information.

Reporter Trevor Dunnell can be reached by email at [email protected]. Please consider supporting local journalism by signing up for a digital subscription.

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